Nagalim.NL News

Friday, June 30th

India’s confusion a problem:


India’s confusion a problem: NSCN (IM) The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JUNE 29 (MExN): Breaking its silence on the integration issue after the latest whirlwind of reports that the NSCN (IM) has toned down on its demands to accede to some form of ‘autonomy’, the organization today said “there is a problem if India remains confused” over the identity of “Naga ancestral land.” Speaking over phone, V Horam, Deputy Kilonser of the group headed by Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah reiterated: “A solution confined to Nagaland state is not acceptable. Unification is part and parcel of solution.”
Lambasting the usage of the term ‘autonomy’ as stated in earlier news reports he said the usage of the word “is very irritating.” Even the concept of a ‘federation’ is wrong, he said. “There can only be a relationship between two sovereign entities,” Horam advocated. “The question of autonomy does not arise at all.”
“This relationship,” he said, “between two separate nations will be inseparable.” Delhi has to take into consideration the geographical aspect and also the history and culture of the people living in Naga inhabited areas, he said. Frequent talks between the two negotiating parties is the tool towards a solution to this effect, the Deputy Kilonser said.
Be hospitable, moderate, Rio tells Angamis The Morung Express
KOHIMA, JUNE 29 (DIPR): The ‘Foundation Stone’ of the Angami Public Organisation (APO) building at Kohima was laid by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today. Rio, after laying the ‘Foundation Stone’, addressed a gathering of Angami area public leaders from different areas and expressed that the ‘building’ should become the ‘tower of unity’. He recalled to that today is the age of cosmo polity and that Kohima is indeed the ‘Mirror of Nagaland’.
He called upon the Angamis to show hospitality to all tribes residing in Kohima. Rio lamented over the recent unhappy incidents that occurred, involving Angamis in the death of brethrens from other tribes at Kohima, and urged the APO to inculcate the feelings of hospitality and moderateness. He felt that the Angamis should show exemplary large-heartedness as the host of the capital. Rio dissuaded the Angami public from the practices of land grabbing and land encroachments on the Government lands and public roads.
The Chief Minister divulged that expansion of the capital under the National Urban Renewal Mission (NURM) programme is in the offing and land would be required, for which people’s awareness and broad-minded attitude are called for.
He also called upon the Angami community for co-operation in alleviating the water problem of the capital-city, by way of permitting water from their village to be supplied to the city.
The APO is now thirty-four years old and is fortunate to begin construction of its five- storey building, in the heart of the capital city. It is also to the credit of Rio that the site was allotted to APO when as Minister for Works & Housing, he took personal initiative and befittingly today, he as Chief Minister of Nagaland laid the ‘Foundation Stone’. He advised the APO to execute the construction by setting a time-frame for completion to avoid cost escalation and also to keep a rigid quality control to ensure durability of the building.
Prisoners of Uncertainty? Editorial The Morung Express
Growing restlessness and lingering lethargy enveloping the Naga skyline is causing an uneasy sense of acute cynicism and unfocused anger, just churning restlessly for its release. The internal and external conditions that has a cause-effect relationship with this contradicting restless lethargic cynicism has potential to do more harm than good, unless constructive and positive interventions with painstakingly thought out strategic processes are made. Knee-jerk reactions to the problem would only prove counter-productive.
Unmet needs to satisfy the human yearning for some semblance of a dignified life and the human desire to have some basic knowledge of where their future is headed towards, has created an air of uncertainty. The acute sense of uncertainty has resulted in an indulging rush for the exclusive survival of the fittest. The questions around uncertainty has in part been responsible for a climate of fear; a climate that is being manipulated by the ‘powers that be’ with detrimental effectiveness.
The viscous cycle of the fear of uncertainty has the knack of causing and conditioning insular thinking and attitude. It makes a society stagnant, dogmatic and virtual prisoners of their past. The society ceases to be open towards new ideas and becomes resistant to any forms of change and is guided by emotions and subjective feelings. In essence, the ownership to determine its own future is usurped by the powers that be. Hence, the society draws more inward and exclusive. Insecurity compels it to rally around families, clans, villages, tribes and any other forms of human association where there is a perceived sense of security.
As uncertainty grows and vulnerability sets in, fear is expressed in different forms. For instance, differences between individuals suddenly take the form of clan or village differences and issues are personalized; the social safety net weakens; growing tendency to exert more power and control rather than seeking the path of dialogue and understanding; historical and social narratives are distorted and there is an acute lack of space to deliberate about the future and to imagine a better world. All discourses begin and end with the past. With no room for imagination, hope is missing. Hence, the past is relived over and over again; the future is held a prisoner of the past.
When faced with the questions of uncertainty and insecurity, it becomes quite convenient to seek a paranoid strategy which involves denial of internal destruction, while simultaneously projecting it on others. It involves engaging in depressive self-blame and the society becomes unforgiving and punitive, with a sense of hopelessness and passivity. Furthermore, while feeling vulnerable, it also shows signs of being accustomed to being in control while also believing that its ownership is being usurped by others. It has a perceived sense of dichotomized emotion of feeling power and yet, powerless.
In this defining moment in history, Nagas need to muster moral courage and political will to decisively refuse to be paralyzed by fear and despair. Nagas must face up to reality, acknowledge one’s own self-destructiveness and proactively act to contain its consequences, guided by a vision for the future. Through political action, Nagas have to begin the difficult process of transforming negative energy into a constructive force that builds bridges within and without, by creating value-based alternatives.
In perilous times such as these, Nagas have no other option but to transcend the past and the present and to confront with the realities of the future to create a society that is truly worth living in. History will judge whether the Nagas of today are willing to cast aside their fears and insecurity and to decisively live in a world of reality, of ambiguity and turmoil, but also a world of hope and life. Perhaps it could begin by setting free the prophetic imagination!
Naga talks inch towards final deal Nagaland Post
NEW DELHI, JUNE 29: In the words of the Prime Minister's Principal Interlocutor "From first gear it has now moved into fourth gear". And unlike the politician's hyperbole it is a cautious bureaucrat, Mr K. Padmanabhiah, describing it as the first breakthrough in the five-year Naga peace process. It is now official.
As reported earlier by The Tribune, the contours of the Naga peace settlement will resemble that of a special Kashmir-type status within the Indian union.
From a demand of absolute sovereignty to the current "open mind'' of the NSCN (IM) which involves a "special federal relationship with India where Nagaland and India will be inseparably bound together'' is indeed a long walk together for peace.
Sources say the accord with the Nagas will entail changes in Article 7 of the Constitution which deals with relations with the states. At present, this does not apply to Jammu & Kashmir. Articles 151 to 237, a total of 88 articles, are however, reflected in the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly while the NSCN wants a separate constitution the government wants to settle for providing a special chapter in the Indian Constitution.
Part six of the Constitution deals with the role and powers of the Governor, the state legislature, the state judiciary and the Advocate-General of India. These provisions do not apply in Jammu and Kashmir and have been incorporated in the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution. Constitutional experts are of the view that a similar arrangement can be made with the Nagas incorporating their unique tribal culture into account either in the shape of a separate constitution like Jammu and Kashmir or as a special chapter in the Constitution.
While, the fine print of the deal will be thrashed out over the next meeting to be held in Bangkok all the midnight oil that Mr Padmanabhiah has been burning studying the constitution of India and Jammu and Kashmir has obviously borne fruit. He and the political team have obviously been able to find a "marketable solution''.
For the NSCN to accept anything short of complete independence is in the words of one of the ministers involved in the negotiations, "a remarkable breakthrough''.
Clearly all the prayers led by Isaac Chisi Swu, a devout Christian, before the start of the meetings have paid off. Sources say the settlement will involve giving Nagaland a special status within the Indian Union. It will be largely ceremonial in nature.
Speaking exclusively to the Tribune, Mr Padmanabhiah stuck a note of cautious optimism. "The talks are on track; Let us hope for the best. We have all worked hard for five years to bring about this situation,'' he said.
The flurry of meetings after the negotiations in The Hague is a pointer that the next meeting could be the clincher. Analysts point out the magnitude of concession "from a demand of complete independence to an inseparable union with India it is a huge breakthrough.''
According to senior officials, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's brief to the negotiators was that "the Constitution is flexible, it can accommodate them. As long as they are part of India....''
The Naga blueprint may well provide a pointer to other separatist problems.
(Courtesy The Tribune)
Counter-insurgency an uphill task in NE Nagaland Post
SHILLONG, JUNE 29 (AGENCIES): Security forces have a 'more difficult' task in fighting insurgency in the North East than in Jammu and Kashmir, Director-General of Assam Rifles Lt General Bhopinder Singh said here today. Among the Northeastern States, Manipur posed the toughest challenge when it came to fighting the militants, Lt Gen Singh told reporters on the eve of his retirement after a two-year stint as the DG of the oldest paramilitary force in the country.
It is easier for the North East militants to move to the neighbouring countries than for those in Jammu and Kashmir, as the valley is 'well guarded', he says. Lt Gen Singh had participated in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir as a mountain brigade commander and had been awarded the `Ati Vishist Seva Medal' for his outstanding work there. An ex-officio security advisor to the Northeastern Council, Lt Gen Singh said he had advised the NEC about the 'threats' of 'religious fundamentalist forces' and 'spillover' to the region from the neighbouring countries.
"We must take cognizance of these two factors and the NEC was sensitised about them", he said. Lt Gen Singh, who will retire tomorrow, said the last 26 months of his 41-year-long career, when he served as the DGAR was his "most glorious innings".
Singh also said the passing of the Assam Rifles Bill, to make the force a full-fledged Army unit, in the Lok Sabha was the "most satisfying achievement" of his career. The Bill to be placed in the Rajya Sabha in the monsoon session of Parliament would vest certain 'powers' to the AR authorities and empower the jawans with some 'privileges', the DGAR said. "Soldiers will be able to seek justice from their higher- ups on promotion, posting and emoluments instead of going to the Central Administrative Tribunal where cases linger for years," he said.
Cataloguing his 'achievements' during his tenure, the Lt General said modernisation and equipping the force, border management and surveillance were some of them. He said with the Union Home Ministry providing Rs 484 crore for modernisation of the force, 50 per cent job was completed and latest night vision devices, signal communication, interception gadgets, bomb disposal squads and bullet proof jackets were procured that "transformed the Assam Rifles from a 'day' force to a 'night' force".
Because of his constant persuasion, a change in the AR recruitment policy was effected with 55 per cent of its strength to be drawn from the hill area and the northeast. As a result, of the 12,000 personnel recruited in the force last year, about 7000 hailed from the region, he said.
UNLF demands clarification By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jun 29 : The proscribed UNLF has deman- ded clarification from all concerned involved in the slaying of its sergeant major Haobijam Areiba alias Inaocha (MPA No 250) whose body was recovered on June 23 morning.
A statement issued by the outfit’s senior publicity officer, claimed that Inaocha of Karang maning Leikai was abducted by unidentified tribal dialect speaking group from a residence in Tronglaobi Maning leikai the previous night and his bullet riddled body was found abandoned near the Gelnom Kuki village high canal.
Divulging more details, the statement informed that Inaocha was married to a Gangte girl from Ghalon village of Vangai Range and was on leave since January month to shift his wife to a safer place after the Indian Army offensive at MPA base camp areas.
Even as the organisation was trying to contact Inaocha regarding the lapse of his leave period the unfortunate incident took place, it said while taking grim note of the mute silence of those involved in the killing.
Taking note of the fact that even the Indian Army had not claimed the killing, UNLF opined that such eerie silence of those behind the murder will only provide fodder to security force personnel in carrying out their clandestine activities.
Any organisation with a political objective should justify the action of killing Inaocha failing which the situation would be grabbed by adversary forces with both hands to confuse the general public apart from misleading diffe-rent armed groups to train their guns at each other, cautioned the senior publicity officer.

Assam Rifles blamed for victimising people By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jun 29: Following enhanced activities of Assam Rifles like arrest, torture and intimidation of in- no cent civilians at Itham, Moirangpurel and Tumu-khong area of Imphal East district, people of these areas are so terrified that they cannot sleep peacefully during night time, said the Meira Paibis of the villages.
During a press meet today at Manipur Press Club, representatives of Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi, Imphal East, Itham Meira Paibi, Tumukhong Meira Paibi and Moirang-purel Meira Paibi while questioning the conduct of 19 AR posted at Maphou Dam site to guard the dam site, has condemned the excesses committed by the AR personnel.
They disclosed that AR personnel have been indulging in arrest and physical torture of innocent civilians time and again in Moirangpurel area. They mentioned that two persons were recently apprehended by AR and later handed over to police with the allegation that they were cadres of different UG outfits after giving them some bullets.
While taking the two persons into their custody, the family members and parents were beaten and forced to sign on blank papers, they asserted.
Unable to bear with such torture and violation of human rights by AR, a public meeting was organised under the aegis of the four Meira Paibi organisations on June 25 during which it was resolved to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister to effect the removal of AR from Maphou Dam and to ensure normal and peaceful lives in these villages.
In the aftermath of the meeting, personnel of 19 AR led by its CO along with 27 AR of Chingarel post and Yaingangpokpi post came to these villages on June 27 and threatened the villagers not to organise such mee-tings in future asking them whether there was any instance of torture or harassment of people in the area by AR. While asking the villagers to identify the organisers of the meeting, AR personnel further warned them that if any more public meeting is organised in the area, any person arrested henceforth would not be released alive, the Meira paibis conveyed.
Drawing immediate attention of the State Govt to the predicament of the villa-gers, they also sought coop -eration from all civil socie-ties and social organisa- tions in checking the excesses of Assam Rifles.
The Meira Paibi representatives further cautio- ned that if anything unto-ward happens to the villagers, the Chief Minister would be held accountable.
They further reiterated their demand to remove all security force posts from the area including the AR post of Maphou Dam and to repeal AFSPA 1958 from the whole of Manipur so as to enable the innocent civilians lead normal and pea- ceful lives. They added that a memorandum highlighting their demands would be submitted to the CM soon.
Meanwhile, the president of the Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur declared during the press meet that it would extend all possible cooperation to the people to fight injustice and violation of human rights.

Stray thoughts on the 'Steel' (Fifth) Anniversary of 18th June By P Gangte Sangai Express
The Fifth Anniversary of the June 18th Uprising of 2001 has come and gone, yet one cannot help pondering over the Indo-Naga Peace Talk which has been dubbed as the 'Mother of all Controversies' emanating from the soil of Manipur for all Manipuris and others as well! As we cast a quick look at the whole spectrum, a self introspection may help us to tread on a less travelled road to peace which will be more humane, justifiable and democratic way of life, and living a corporate living in a cosmopolitan society under the confluence of socio-religious and cultural affinity. As the tug of war between the Government of India and the NSCN continues, renewed tension, giving rise to off-shoot problems, this 'Home of the Braves' i.e. Manipur continues to be the battlefield for the radar-less-policy that veered round only on the Naga Appeasement Policy, and validation of some questionable Act by enforcing its provisions without time limit that had shooked the North Eastern States in some form or the other.
Road-map and milestones along the Indo-Naga Peace talk:
Along the march of the Indian democracy vis-à-vis its road-map to peace talk, one cannot but ask one pertinent question: Has any milestone been achieved? Briefly – when the revered AZ Phizo, the Father of Naga Independent Movement led out the movement in early 1946, it was purely political with an overdose of social prejudices backdrop. It will be of interest to recall the account given by one of the delegates that had gone to meet the then Indian Prime Minister, Pt Nehru led by Phizo sometime in March, 1952: “Nehru, while hammering his table with his clenched fist said, ‘Whe-ther heaven falls, or India goes into pieces, and blood runs red in the country, whether I am here or anyone else comes; Naga will not be allowed to be independent.”
(N.B. It does not seem characteristics of Nehru ‘with clenched fist’, yet there can be no doubt about the veracity of this first hand account; and the fact that Nehru held the North East and the Jammu and Kashmir close to his heart will not be questioned!)
Be that as it may, Nehru informed Parliament in July 1952 declaring that the subject of Naga Independent would not be reopened! And in the same year, he ventured to visit Kohima, in the company of U Nu, the Burmese Prime Minister, and Smt Indira Gandhi. The Nagas, true to their traditional hallmark of hospitality, came out in their thousands responded and thronged the Kohima ground; and when the Prime Minister was about to address the gathering, the Nagas, in unison, left the ground enmass! That is most interestingly demo-cratic so far on record.
The milestones
Then came, the First December, 1963, when the Nagaland Statehood was inaugurated that which the Government of India had already conferred in Jan 1961 i.e. 15 years after the movement took off. Naga-land was curved out of the former Naga Hills from Assam, and the former Tuen-sang Frontier Division of NEFA (North East Frontier Agency) now Arunachal Pradesh, and became the sweet Sixteenth state of Indian Union.
Soon after, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura became full fledged states with effect from 21.1.1972, and were followed suit by Sikkim on 26.4.75, and then Mizoram and Aruna-chal on 20.2.1987. Re-organization of the North East can be said more or less complete except that one major tribe called Kukis had been left out in the cold! Nagaland for the Nagas, Mizoram for the Mizos, Meghalaya for the Khasis and Jaintias, Tripura for the Tripuris, Manipur for the Meiteis, Pangals, Kukis and Nagas who all are Manipuris.
The shake-up in the Naga movement
Then, the coup, led by Th Muivah & Co, intervened soon after the signing of Shillong Accord, and brought about complete change in the Naga Movement, and the name itself had to undergo a change by rechristening it as the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NS-CN); and the reins of leadership changed hands fro-m the mainland Nagas to that of the Manipuri Nag-as, even of its main cadre.
The change also necessitated in ushering in changes in their policies, strategies that affect their tactics to ruthlessly tide over certain hurdles towards achieving their objectives. From a purely political and secular outlook, it had assumed a non-secular and ethnic-bias movement. From what has been seen and experienced in actual field, following objectives were discernible and the pursuit of which had been indeed very vigorous:
(1) An all-out-attempt to evict and exterminate the Kukis from the Kuki inhabited areas which are conterminous with that of the Naga inhabited areas. And a blended propaganda strategies based on distorted historical facts and video offensive to be unleashed in the wings of their “Hate and Kill” offensive.
(2) While mounting the above offensive, all of their socio-political, religious, youth and students organizations to lend their active support to the cou-rse of action undertaken;
(3) A motto, “Nagaland/Nagalim for Christ” was adopted in the face of influential, yet minority think-tank who were inclined to go the communistic way but had to retreat in the face of an overwhelming majority against the pro-communistic approach and thus shed its secular character, and subsequently adopted the emblazoned motto as already mentioned above.
To achieve objective No.1, under a covert and overt understanding with the NSCN (IM), the United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of the Nagas, issued Quit Notices to the Kukis living in the so-called Naga inhabited areas of Manipur before end of December, 1992 by stirring up hatred against the Kukis distorting that –
(1) Kuki Rebellion, 1917-19 was against the Kabuis (Rongmeis) and the Tangkhuls ignoring the historical fact that the Kuki and Naga leaders had had a feast together at Huining that they should fight together; but the Nagas were persuaded by the British administration and deserted their friends. The Kuki chiefs, despite this turn of event decided to go ahead with their declared intention. Hence it has become to be known as the Kuki Punitive Expedition (Kuki Rebellion).
(2) The Kuki National Army (KNA) was formed by the Indian Govt to fight against the Nagas, and the highest NSCN(IM) leadership justified the massacre of the Tamei mistakenly known as Zoupi Massacre alleging that the Indian Army and the KNA were massing around there though not a single element of the KNA was present except in Moreh area which was more than 150 air-miles away. The incident at Tamei only proved that leave alone Indian Army and KNA, not even police were available to prevent the incident!
(N.B. All these insertions are based on the published news prints of the Freedom, English daily (now defunct).
(3) A video film depicting that the Kukis earlier killed Nagas in hundreds, but now the Nagas killed the Kukis in their thousands. The video was sc-reened in collusion with the cable operators at Chi-ngmeirong, Imphal during the height of the onslau-ght of the cleansing war against the Kukis, 1993.
(N.B. Needless to retell the barbaric, inhuman and unchristian episode of killing spree let loose by the Nagas. Wherever it is pertinent only, the horrifying details are given briefly.).
To achieve Objective No. 2, after having enticed the UNC to do its unbecoming and heinous work for an apex body, a frontline organization cal-led NLG (Naga Lim Guards) was born to lead out the whole offensive and enjoined by another new organization called ANSVF (All Naga Students Volunteer Force) the same and the letter head of the ANSAM (All Naga Students Assn, Manipur) had been used extensively while serving Quit Notices to the Kukis.
Concerning the ferocity of the manner of killings and other relevant information, one Radheka Jha, a correspondent for the Times of India, wrote for the National daily dated 12.5.94 and states that:
“The reality of what is happening in Manipur is slaughter of an unprecedented scale, because unlike Punjab and Kashmir where targets are carefully selected, in Manipur, the NSCN do not mind who they killed as long as it is a Kuki. “The NSCN has made killing into a fine art. When they catch their victims, NSCN (Muivah faction) terrorists often cut off their hands, break their ankles and knee caps so that he or she is completely helpless. Only then they killed them. For variation, they slash the faces of the victims so that even their relatives cannot recognize them.
“A special death is reserved for the infants. They are thrown up in the air and sliced into half. ‘The sky is for the Kukis, and the earth is for us’ NSCN guerrillas shout. And it is this statement that is at the heart of the conflict. “The Kuki-Naga conflict is about land…’”
(N.B. Do such actions on the part of the Nagas manifest the qualification that would merit being fighters for “Nagaland for Christ”? Will Christ indeed approve of these?)
Some of the astounding and outstanding facts for followers of Christ, fighting for “Nagaland for Christ” indulged in – (1) Killing of human lives and burning of living houses were carried out with equal ferocity even on Sunday, the day on which they worship Christ. There had been 290 attacks on the Kukis – of these 26 were carried out on Sundays – 21 times in Manipur, 4 times in Nagaland and 1 in Assam. (2) 15 people including 6 minors were killed inside the church of Saipimol, Tamenglong on a Sunday.
(3) 15 male children of Taloulong, Tamenglong were killed on a Sunday in pure Mongol style by throwing them up in the sky and as they were about to land, they made their target practice with the bodies.
(4) Leave alone the severed heads, maimed parts of bodies; they did not even spare the private part of some women and faces of babies! The Paraolen, Chandel incident in which a mother and a child were also included in the killing spree. The mother’s private part was poked with a stick and the carcass was made to stand with a stick and the baby’s halved face was bound to her mother’s breast as if she was feeding her!
(5) Well educated Naga-Christians of today were involved in the vengeance killing spree for a revenge killings done by the Non-Christian Kukis of 1917-19 and no mainland Nagas were involved in such killings! (Indeed, such kind of crusade-like enthusiasm in killings is outside the purview of the Holy Bible, the religious book of the Christians and one shudders at the thou-ght that such practice would be an accepted norm in the land where Christ’s name is being made an intrinsic part of it!) The climb down from sovereignty to ‘within the Indian constitution’
Indeed, in a major shift to a climb down from sovereignty to within the Indian Constitution is the hall-mark of realism and sagacity, and the most important milestone; and the so-called “misguided youth”- Th Muivah of one time, has grown “old” with wisdom and experiences, and had worn the auras of a ‘Gue Chevre’ of the Cuban revolution, and earn the respect of all concern, and locally the accolade “Awo Kahar” with a touch of reverence and respect has been given him.
To achieve their objective No. 3, the religious leaders took the cudgel up and did their work and even today they continue to harp on the self aggrandizing spirit and policy of the “Nagas and the Nagas alone” as may be borne out by the letter addressed to the editor, Sangai Express dated 15.6.06 by one Pastor C.M.Joy who wrote:
“Nagas will get what they want: it is just a question of time. We have faith in the living God and He will not disappoint us. He has never.” His unabashed and feeble attempt to monopolize the ‘living God’ only for the Nagas by itself speaks volume for his abject ignorance of how the living God works or functions. Having killed more than 824 Kuki innocent lives, burning down of more than 350 villages obliterated and bringing woes to their fellow human beings, will their prayers be answered by the living God, who is just, righteous and impartial? Let the Bible answer: “When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you. Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood.” (Isaiah 1:15) “One who turns away his ears from hearing the Law, even his prayer shall be an abo-mination.” (Proverbs 28:9)
Overwhelmed by their selfish ends, their religious teachers were preaching their sermons by reading out aloud from the Book of Numbers, in the Old Testament, Chapter 33 and verses 51 to 53, that read as below: “Speak to the children of Israel (Nagas) and say to them: ‘When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan (Kukis), then you shall drive out all the inhabitants (Kukis) of the land before you, destroy all their engrave stones, destroy all their muffled images, and demolish all their high places, you shall dispossess the inhabitants of their land and dwell in it, for I have given you the land to possess.’ ”
(N.B. Italics supplied.)
They also have conveniently forgotten tenets of Christian principles as below for the sake of “Nagaland for Christ ” such as – Jesus said,
(1) “You heard that it was said, ‘you shall love your neighbour and hate your enemies. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43, 44). Read v 45 if you care to.
(2) “Therefore whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
An interlude
The Nagas, fighting for a Greater Nagaland, besides committing a genocide under the instruction of the NSCN (IM), has converted it as a ‘Greedier Nagaland’. The Kukis have become not only the scapegoat but also a foil to the growth of the Naga psyche polity. Firstly, they had succeeded in enticing some of the tribes of the old Kukis viz, Anal, Maring, Lamkang, Mayon etc whom Prof Gangmumei Kamei described them as “politically Nagas but culturally Kukis.”
Secondly, they were turned into fanatic zealots for their new status to prove to the world that fact that they could imitate them, given the intensive to! What they conveniently forgot is that God of creation is a particular God for the blood relation. DNA is the only and sole source for proving one’s blood relationship.
The writer is the President, Kuki Inpi Manipur
(N.B. Warning : some parts of this article may not be very pleasant reading though I have taken great care not to exaggerate the incidents, and I do not want to remember them either but on an anniversary day, a day to remember, some pleasant and some not so pleasant will have to be gone through And this is not meant to incite people but to inform all concerned about facts of the incidents.)

Frans on 06.30.06 @ 04:37 PM CST [link]


Thursday, June 29th

Talks in top gear; deal to be clinched in Bangkok


Talks in top gear; deal to be clinched in Bangkok Kuknalim.com
NEW DELHI, June 28: In the words of the Prime Minister’s Principal Interlocutor “From first gear it has now moved into fourth gear”. And unlike the politician’s hyperbole it is a cautious bureaucrat, Mr K. Padmanabhiah, describing it as the first breakthrough in the five-year Naga peace process. It is now official. As reported earlier by The Tribune, the contours of the Naga peace settlement will resemble that of a special Kashmir-type status within the Indian union.

From a demand of absolute sovereignty to the current “open mind’’ of the NSCN (I/M) which involves a “special federal relationship with India where Nagaland and India will be inseparably bound together’’ is indeed a long walk together for peace.
Sources say the accord with the Nagas will entail changes in Article 7 of the Constitution which deals with relations with the states. At present, this does not apply to Jammu & Kashmir. Articles 151 to 237, a total of 88 articles, are however, reflected in the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly while the NSCN wants a separate constitution the government wants to settle for providing a special chapter in the Indian Constitution.

Part six of the Constitution deals with the role and powers of the Governor, the state legislature, the state judiciary and the Advocate-General of India. These provisions do not apply in Jammu and Kashmir and have been incorporated in the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution. Constitutional experts are of the view that a similar arrangement can be made with the Nagas incorporating their unique tribal culture into account either in the shape of a separate constitution like Jammu and Kashmir or as a special chapter in the Constitution.
While, the fine print of the deal will be thrashed out over the next meeting to be held in Bangkok all the midnight oil that Mr Padmanabhiah has been burning studying the constitution of India and Jammu and Kashmir has obviously borne fruit. He and the political team have obviously been able to find a “marketable solution’’. For the NSCN to accept anything short of complete independence is in the words of one of the ministers involved in the negotiations, “a remarkable breakthrough’’.
Clearly all the prayers led by Isaac Chisi Swu, a devout Christian, before the start of the meetings have paid off. Sources say the settlement will involve giving Nagaland a special status within the Indian Union. It will be largely ceremonial in nature. And, then the more than a decade-long insurgency will stop. Speaking exclusively to the Tribune, Mr Padmanabhiah stuck a note of cautious optimism. “The talks are on track; Let us hope for the best. We have all worked hard for five years to bring about this situation,’’ he said. The flurry of meetings after the negotiations in The Hague is a pointer that the next meeting could be the clincher. Analysts point out the magnitude of concession “from a demand of complete independence to an inseparable union with India it is a huge breakthrough.’’
According to senior officials, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s brief to the negotiators was that “the Constitution is flexible, it can accommodate them. As long as they are part of India... .’’
The Naga blueprint may well provide a pointer to other separatist problems.
The writer, Swati Chaturvedi is an anchor with Janmat TV and writes regularly for The Tribune.

Integration is a Political Necessity The Morung Express Athikho Kaisü
The aspiration of the Nagas to live in a single political unit is by no means a new phenomenon. In fact, the memorandum submitted to the Simon Commission in 1929 for the exclusion of the Nagas in the reorganization plan on the ground that they had never been under the control of any authority but governed by themselves based on customary laws and practices tells it all. Though the petition has been ignored by the Commission, it has set the course for the Nagas to struggle to live in a single political unit and for a Naga national identity.
It is the Nagas’ constant mission to liberate from the arbitrary and imposed territory since the inception of their national movement. Right from the beginning of the Naga national movement, the founding fathers were well aware of the fact that there is no solution without integration of territory. The struggle for territorial integration and self-determination is an integral part of their freedom movement. In no ambiguous term the Nagas’ struggle, marked by intermittent violence and accords/agreements, always has unification of Naga contiguous areas a pre-requisite for any final political settlement. It was a conscious choice that other than reorganisation of the imposed territory there is not short cut for political solution. Any non-territorial and fragmentation proposal is simply unacceptable to the Nagas.
Territorial reorganisation is a pre-requisite for justice and development since the nature of political injustice and military oppression is closely interwoven with the mechanism that segmented the Nagas. The power that divides the Nagas has indirectly institutionalised violence, which to a large extent limited the use of alternative non-violent struggle. Integration is essential because maintaining of territorial status quo will only continue to promote injustice and violence in a most cruel form. Any attempt to scuttle the struggle for territorial reorganisation will seriously undermine social harmony and peaceful co-existence, which will surely jeopardize political stability.
The decimation of the Naga contiguous areas by politically imposed territorial boundaries is a deliberate attempt to weaken the struggle and keep the Nagas under perpetual domination. This plot has not only undermined the integrity of the Naga people but also directly contributed to their poor socio-economic development. While maintaining territorial status quo, politico-social policies were largely ignored and people are manipulated to pay the cost without hope of justice and development. This policy might have served the imperialist interest and suited the leaders of Indian State, but have brought untold misery and bloodshed to the people.
It may be emphasised that the Nagas’ love for their land and territory has emerged not out of insecurity or threat to their identity but is the consequence of historical fact and political exigency. It is amply clear that the very fact of their existent is inseparable from their land and territory. It is the land that defines their identity and tradition. Land and territory is an integral part of their culture. The Nagas simply want what is theirs and nothing more. They are living in their own land and it is they should have the right to possess. Having demarcated them without their consent for so long, anything less than integration is gross injustice and meaningless.
There is no doubt for the Nagas on the genuineness of their cause and the deception of those protests against integration, who do not have either moral or political authority to determine their future. It should be known to all that there is little scope for justice and development in the absence of territorial integration. There is nothing to hope of having a bright future within the existing territorial arrangement. The salvation of the Nagas’ struggle to live in their own term and condition does not lie in maintaining the territorial status quo.
Those anti-integration preaching on territorial integrity is nothing but just a scheme to share and grab the Nagas’ land. Otherwise, they have nothing to lose or gain from territorial integration because the Nagas are not claiming an inch of land that does not belong to them. Indeed, the convention debarred the plain people from buying land or owning property in the hill areas. The question of gifting away their (anti-integration) land to appease the Nagas is simply unfounded since the land is belonged to the Nagas.
In particular, the subject of land is becoming a burning issue in Manipur due to the steady increase of population in the already congested valley. When bulk of the population of the state is concentrated in the four valley districts (Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur), which together constitute only one-tenths of the total geographical areas of the state, relocation is bound to take place in the greener and less populated areas. It is obvious that rapid increase of population will sooner or latter compel the government to accommodate the excess, which is already started in the form of Manipur Land Reforms and Revenue Act (MLR &RA). Taking note of this fact, Tenth Plan Document (Manipur) 2002-07, Government of India, clearly states “the human pressure of the state has risen to such an alarming degree with the over increasing per capita land availability that it is likely to become the root cause of all political, economic and social problems”.
There is no time to hide the reality, therefore, when many Constitutional authorities, including the present incumbent of the Indian State have admitted that the conflict is a political issue and has to be resolved politically. It would be rudely unkind and disgraceful on the part of the negotiating parties to let the issue unresolved when they themselves are aware of the fact for the need of a solution. The future generation will not easily forgive to those who ignore to resolve the issues even after knowing the reality.
The Nagas are keenly watching the ongoing political talks. Everyone is for peace and another round of violence needs to be resolutely turned down. The political negotiation may take months or years; nevertheless the expectation is that honourable solution should be found. Nothing would be more unfortunate and painful when political talk collapsed due to callousness of Indian state on territorial integration.
Naga ceasefire likely to extend by 6 months The Morung Express
NEW DELHI, JUNE 28 (AGENCIES): With the successful conclusion of a meaningful round of peace talks with NSCN-IM, the Naga ceasefire which ends in the third week of July, is likely to be extended by another six months. While one round of Naga peace talks concluded at Amsterdam on June 25 sources said another round of meetings was expected around July 15.The participants will remain the same. The venue will be decided later on.
The meeting on June 25 was attended by Minister of state for Home S Reghupati, Minister of state at PMO Prithviraj Chouhan, and Minister of state without portfolio Oscar Fernandes.
Informed sources said the ministerial team has expressed satisfaction at the conclusion of the meeting and the ceasefire was expected to be extended by another six months.
The NSCN-IM was represented by Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah.Meanwhile, it was learnt that Dhimasas of Assam were likely to be invited for talks at the Centre for initiating a peace process in the Karbi Anglong region of Asom. The Dhimasas were also expected to announce unilateral ceasefire from their side.
CM takes stand on text book drama Source: The Sangai Express
Impal, Jun 28: Taking serious note of the report that some schools in some hill districts have started teaching the books prescribed by Nagaland Board, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today called up the officials concerned to discuss the matter. The Chief Minister has also given strict instructions to the officials to submit a detailed report on the matter at the earliest possible.

According to information received by the press, the meeting was held in the office chamber of the Chief Minister from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm today to discuss the issue.

Apart from the Chief Minister, Education Minister L Nandakumar, Power and Horticulture Minister Francis Ngajokpa, Health and Family Welfare Minister DK Korungthang, Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh and Secretary of Board of Secondary Education, Manipur Ph Nandakumar, the meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners and ZEOs concerned of Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong districts from where the report of books prescribed by Nagaland Board are being taught in some private schools following pressures from organisations was received by the Govt.

Though the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel district could not make it to the meeting, the ZEO was present during the meeting. Commencing the meeting straight away with the discussion on the issue, the officials, however, maintained that they have not received any complaint from the schools in this regard. To this, the Chief Minister instructed the Deputy Commissioners to convene a joint meeting of all the district level ZEOs and the guardians of the students to verify how far the information received by the Government is true and submit a detailed report accordingly at the earliest possible. To ensure early implementation of the instruction, the Chief Minister also asked the Chief Secretary to issue an order to all the DCs and the ZEOs concerned in this connection. Meanwhile, according to an official source, in the wake of the campaign being launched by some organisations for prescribing books of Nagaland Board, around 40 students from private schools in Ukhrul district have transmigrated to the Govt schools. All these students are from class IX and X, the official added.
Westernisation threat to Naga culture
By N.C. Zeliang President of Zeliangrong Heraka Association in Christianaggression.org
Zeliangrong Heraka Association believes that ‘Loss of religion is loss of culture and loss of culture is loss of identity’. Genuine cultural identity of any society is comprised of indigenous religion, native culture, language, glorious history of forefathers, art and crafts, rites and rituals, traditional village institutions and customary laws. We work to enhance every component of Naga identity. Today, it has become a fashion in Naga society to talk about Naga identity while cutting the roots of every component that constitute genuine Naga identity. Wearing costly dresses, singing pop-songs, drinking foreign whisky and rum, disco-dance, beauty pageants, violation of civic rules and disobedience in the name of civil liberty, indecent dress and heinous deeds, etc. are not the symbol of Naga identity. It is in fact the state of confusion and perversion. Unfortunately, the disrespect to law of the land, violation of customary laws, dereliction of government duties, neglect of social responsibilities, embezzlement of public money, behaving as a mafia don, disrespect of Naga religion and traditional festivals and gasconadors and impostors posing as the spiritual awakener and savior of the soul are being considered as symbol of progressiveness and advancement. High rate of consumption of intoxicants by Naga youths, boys and girls have led to many maladies including the spread of killer HIV/AIDS.
The root cause of all these problems lie in the adoption of western way of life hedonic consumerism and disrespect of Naga religion and culture. If we wish to save Naga society from doom and downfall we have to return to our forefathers’ root. Westernisation in the name of modernisation is dangerous. Modernisation and economic development should be brought over in tune with Naga indigenous religion, culture, heritage, arts and crafts, customs and customary laws, etc. A lasting peace must return to Nagaland for perfect and permanent prosperity.
Under the influence of western culture, it has become the fashion to discard, dishonour and disown our own forefathers and condemn them as head-hunter, naked, wild, pagan and heathen. But whose forefathers were not so in pre-Vedic periods? Pre-historic people were nomads, naked, raw-meat eaters and raw food eaters and very often people were killed in feudal clashes. This type of human - history is common throughout the globe. Our forefathers were no exception to this fact. The same early men evolved Greek Civilisation, Indus Valley Civilisation and several other civilisations on the earth. Todays’ people are proud of these forefathers because they were also followers of their own native religion and they were not Christian. Head-hunting practice in Naga forefathers was not a savagery. It signifies valour and bravery of our forefathers. In any war, people were killed. The victorious warrior is honoured for his courage and valour. He is not condemned as murderer and savage.
But in case of Naga forefathers, some of our misguided people do not identify the virtues of our forefathers and these misguided people condemn them as head-hunters. It is a conspiracy hatched by foreign missionaries and Brithsh Government in connivance with white writers to malign and undermine glorious Naga history. Is it not true that at the time of birth of a boy it is a custom in Naga society that elders of the family and clan visit to newly born baby and bless him to become brave like a warrior? Zeliangrong Heraka Association upholds the valour and virtues of Naga forefathers and works to popularise it among the young and old from Naga society. This was the clear and obvious perception of Zeiiangrong Heraka Movement, which angered British rulers and foreign Christian missionaries. This was the reason that they killed Haipou Jadonang on fake murder charge. They also attempted to eliminate Rani Maa. But with the grace of Lord Tingwang she could escape unharmed. But hostile elements worked tirelessly to finish her and neutralise
her influence on Naga people by doing her character assassination.

Rani Maa and myself met former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi along with a Zeliangrong team and submitted a memorandum demanding integration of Zeliangrong people in one administrative unit. On the advice of Rajiv Gandhi, Buta Singh, the then Home Minister, assured us to fulfill our demand of integration and the file in Union Home Ministry started moving in our favour. But the game was spoiled by the Church leaders of our own community. Because of opposition by the Church leaders, the decision was kept in abeyance in Delhi. The Church was in habit of opposing Rani Ma. This time also they did the same. The only reason for opposing this achievement was that Rani Ma, N.C. Zeliang and members of the team were not Christian. They were Heraka. In fact, Hindu leaders had also supported our demand at that time. Thus, we lost the golden opportunity due to lack of foresight.

In the changed scenario at national and international level the premier underground organisation is negotiating with Delhi for integration of Naga inhabitted areas with Nagaland. On behalf of Zeliangrong Heraka Association Assam, Nagaland and Manipur and on my own behalf, I send my goodwill and good wishes for the success of on-going dialogue. I appeal to Government to assess and understand the ground realities in Naga society and do the needful for lasting peace and prosperity in Naga area.

Because of our association with some national leaders and organisations and because of our rejection of foreign religion and culture, a malacious propaganda was made against us. We were accused of being Hinduised under the influence of Hindu leaders. The accusers stated that Naga identity would be harmed immensely under Hindu influence. But now this fear from Hindu influence is cleared because of the advent of mass media and interaction of Nagas with Hindu society in rest part of the country. Educated and enlightened Nagas are aware of world history. They are also aware how several civilisations, their religions and cultures in countries like Greece, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Moracco, Thailand and Indonesia, etc are finished by the followers of Islam. It is also known to them how the religions and cultures of people of South Africa, native people of USA like Cheroki, Inca, Maya and Aztec tribes collectively known as Red-Indians and several other indigenous people of American and European sub-continent including UK were uprooted, their religious and history books were burnt and their worship places were demolished by Church.
On the contrary, Nagas have been living with Hindu society from centuries and they are not converted to Hindu Dharma. Rather, Hindus encourage us to preserve, protect and progress our own indigenous religion, culture and traditional festivals. Hindus believe in co-existence, not in survival of die fittest. Today the world is changed. In 1997, a team of 22 Japanese scholars visited several places in Nagaland and did video-recording of Naga customs and traditions. It was a part of their research to revive their ancient faith and culture. Americans, Britishers and other European Countries are researching and working hard to revive their forefathers’ religions and cultures. They have identified that lack of spirituality and destruction of joint family system, have given rise to major problems at national and international level. The recent failures of USA in domestic and international conflict managament and attack of Al-Queda on World Trade Centre on 11 September 2001 have strengthened the fear of holocaust in the mind of Americans. They are, therefore, organising Pagan Conferences to revive ancient faith and culture. The number of Church-goers in western countries are sizeably diminishing. The Protestant Church and Catholic Church are looking towards southeast Asian countries particularly India for nuns and missionaries. Several of Naga missionaries and nuns are working in America, Britain and other American and European sub-continents. Catholic Church is mostly dependent on India for Catholic priests and nuns. This is the reason that all the denominations of Catholic and Protestant Churches are pouring money to increase their numbers in India particularly in Northeast reason. The first missionary- St. Thomas, landed in India almost 2000 years ago but the Christian population in India is only 2.5 percent. We must protect our religion and culture from being extinct. Zeliangrong
Heraka Association stands for tills purpose. The Heraka Youth leaders should know the sacrifices made by lieutenants of Rani’s army such as Ramjo, Dekei, Gumhei of Mbaupungwa, Areliu of Ntuma, Italakpe of Lalong and Igwangtuing of Peren. This is not the exhaustive collection. The list goes on and on.

It is good that Nagas have today realised the grave dangers to genuine Naga identity posed by alien forces. The traditional Naga festivals, which were once condemned by Church, are now being observed even by Christians with gaity. It is a happy development. Naga scholars should come forward to collect and compile the customs, traditions, festivals and customary laws and publish it in book forms for the use of posterity. While doing so, the collection, compilation, explanation and narration of different aspects of festivals, traditions, traditional worships, rites and rituals, etc. should be original and exactly as per our forefathers’ belief and practice. The explanations and narrations should be free from foreign influence. Zeliangrong Heraka Association calls upon all enlightened Naga people to revive Naga religion and culture to protect genuine Naga Identity. The Heraka youths should serve the society selflessly in this respect with more commitment.
I also call upon the Christian community particularly Church leaders from Naga society to adopt tolerant perception and attitude towards indigenous faith and culture. The Church leaders from Nagaland may think of introducing Naga customs, traditions and way of worship in Church service. In Kerala Catholic Church and Marthoma Church have adopted Malayali customs and way of worship in their Church services. It can also happen in Churches of Nagaland too so that Naga identity is not eroded.
NAGALAND
The War Within M. AMARJEET SINGH The Hidu but first published by South asian terrorism Poratal
As the peace-process becomes a mockery, perhaps time to ask: Is Nagaland heading back to the days of continuous fratricidal wars between the 'national workers' out to restore all that was wonderful in the state before 'India' decided to 'plunder and subjugate'?
Another round to talks between the union government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) concluded at The Hague on June 25, 2006. The usual statements regarding the talks being "quite good and very fruitful", were made by union minister Oscar Fernandes after three days of talks with the insurgent leaders, along with union minister of state for home, S. Reghupathy, and minister of state at the Prime Minister’s Office, Prithviraj Chouhan. Fernandes, Reghupathy and Chouhan are members of the Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to look into the long drawn Naga peace process. The interlocutor for the Naga talks, K. Padmanabhiah, was also present at the meeting. Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah represented the NSCN-IM. The government began talks with the NSCN-IM in 1997 after the two sides agreed to a cease-fire.
However, the ground situation continues to cause serious concern, raising the crucial question: is Nagaland heading back to the days of continuous fratricidal wars between the ‘national workers’ out to restore all that was wonderful in the state before ‘India’ decided to ‘plunder and subjugate’? The question hangs heavy in the wake of the recent escalation in violent clashes between two rival National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) factions. The clashes appear to indicate that the cease-fire agreements signed between the union government and separately with the NSCN-Isak-Muivah (IM) faction in 1997, and the Khaplang faction in 2001, are being violated at will. Worse, efforts to end the abiding and violent confrontation have had no visible impact on the warring factions.
The May 19, 2006, killing of the NSCN-K ‘Education Kilonser’ (minister), Ngampan Konyak, by the rival NSCN-IM at Mon provoked the NSCN-K to launch a campaign codenamed, "Operation Blueland", under which it has stepped up attacks against the IM group. On the other side, the IM faction also alerted its armed cadres to reinforce their dominance in different parts of the state. As rebel factions, both claiming to represent the wishes and aspirations of the Nagas, build up their manpower and resources for future mutual carnage, the common people in remote and interior locales, are increasingly worried.
Although the ceasefires with the union government still hold formally, escalating violence, large-scale extortion and intimidation put a question mark on the very arrangement that supposedly prohibits the movement of armed cadres, armed violence, intimidation and disturbance to peace that are, in fact, endemic. According to the ceasefire agreements, the cadres of each faction are to remain confined to their respective designated camps, but the rule if flouted more often than it is kept. Indeed, the ceasefire has been exploited by militant groups to consolidate and expand. Since the NSCN-IM entered into its formal ceasefire in 1997, it has reportedly raised its cadre strength from 3,000 to 5,000 and nearly doubled its weapon holdings.
Factional violence continues at regular intervals as both groups vie to augment their territorial supremacy. In a statement made available to the local media on May 31, 2006, senior NSCN-K leader A.Z. Jami threatened to take control of Dimapur, Nagaland’s commercial hub, known to be a stronghold of the rival NSCN-IM. Jami declared: "We will certainly take over Dimapur. Our cadres are all over the town, waiting for the opportunity to strike." Alarmed, the NSCN-IM responded that it would never compromise with such a threat "by anti-nationalist like A.Z. Jami." A release issued by NSCN-IM’s ‘Secretary, Union Territory - I’, Romeo Sankhil, asserted that his outfit was "well prepared to meet any eventuality at any cost to protect the Naga peoples in general and Dimapurian (sic) in particular and also the ongoing peace process." The release further added that the NSCN-IM had already intensified its vigil and deployed its men across Dimapur to meet any eventuality. The desperation of both the factions is perfectly understandable. Dimapur is a flourishing commercial town – the largest and the only one in Nagaland – promising enormous profits to whoever controls it.
It is significant that, between 2002 and 2005 – a period during which both factions of the NSCN were party to a ceasefire - 171 persons have been killed in militancy related violence in the state, of which 113 (66.08 per cent) were militants, 52 (30.40 per cent) were civilians and the rest 6 (3.50 per cent) were security force SF personnel. With rare exception, most militant deaths have been the result of factional clashes. 2004 saw at least 17 factional clashes, while 2005 witnessed another 14. 2006 has already seen 27 such incidents, (till June 25) in which at least 28 militants have been killed (14 of the NSCN-IM, 10 of the NSCN-K and two of the Naga National Council (NNC), and two unidentified). There is no available record of the numbers of injured.
Some of the significant incidents in just the last month and a half include:
June 18: NSCN-K ‘awarded’ capital punishment to one, Wanpa, at Nangtan under Tizit Assembly Constituency for his alleged role in the assassination of its ‘Education Minister’, Ngampan Konyak, in the Mon district on May 18.
June 14: Clashes broke out between cadres of NSCN-IM and NSCN-K at Khukiye and Chisholi in Nagaland. Unidentified gunmen shot dead one NSCN-IM cadre, Yangthsase Sangtam at Longkhim in the Tuensang District.
June 8: A factional clash occurred between cadres of the NSCN-IM and the NSCN-K at Naga Ching in the Tamenglong district.
June 7: Two civilians were wounded when firing broke out between cadres of the NSCN-IM and the Federal government of Nagaland of the Naga National Council (NNC) at Chosaba village in the Phek District.
June 2: NSCN-K killed one NSCN-IM cadre, James Tangkhul, during a factional clash near Zunheboto town.
May 31: Factional violence was reported from Sheyipu village in the Zunheboto District, Chingphoi village in the Mon District, Athibung area in the Peren District and Old Phek area in the Phek District. Several militants and one civilian were reportedly wounded.
May 30: Two NSCN-IM cadres were seriously wounded in a clash with rival NSCN-K at Lochomi village in the Zunheboto District.
May 27: NSCN-K claimed to have killed two rival NSCN-IM cadres and injured two others in an encounter at a place near Longleng in the Tuensang District.
May 24: NSCN-K killed two NSCN-IM cadres while three others were abducted in different raids against rival camps in the Zunheboto district. They were said to have been released subsequently on May 30.
May 19: NSCN-IM killed the ‘education kilonser’ (minister) of the NSCN-K, Nampang Konyak at his home at Mon in Nagaland.
May 16: Two NSCN-IM cadres were killed while unspecified number of NSCN-K cadres were wounded in a factional clash between cadres of the rival groups at Athibung in the Peren district.
May 6: In a factional clash, two NSCN-K militants were killed while three others sustained injuries in a pre-dawn attack by NSCN-IM cadres at Old Phek village in the Phek district.
Naga factional violence has not remained confined to the state itself, and has spilled over to neighbouring Manipur. On May 5, 2006, a clash occurred at Tinkhai Khulen in Manipur’s Senapati district bordering Nagaland. Earlier on May 2, another clash took place at Aling Saan village in the Tamenglong District. The NSCN-K, on May 5, claimed to have ‘neutralized’ a rival hideout at Alingson village under Nungba Police Station limits in the Tamenglong District on May 2. On April 12, 2006, the NSCN-K shot dead two rival cadres and injured another at Keimai in the Tamenglong District.
The impact of this unending friction on the lives of the common people is enormous. The Chakhesang Public Organisation, an apex body of the Chakhesang tribe, on March 7, 2006, made a declaration prohibiting extortion, movement of cadres in combatant uniform and the establishment of militants camps within the periphery of the tribe’s habitation. Again, on April 17, 2006, several Phek-based organizations under the banner of Phek Area Public Organisation (PAPO) urged the state government to take up the issue of factional clashes with the rival outfits and the Union government, and to ensure that cadres belonging to the two rival factions move out of the Phek and the Chakhesang areas. A Press Release issued by PAPO stated: Ninety per cent of our people are agriculturists, who depend on agriculture for their survival. Although March and April is a time for sowing seeds, yet the villagers are afraid of going to the fields for fear of being mingled in cross fire." The gathering also condemned the unabated illegal ‘tax collection’ imposed by the militant groups.
The Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) at a meeting held at Pfutsero in the Phek District on May 11 and 12, 2006, said that, in Phek district, innocent citizens had suffered because of threats, intimidation, extortion, and forced taxation imposed by the various militant groups. The church body alleged that the armed factions had forcibly occupied a number of private houses and educational institutions in the District. The meeting described the existing ceasefire with the Union government as a "public mockery".
The state government, often described as soft on the militants – especially the NSCN-IM – tends to surrender to their caprice. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, while presenting the state budget in the legislative assembly in capital Kohima on March 20, 2006, stated: "It is not possible for any government to prevent this (extortion) completely." The hapless Chief Minister termed the factional killings "mindless and senseless", but has displayed little intent or capacity to do anything about them, and all past attempts to contain the factional feud have remained subservient to short-term political calculations. In March 2003, the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) coalition government formed a ‘Consultative Committee for Peace’ comprising various political parties and major non-governmental organisations. However, the opposition Congress party, known to be sympathetic to the NSCN-K, was not included in the committee.As a result, the committee remained a partisan and useless jamboree. Since the 1990s, the church and the Naga Hoho (the apex tribal council of Nagaland) have been attempting to bring all warring underground factions together through a ‘reconciliation process’, but their efforts have proven futile. The NSCN-K has accused the Naga Hoho, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), the Nagaland People’s Movement for Human Right (NPMHR), the Naga Mothers Association (NMA) and even the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government of a pro-NSCN-IM stance. On May 29, 2006, the NSCN-K on accused Chief Minister Rio of providing security to NSCN-IM cadres at Dimapur and Zunheboto. The Chairman of the NSCN-K Ceasefire Supervisory Board, Kughalu Mulatonu, had alleged that the Chief Minister dispatched security personnel belonging to the Indian Reserve Battalion to protect the NSCN-IM cadres. There appear to be no principled and non-discriminatory efforts to contain the factional violence in Nagaland, and the militant groups remain a law unto themselves, immune to any suggestions or corrective measures. Under the circumstances, and in view of the enormous suffering continuously being inflicted on innocent civilians, it is time the centre reviewed its ‘hands off’ policy and made a proper assessment of the anarchy on the ground that its deals with the insurgent outfits have yielded. The conditions of the government’s ceasefire with the NSCN factions have been clearly defined, and they cannot be allowed to be habitually violated with impunity.
M. Amarjeet Singh is Research Associate, Institute for Conflict Management. Courtesy, the South Asia Intelligence Review of the South Asia Terrorism Portal.
Office of profit issue haunts North East Nagaland Post
GUWAHATI, JUN 28 (UNI&PTI): The 'office of profit' issue has returned to haunt the MLAs of the North East who happen to be the main protagonists of the entire episode where Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh recorded the maximum violation. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is having a tough time along with 24 other MLAs of Arunachal Pradesh. Of the total 230 MLAs who hit the list of the Election Commission for holding 'offices of profit', 75 are from North East, a staggering 32.60 per cent. Asom is, however, excluded from the list as it has a new assembly. Out of these 75 MLA's, 25 each are from Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh. Sikkim accounts for 17 MLAs, Manipur for six and Nagaland for two.
Arunachal Pradesh BJP MLA Kameng Doley last night alleged that 24 MLAs of the state had violated the law and their names had been sent to the Election Commission. Sikkim has more than 50 per cent of its MLAs in the list, which is by far the highest ratio in the country. However, Meghalaya and Asom are not in the hit list. According to an official report, the Election Commission had sent notices to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio asking him to reply by Friday after opposition leader I Imkong and 14 other leaders complained that Rio was allegedly holding the post of Chairman of Nagaland Bamboo Mission and State Sports Council. Of the Lok Sabha members across the country whose names appear on a separate EC list, Arunachal Pradesh MP Kiren Rijiju also finds a place. Meanwhile, all the 25 ruling Congress and supporting independent MLAs of Arunachal Pradesh have submitted replies to the Election Commission on BJP petitions demanding disqualification of their assembly membership for holding offices of profit, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tako Dabi said today.
Dabi told PTI that he along with four other MLAs went to Delhi to submit the replies to the Election Commission on June 26, two days before the deadline. He said the MLAs, including Chief Minister Gegong Apang, will not be affected as legislators in Arunachal Pradesh are immune from disqualification due to the Arunchal Pradesh Legislative Members (prohibition of disqualification) Act 1977 which was amended by the assembly last month.
Eastern trade corridor The Assam Tribune editorial
The history of Sino-Indian trade link has repeated itself on June 18, 2006 when the much awaited agreement to resume border trade through Nathula Pass between India and China was reached after a lay-long talk between delegations of the two countries at Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. It may be recalled that it was the dream of then Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee to bring back the trade relation between the two countries and during his visit to Beijing in June, 2003, he floated the idea of reopening the trade route at Nathula. His idea, in fact, triggered a sincere mutual approach to the issue from both New Delhi and Beijing camps. The continuous efforts during these three years have culminated into the historic agreement of re-opening trade through the mountainous Nathula Pass with effect from July 6, 2006.

Reopening of the centuries old trade route goes far beyond commercial ties. What is more important is that it marks a new era in Sino-Indian relationship which has witnessed intermitant occasions of ups and downs since Dalai Lama’s flight from Tibet in 1959 and the 1962 Chinese aggression of India’s eastern borders. The uneasy relationship since then had prevented both nations from tapping the economic potential of their land-locked territories along their disputed borders. The re-opening of Nathula Pass is also of strategic importance. It not only indicates revival of mutual trust but also an implicit signal that the Chinese government has abandoned its long drawn policy of treating Sikkim as an independent nation “annexed” by India in 1975. The trade negotiations between the two countries too, went through a long and bumpy route since it was launched with an initial agreement in 1991, while the venue of the two border markets was decided between the two countries in 2003. Since Nathula border lies in Sikkim, it is the traders of Sikkim, who are expected to benefit the most in initial stages. After the trade channel opens, the district magistrate or collector of East Sikkim will issue passes to the interested traders. The reopening of the trade route after almost four and half decades since 1962 war will give a major boost to the local economies of the land-locked mountainous regions of the two Asian giants – China and India. The agreement allows residents living on both sides of the border of two countries at the moment to trade about 40 commodities identified as being of interest to the residents, though the number of such commodities according to border trade agreements of 1991, 1992 and also 2003 was confined to 28 only. The items that could be traded after the border reopens on July 6, 2006, include agricultural implements, blankets, food grains, agro-chemical products, dry fruits, beverages and canned food.

The u-turn in Sino-Indian relationship came when the Chinese acceptance of Sikkim as an Indian territory was reciprocated by India agreeing to accept the Tibetan Autonomous region as a part of China. The leader of Chinese delegation and the Vice-Chairman of Tibean Autonomous Region rightly observes that the reopening of border trade will help ending economic isolation in the area and play a key role in boosting market economy there with development of transport facilities, construction and service industries, paving, thereby, the way for a major trade route connecting China and South Asia. It may be noted that trade through Nathula Pass, which was suspended in 1962, in fact, accounted for as much as 80 per cent of the total border trade volume between China and India in early twentieth century. India should take the opportunity of this trade route to extend her commercial linkage to far off ASEAN nations. However, the India-Asean free trade agreement (FTA) which was the dream of then Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee and which also had the approval of the present Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, has now hit some political road blocks. Though New Delhi had originally proposed to keep 1414 trade items on the negative list, it had later reduced the list to 854 items that would not be subjected to duty cuts. The ten-country ASEAN block now wants to reduce it to 60 items, which is untenable to Indian political sensitivities. Further, India proposes tariff rate quotas (TRQ) for import of products like palm oil, pepper, tea and coffee. Through this, India wanted specified quantity of these products at lower or zero duty with other items subjected to normal tariff of nearly 90 per cent in case of palm oil. In fact, TRQs were seen as the way out for the UPA government which had been caught in a bind with Sonia Gandhi asking the Prime Minister to ensure that the interests of Indian farmers were not affected, while the ASEAN was putting pressure on India to open up its trade. What is necessary in this context is to make further attempts through trade negotiations with ASEAN and hammer out a meeting point to came out with FTA agreement which will benefit both India and ASEAN block. Only then would this historical trade resumption meet its logical conclusion.

Frans on 06.29.06 @ 02:43 PM CST [link]


Wednesday, June 28th

Nothing less than sovereignty: NSCN-IM


Nothing less than sovereignty: NSCN-IM Nagaland Post Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUN 27 (NPN): Amidst speculations that the ongoing peace talks between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) has been reduced to mere issue of "autonomy," the NSCN (IM) has reiterated that Nagas will not accept anything less than 'sovereignty." "There is no compromise on NSCN's stand on sovereignty," said Phungthing Shimrang, convenor, CFMC, while echoing the recurrent statements of the collective leadership that "Sovereignty rests with the people. It's the right of the Nagas." Confirming Union Minister Oscar Fernandes' disclosure that the recent talks between the GoI and NSCN (IM) was "fruitful," Phungthing said the last talks went without any "deadlock."
"As of now, things are moving," the senior NSCN leader told media persons at the CFMC office, Dimapur on Tuesday. He was, however, elusive to a query to the proposals given by the Government of India. Reacting to certain civil societies accusing the faction of not adhering to the ground rules, Phungthing said it was easy to pass the blame on them as the NSCN (IM) is at the helm of ceasefire. The CFMC convenor also said that though the NSCN (IM) has made propositions to change the ground rules, nothing has come out so far from the GoI side.On the directive issued by superintendents of police of various districts, the NSCN leader said "both have to be consulted before applying any rules," adding the ceasefire is between the GoI and NSCN (IM).
"The issue of law and order doesn't concern us," said CFMC convenor and substantiated his argument by saying that even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had also recently clarified the matter to be that of the state government's concern. Questioning the sincerity of Indian government over the Naga imbroglio, the NSCN leader also accused the former of utilizing "some agencies in creating confusion among the Nagas."
On the question of roping in a "third party" in the talks, Phungthing said "bringing a third party into the talks will be good, but the Indian government was opposed to it."
‘We have not given up the rights to sovereignty’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, June 27 (MExN): With the issue of ‘Federal-arrangement’ receiving much prominence ever since commencement of the June Amsterdam talks with the Government of India, the NSCN-IM has reaffirmed that it has not given up the “rights to sovereignty” and to this effect, appealed to all to refrain from “the speculations.”
Brigadier Pungthing Shimrang, Convener of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, NSCN (IM) addressing the press conference held June 27 at the Cell, Dimapur. (MExPix)
“The question of this or that arrangement, this federal or that autonomy arrangement does not arise. We have not given up the rights to sovereignty” Brigadier Phungting Shimrang, Convener of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, NSCN-IM asserted at a press conference held at the CFMC office at Diphupar 4th Mile, Dimapur. The Convener was convinced that the “speculations” on the Federal-arrangement issue are the handiwork of divisive forces. “These are clearly the works of certain forces who are creating confusion among the people. We should be analytical to these issues. There is confusion because there is ignorance about the processes of the issues involved” Brigadier Shimrang asserted adding in the course of any struggle there are always ups-and-downs. He maintained that the “speculations” are in fact meant to divert the people from the other more pressing issues of the movement. However, he admitted that while ‘Federal arrangement’ was discussed, there was no way Sovereignty is being given up.
To the query if the NSCN (IM) is actually adhering to the agreed ceasefire ground rules, implicative of the factional clashes in various parts of Nagaland state, the Brigadier categorically stated that the rules are exclusive to the NSCN (IM) and the GOI and not with “others”. “Everyone says ceasefire ground rules should be followed in Toto and spirit, should be adhered. We are adhering to it of course. See, the ceasefire is only between the Government of India and the NSCN not others” the Convener said adding that “it” (factional clashes) is not a law and order problem. “We are being defensive not offensive” he added in reference to the recent clashes.
The Convener also blamed the GOI for failing to implement the ceasefire rules. “The government of India has failed to implement what it should have been implementing. They say the rules should be implemented but when it comes to the NSCN, cadres are being arrested, killed and arms seized” he maintained.
Office of profit: NPF says Rio ‘protected’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, June 27 (MExN): Maintaining that the Election Commission of India “seeking reply” from Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on his chairing both the Nagaland Bamboo Mission and State Sports Council vis-à-vis office of profit, the State NPF asserted that Rio is well ‘protected’ courtesy a clause in the Constitution. However ‘doubts’ were cast on the “fate” of Opposition Congress leader I Imkong.
“Attention may be drawn to Clause 8 of the Schedule of the Nagaland State Legislature members (Removal of Disqualification) Act 1964 (Nagaland Act No. 1 of 1964) which states, “the office of Chairman, Vice Chairman, Vice Chairman or Member or member of any committee, board or authority appointed by the Government of India or the Government of any state specified in the First Schedule of the Constitution” NPF Press Secretary R Paphino stated. “The standing law itself is clear and sufficient to accrue protection of the Chief Minister” the statement added although no elaboration was given how the quoted clause in any way implied protection.
On the contrary, the NPF expressed ‘doubts’ on the position of Congress leader of Opposition I Imkong. “Despite the nagging developments, the Chief Minister’s position is safe and sound. However, we have reservation and doubt about the position of the Leader of Opposition whose fate is in peril as his status is not covered for protection under any law or act” the NPF stated. The party also claimed that lodging complaint and furnishing subsequent reply is a normal procedure “being observed throughout the country”.
NSF reminds on June 28 IRB debate The Morung Express

Dimapur, June 27 (MExN): The Naga Students Federation (NSF) has reminded all concern that the Federation is organizing a discussion and debate on the proposed raising of another batch of Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) by the Government of Nagaland. The debate would be held on June 28, 10am at the Zonal Council Hall, Kohima near the MLA Hostel. The NSF has invited two members each from all its federating units, subordinate bodies including the Eastern Naga Students Federation (ENSF), five members from the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA),the Naga Hoho, two members each from all tribal Hohos including the Eastern Naga Peoples’ Organization (ENPO), two members each from the Press/media, family members, all political parties, well-wishers and concerned individuals and organizations to promptly participate in the mentioned debate and discussion. This was informed by K Elu Ndang, NSF General Secretary.
Naga Hoho meet inconclusive The Morung Express

KOHIMA, JUNE 27 (MExN): The Naga Hoho emergency Federal Assembly held today to discuss on the ongoing peace process ended on an inconclusive note. The assembly dwelled mostly on the ongoing peace process, but ended inconclusive, said the Acting President, Keviletuo. However, the issue of electing its new President did not surface in today assembly session. “We cannot resolve in one go, discussion will continue”, he added. The Hoho is likely to convene another session in the month of July to further the discussion on the peace process.
NSCN (IM) clarifies on Zunheboto truce deal The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JUNE 27 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has stated that given the circumstances and atmosphere in which its officials were made to sign the Zunheboto ceasefire agreement, they could have been killed in the event the agreement was not signed. “It was on account of the circumstances of mental and physical duress in which the ceasefire agreement was made to sign disqualifies itself. Hence, his Excellency the Yaruiwo, Mr Isak Chishi Swu annulled the ceasefire agreement with the Khaplang group”, a statement issued by the NSCN (IM) stated.
Contrary to what the Sumi Hoho had stated about the June 14 ceasefire agreement between leaders of the NSCNs in the presence of the Sumi public, the NSCN (IM) has alleged that the NSCN (K) came with arms in civilian dresses. “In fact, Mr Aheto, Mr Hozheto of (K) group participated in the meeting with exposed arms tucked in their waists and many cadres of (K) group with full arms were loitering in the meeting premises, which had been witnessed by the people present there i.e., the NGOs and public present there who were cooking for the participants of the meeting”, informed the MIP press clarification.
The statement pointed out that the Sumi NGOs spearheaded by the Sumi Hoho had invited the NSCN (IM) to attend a ‘peace initiative’ meeting with the NSCN (K) on the condition to participate unarmed and in maintaining cordial meeting presentation, to be observed by both the sides on June 14.
“Following the assured norms of the meeting, the NSCN team came unarmed with the best of intention and with full confidence upon the Sumis responsible organizations”, it stated.
The NSCN (IM) also stated that while Sumi NGOs had assured of the agreement that both the parties would refrain from firing during the meeting, the NSCN (K) cadres it alleged fired continuously and that the Sumi NGOs did not raise any objections. The NSCN (IM) also pointed out that while the meeting concluded at around 5 pm, not a single Sumi NGO member accompanied the Deputy Kilonser and his team to see them off safely whereas, the Sumi NGOs went to drop the NSCN (K) representatives for reasons best known to them.
The MIP statement further alleged that around 8:30 pm during the return of its unarmed team that the NSCN (K) cadres led by Akheto way-laid them near Chisholimi village where the armed cadres fired several rounds. “They were intimidated and only after appeal and mention of the ceasefire were they freed to proceed”, the NSCN (IM) informed. Both the drivers of the vehicle which the Sumi Hoho sent for the transportation of the NSCN (IM) representatives are witnesses to this incident of confrontation, it stated further pointing out that the people belonging to Chisholimi, Chishilimi, Mukalimi and Ghathashi villages also heard the gunshots fired by the NSCN (K) cadres during the encounter.
“Thus the circumstances and state under which this agreement was signed proves the Khaplang group’s dictated and insincere nature of sinister assurances, which was designed to terminate all doors towards peace”, the NSCN (IM) stated.
The NSCN (IM) also stated that the Sumi Hoho should responsibly uphold the truth basing on facts witnessed rather than succumbing to the dictates of the NSCN (K) and that it should expose the facts to the people in what had gone wrong, where, why and how, so that the Naga people may understand the reality of the problem at hand and not be misguided by wrong press statements.
“The NSCN/GPRN would like to clarify to all that we believe in peaceful solutions to all differences. But all resolutions to peace should be based on national principles, sincerity, trust and respect”, the MIP statement pointed out.
Centre play positive note on NESO's demands Morung Express News
KOHIMA The North East Students Organization (NESO), which went last week to New Delhi carrying with it vital issues confronting the region, returned home after having a 'fruitful interaction,' and receiving positive note from the latter, according to NESO officials.
The 20-member delegation comprising of NESO officials and representatives of its constituent units, met Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Home Minister Shivraj Patel, Tribal Welfare Minister PR Kyndiah and leader of Opposition, LK Advani. The delegation had a cordial interaction on the various issues, which was included in a memorandum submitted by the organization to the Prime Minister.
NESO General Secretary, NSN Lotha and Naga Students Federation (NSF) General Secretary K Elu Ndang speaking to the media today said that the delegation had a fruitful interaction with the Prime Minister, who reportedly told the team that the organization could play an important role in the peace process as well as for the development of the region.
Lotha said that the delegation submitted an 8-points charter of demands for immediate redress. The charter included demands regarding education policy and human-resource development, comprehensive policy for illegal immigrants and refugees, economic package and infrastructure development, employment policy, inter-state boundary issues, cellular service matters in the North East region and special constitutional status for the people of the NE states.
Further, the Prime Minister assured the delegation that he would look into the issue of non-availability of roaming facility for pre-paid cellular service consumers.
Leader of Opposition LK Advani also appreciated what he is purportedly termed the NESO as a unique alliance of NE student organizations under the banner of NESO.He is reported to have admitted that New Delhi has not addressed problems related to the North East Region with all seriousness because of the factor of distance.
NSN Lotha also said the Home Minister impressed upon the delegation on the rich bio-genetic wealth of the region, and assured that if the resources are to be developed, the Centre is willing to provide any amount of financial help. However, the students’ body rejected the idea, except for the studies on plants and animals.
PR Kyndiah, Tribal Welfare Minister also assured the delegation to provide library facilities to all the NE states at the earliest, besides looking into other educational problems faced by the region, Lotha said.
The demand for setting up of an administrative office to cater to the 'Look East Policy,' which is being proposed to be set up in Kolkata and special constitutional status for the people of the North East region were deliberated. However, they could not get any assurance from the Centre on these issues, Lotha informed.
AR organizes medical camp at Bhagty Morung Express

Kohima, June 27 (MExN): The 40 Assam Rifles organized a free medical camp on June 25 at Bhagty Village under Wokha district.
In the medical camp, altogether 525 patients, 218 children, from in and around the village, were administered medical treatment for various ailments. The camp was held under the supervision of Dr. K. Ramchiyari, SMO and a team of paramedics from the 40 Assam Rifles, according to PIB (Defence Wing). The medical camp evoked much enthusiasm and appreciation amongst the locals and village elders, a release from the force added. The Bhagty villagers appreciated the efforts of 40 Assam Rifles in helping the villagers by organizing such camps and called for such frequent camps in the remote villages as well.
Breach of trust causes further deadlock in the Indo-Naga Peace talks
India shows two forked tongue Naga International Support Center Nagarealm.com
Naga International Support Center, NISC www.nagalim.nl A human rights organization

Press Release
Amsterdam June 25 2006

The Naga International Support Center calls on the Indian Government to once and for all show its sincerity, to stop supporting fighting among Nagas and to come up with a policy which shows to the Indian populace what it’s policy is for Nagaland its Accountability for more than 50 years of military presence in Nagaland, is required.
While the talks themselves are held in an amicable atmosphere and the commitments to arrive at a mutually agreeable and honorable peace accord are time and again confirmed and reinforced, India props up adversary elements to undermine its Naga partner at the talks for peace.

The question now is: Is India sincere in its endeavor to end this war once and for all? The congress Government in power in 1995 delivered the commitment openly, stating that the military solution is not possible, opening all avenues to negotiate with the Nagas on an equal basis

At the same time, through the years and now quite openly, India reinforced the results of its divide and rule policy by providing the NSCN-K and the remnants of the Naga National Council, funds and arms to fight against the NSCN who by the Government of India itself are the recognized representatives of the Naga Peoples, with which is partnering in the peace talks.

Time and again the Indian Government negotiators have reassured the Naga negotiators to contain these groups, so fighting among the Nagas could stop.

However, tt looks like the negotiators are alienated from the ground realities, for Assam Rifles and Indian Reserved Police team up with the said groupings to initiate confrontations and providing the logistics. They in turn call it factional fighting, which is then misleading both the Nagas and the outside world. This public statement made by the NSC-K reveals all

“The Indians are not our enemies. It is the NSCN-IM.”

The recent confrontations between K and IM are no factional clashes but Government of India induced confrontations. The NSCN-K, in line with the Government of India’s desire to settle for a Nagaland State wanted the NSCN-IM to sign a cease fire agreement. When the NSCN-IM representatives refused, saying that NSCN-IM stands for every inch of Naga soil, the K people threatened, fired and, under duress, made them sign the agreement. Such behavior by the K has been condemned by the NSCN-IM and the people.

This deliberate breech of trust, provocatively shown by the K and backed up the Indian Government, will certainly imperil the talks to the point of abrogation.

The Indian Government is solely responsible for the continuous violence, but NISC does not think the Indian Government could so shortsighted that it will inevitably lead its Armed Forces back into full fledged war.

NISC calls on the common sensed leaders of the Government of India to end this war.

For more information on the history of the NNC and NSCN-K visit our website www.nagalim.nl Or get in touch via nisc@nagalim.nl">nisc@nagalim.nl
TODAY'S EDITORIAL Breaking the Tribal Sting Morung Express
The Morung Express Poll held last week witnessed an overwhelming 94% of the respondents categorically agreeing that tribalism is destroying the very fabric of the Naga society. Only 4% responded in the negative while the remaining 2% stood on the fence. The observation that most Naga tribes have their own ethnocentrisms not only in respect to other tribes but also within their own communities therefore cannot be wholly denied. That tribalism is a curse for Nagas as Caste System is for the Hindu society as commented by one respondent should therefore be taken as a warning that the structural flaws within the tribal order will need critical intervention of the society.
Unfortunately, the “curse” doesn’t seem to limit itself only to intra-tribal systems. As per response of the poll even the Naga national movement has been invaded by the Tribalism virus. Factional killings are almost taking the form of a tribal feud infusing deep hatred against one another and thereby preventing any form of dialogue to take place. Another sad commentary is that Nagas are a jealous race that always hates to see progress in someone; when one progress, everybody wants a part to bring them down. It has also been observed that people have become so narrow-minded; one cannot speak one’s mind freely because they start threatening you in the name of clan, village (or) tribe. The slow deterioration of brotherly ethos in the so-called Christian society of the Nagas is therefore a matter of serious concern.
Tribalism as we see it today in its ugly manifestation is therefore no better than communalism and in a way is similar to those who espouse communal ideology—the creation of the belief that people who follow the same religion have common secular interests i.e. common political, economic, social and cultural interests. This is the bedrock of any isms whether one calls it communalism or tribalism. To say that in a multi-tribal society like the Nagas, the secular interest of one tribe are dissimilar or opposed and divergent from other tribes is therefore a dangerous notion to subscribe to. Thus, like the communalists who will assert that Hindus and Muslims or Sikhs or Christians cannot have common secular interests and are bound to be opposed to each other, in a similar fashion different tribes will be seen as mutually incompatible, antagonistic and hostile to each other.
If one studies the phenomenon of religious communalism it is observed that the functioning of a modern democratic political system in a traditional society divided among caste and diverse religious communities has led to the growth of this virus. The pre-requisite conditions for the smooth functioning of a liberal democratic system are not yet fulfilled. As a result, more often than not religion and caste become convenient means for political mobilization. Thus the compulsion of electoral politics in an uneven economy and traditional society has contributed to the continuation of communalism.
Similarly in the context of the Nagas, going by the trend, society appears to have more of a tribal sting than a secular character. One has to remember that a secular state and society guarantees individual freedom, deals with the individual as a citizen, is not connected to any particular tribe nor does it seek to promote or interfere with the tribe. In the Naga context therefore, while the institutional norms governing the State and society preaches secular ideas, the existential reality is characterized by the growth of tribalism and inter-tribal rivalry and conflict.
Admit it or not, tribalism in Naga society is here to stay. Rather than deny it, attempts must be made to initiate a dialogue to address the issue rather than to conveniently brush it under the carpet. The scourge of tribalism that exists underneath the surface could one day divide and destroy Naga society. It is time for educated Nagas to begin reexamining afresh beliefs, customs and social practices that foment chauvinistic attitude and at the same time encouraging the growth of a rational-scientific outlook in order to instill a progressive mindset. Most importantly, society has to be reorganized along democratic lines and on ideas of individual equality, reason, tolerance and promoting pan Naga feelings and spirit of nationalism. On a more practical level, various suggestions have been made over the years in seminars and public discussions. For instance in schools, students from the same tribe should not be hostel roommates and must learn to stay or live with someone from another tribe or language group. Similarly, tribal picnics, unions, associations, etc. should be discouraged. Rather, one should encourage class or inter-tribal picnics, unions, fellowships, etc. Promoting inter-tribal marriage is a popular suggestion and there is great merit in this. Even suggestions of having only inter-tribal colonies, inter-tribal churches, inter-tribal clubs, associations, etc can be taken up. It will take a long time at least to do away with tribalism in Naga society, but one must make every effort to reduce this evil.
Sino-Indian border talks conclude Assam Tribune
BEIJING, June 27 – India and China today discussed various aspects of the agreed framework for a settlement to their boundary dispute and decided to hold the next round of talks between their special representatives on the issue in India at a mutually convenient date, reports PTI. National Security Adviser and India’s representative at the talks M K Narayanan and his Chinese counterpart Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo held two-day talks in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi province and Beijing. The two have been tasked with finding a package boundary deal within the framework of the guiding principles.

“The special representatives continued their discussions on an agreed framework for a boundary settlement on the basis of the Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for Settlement of India-China Boundary Question,” the Indian Embassy said in a brief statement after the conclusion of the in-camera negotiations. Talks were held in a friendly, cooperative and constructive atmosphere, the release said commenting on the eight round of talks on the issue.

Both sides agreed to hold the next round of talks between the Special Representatives in India at a mutually convenient time, which will be decided later through the diplomatic channel, the release said. Narayanan also had separate meetings with Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing during which they discussed bilateral issues and especially the ongoing boundary negotiation process.
Implement memo or face stir: NESO Staff Reporter Nagaland Post KOHIMA: The North East Students' Organization on Tuesday exuded confidence that the Union Government would duly address its memorandum submitted on June 17 even as it said if the Centre failed to act on the matter, the NESO would resort to "non-violent but aggressive" movement to press for its demands.
Addressing a press conference here, NESO general secretary N. S. N. Lotha said his union was very hopeful that the Union Government would look into the matter (memorandum) seriously, while claiming that the NESO delegation's recent trip to Delhi was very successful. Mr. Lotha said the eight-point charter of demands submitted by the NESO to the various Central leaders, including the Prime Minister, should be referred to as "book of testimony" as it, according to him, reflected the most vital issues of the northeastern region.
The NESO general secretary also said officials of Commonwealth met the NESO delegation and expressed their keenness to take up various kinds of youth activities, particularly in sports and environment, in the Northeast, adding the Commonwealth would examine whether or not the NESO would be the right agency to take up the works. On the peace process in the region, Mr. Lotha said the Prime Minister told the student delegation that there should be sincerity on both the sides while admitting that the NESO had a great responsibility towards the peace process in the Northeast. Referring to the cellular services in the region, he said the Prime Minister was surprised to hear about the poor connectivity in the region and assured the student delegation of looking into the matter positively.
The Prime Minister also said if the demand of the NESO for special constitutional status to the Northeastern states was to be implemented, the Constitution of India would have to be amended and an Act passed in the Parliament, Mr. Lotha said. Terming the NESO delegation's meeting with Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil as encouraging, the general secretary of the region's premier student body said the minister observed that the Northeast had every right to bio-genetic wealth which, if generated properly, could make the states of the region the richest ones of the country. Mr. Patil also assured the union of sanctioning enough money for any viable projects in the Northeast, Mr. Lotha added.
However, the NESO categorically pointed out that it would not allow human hereditary study except for plants and animals, he said. He further said the Union Home Minister would take up NESO's demand for special economic package for the Northeast with the Planning Commission. Meanwhile, joining the press conference, NSF general secretary K. Elu Ndang said their recent visit to Delhi was "positive and fruitful."
Affinities between Nagas and Tribes of Southern Seas Nagarealm.com R.B. Thohe Pou
Abstract: The study of similarities between Nagas and tribes of southern seas (Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan etc) is to trace the origin of Nagas. The present study of affinities between Nagas and tribes of southern seas is convincing that they had same ancestor/group and originated from same place...
Similarities between Nagas and Tribes of Southern Seas (Note: For more articles from the same author, login to www.nagasonline.com)
The comparative study of the Nagas in India and Myanmar and some of the Indigenous People of Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan shows their similarities in their socio-cultural life. The Naga scholars believed that Nagas lived in the Chindwin and Irranwandy valley before they migrated to Naga Hills. They also believed that they lived near the Island or Southern seas coastal areas and retreated to north west of Myanmar and later migrated to the Naga Hills - while the other groups of Naga went further to the southern seas of Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan and Philippines. Many authorities on Naga suggested that the custom and tradition of Naga is very resembled with those tribes in Southern Seas (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippine etc). Some of the tribes living in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Taiwan are quite similar with the Naga people in many aspects. The custom and tradition practices by Nagas like Headhunting, Dormitory system, Tattooing, Platform burial, looms, terraces rice field etc are resemble to those tribes in the Southern Seas. Mc Govern writes that Nagas are very similar to the Dyaks and Kayans of Borneo, Bataks of Sumatra and certain groups of Formosa (Taiwan) and several other groups in Philippines. Some of the other writers like, W.C. Smith, Barrows, Shakespeare etc, described the affinities of Nagas with those tribes of Malaysia, Borneo, Philippines, Indonesia and Sumatra.
I. Affinities between Nagas and Igorots (Philippines Tribes) Barrows writes on Igorots, the tribe of Philippines that it is the customs of all these tribes to chop off the head of the victims in battle or murder and carry them home as trophies, where they form the object of feasting and celebrations.
The Igorots (Philippines tribe) are grouped into six ethno-linguistic groups like Bontoc, Ibaloi, Ifugao, Isneg (Apayao) Kankanaey and Kalinga. The ethno-linguistic groups of Igorots like Bontoc, Isneg and Kalinga were well known for their Headhunting like the Nagas in India. The Nagas carried home the chop off head of the victims as trophies and celebrated with other people in the village. The practice of headhunting was based on the belief that great power lies in human head. It was also believed that when the headhunter brought the head of their enemy - it brings fertility and bumper crops in their fields. The warriors or headhunters who brought the heads of the victim were highly respected in the society in those days. Headhunting was gradually changed with the advent of Christianity to Igorots and Nagas. The tradition and custom of the Igorots tribe in Philippines is very similar to the Naga tribes in India in many aspects. Some of the similarities in their tradition and customs are given below as –
“The Bontoc live in the bank of the Chico River. It used to be a group that was known because of its Headhunting practices. Present day Bontocs are peaceful agricultural people who have, by choice retained most of their contacts with other people…The Isneg inhabits in the banks of the Apayao River and its tributaries in Northern Luzon. Like most erstwhile Headhunters. The Kalingas are noted for their strong sense of tribal awareness and the peace pacts they have made among themselves. They practice both wet and dry rice farming and they have developed an institution of peace pacts which has minimized traditional warfare and Head-hunting.”1
The headhunting practiced was reported in Philippines by Martin de Rada in 1577 and this practiced was abandoned formally by Kalingas group of Luzon only in the beginning of the 20th century.2 Headhunting in Naga Hills virtually ceased soon after the British commenced to control over in many Naga villages, though it continued in Tuensang areas and some other villages where British interference is ineffective. The last headhunting in Naga Hills was reported and recorded in 1958.3
The Morung (Nagas Dormitory) system practiced in olden days was same with those Igorots. The young Naga boys and girls slept in their Morungs (dormitories) in ancient time. In those days, the Morung was the center of education to learn many things in their lives. Different kinds of training were carried out in Men’s Morung. In every village there were two or three Morungs both for boys and girls. The young men and women continue to live in Morung till they are married. The boys go to girls Morung but the girls were not permitted to enter in boys Morung. After the advent of Christianity in Naga Hills - Morungs were vanished from the village. The Bontoc and Kankanaey groups of Igorots were also well known for their dormitory system. The Bontoc,
“Traditionally, young men and women lived in dormitories and ate meals with their families. This gradually changed as with advent of Christianity…Two famous institutions of the Kankana-ey Mountains province are the Dap-ay the men’s dormitory and civic center, and the Ebgan, the girl’s dormitory where courtship between young men and women took place.”4
During the time of dormitory system prevailed in Naga society - the courtship between young men and women took place in girls’ dormitory. Still some young boys used to sleep together in a house in some villages but the Morung system is no more existing where courtship is carried out like in the olden days. The young men going to girls’ house to have fun together or courtship is still very common in some Naga villages.
The Ibaloi and Ifugao groups are also well known for their prestige feast of the wealthy. This kind of feast is quite similar to the Nagas’ Feast of Merits. During the Naga’s Feast of Merit, the host or donor of the feast offer to kill lots of Mithun (Buffaloes), Cows etc and distributed to the villagers. The host also freely provided abundant of rice beer to the villagers. The Feast of Merit continues for 4-5 days in many tribes but the number of days of feast varies from one tribe to another tribes.
“The Ibalois’s feast is the Pesshet, a public prestige feast of the wealthy, that could last for weeks and involving the butchering and sacrifice dozens of animals…The Ifugao’s highest prestige feast are the “Hagabi” for the most wealthy, and the “Uyauy” a feast for those immediately below the wealthiest.”5
The Naga people also have the similar system of feast like Hagabi and Uyauy for the rich and very rich people. The amount of distribution of meats and offering rice beer is depended on the donor of the Feast of Merit (Zhosou) according to his richness. In Naga society - a wealthy person repeats the Feast of Merit a number of times. The wealthy people treated the Feast of Merits more than one village, while the less wealthy people treated the feast only in their village. It also depends on richness of the donor to butcher how many animals for the villagers.
One of the Naga Scholars late Shimray wrote, “The philosophy behind the performance of feast of merit is that the performer is honoured when he alive and remembered after death. The deeper philosophy involved is, however, the sense of generosity and the warm heartedness towards the poor people who are fed on the occasion.”6 The last Feast of Merit in Poumai Naga tribe was held in January 2004 at Liyai Khullen village and another Feast of Merit was held in 1999 in Koide village (My native village). The Feast of Merit is hardly reported in 21st century in many Naga villages since most of the Nagas adopted Christianity. The heathens also seem giving less important in Feast of Merit due to influence of the Christianity.
The Ifugao and Kalingas groups are good in terrace rice cultivation and their type of terrace farming is similar with the Nagas. “The country of the Ifugao in the southern part of the Cordillera region is best known for its famous rice terraces, which in modern times have become one of the big tourist attractions of the Philippines… The Kalingas…practice both wet and dry rice farming…The Kankan-ey built showing terraces to maximized farm space in the rugged terrain of the Cordilleras”7
W.C. Smith an authority of Nagas also pointed out the similarities between Nagas and Dayaks of Kalimantan (Borneo) in rice terrace cultivation. There are lots of similarities between the Nagas and the tribes of Igorots in Philippines in terrace cultivation. All the Naga tribes practiced terrace fields cultivation especially in Poumai Naga areas, where there is no much shifting cultivation in present context. About the disputes in Naga village, some of the leaders (elders) in the village deals all kind of disputes arise in the village. Naga society is a democratic society; all the people involved in any disputes depending on the seriousness of the problem. But the leaders in the villages settle the disputes, which do not need to take the voices of the public. The kind of dispute settlement by the Naga leaders is parallel to those Kalinga societies. The Kalinga society, “Disputes are usually settled by the regional leaders, who listen to all sides and then impose fines on the guilty party. There are the formal council meetings but carry a good deal authority.”8
II. Affinities between Nagas and the Tribes of Malaysia The largest state in Malaysia, Sarawak is comprised of ethnically diverse population, which consists of both the indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. The indigenous people constitute of Bisayuh, Kenyaks, Iban, Malays, Pennan, Malanau, Kayan, Kelabit, Muruts and Pennan. The indigenous people according to the 2000 Census is 1.46 Millions, forming 70.6% of the total population of 2.07 millions. The Ibans also known as Sea Dayaks represent the largest group with a total population of 6000,000, which is 29.1% of the state total population. Like the Malays, the Ibans are of Proto-Malay decent; their origin traced back to Yunnam China.9 The Nagas tradition and customs have affinities with some of the Malaysia tribes in many aspects. The Iban, reputed to be the most fearsome of the Borneo’s headhunters,
“It was not so long ago that the Iban celebrated the captured heads with a great festival called Gawal Kenyalang (the Hornbill festival). It was believed that the magical power of the heads would bring strength, virtue and prosperity to the long house.”10
Peter Kunstadter who studied the south Asian tribes also mentioned about the headhunting in Sarawak and the rest of Borneo, “This is all tied up with the past traditions of headhunting and aggression and warlikness, which were very much a part of pagan animism among the hill peoples of Sarawak and the rest of Borneo.”11 The reason or the purpose of headhunting by the Iban is quite similar with the Nagas. The Nagas take a head to reveal his manhood also they believed that bringing a head to their village brings prosperity in the village. Nagas had their own beliefs about the value of human heads. They believed that heads of those belonging to villages other than their own would add to the fertility of the soil. It is also an important factor to bring the head to be recognized in the society12. The British intervention on Nagas headhunting after 1832 and introduction of Christianity brought to cease in headhunting. No longer, the Nagas practice headhunting but the skulls of man hanging in old Nagas houses can be still found in some remote villages.
“Thankfully the Iban no longer headhunt, and have adopted a peaceful agrarian lifestyle. Any modern day visitor to an Iban longhouse will testify that they are a generous, hospitable and placid people…. Although the majority of Iban are now a days Christian, many traditional rituals are still practiced, including the Gawai Dayak (harvest festival) Gawai Kenyalang (Hornbill festival) and Gawai Antu (festival of the dead). The traditional Iban religion is a fusion of animistic and Hindu-Buddhist beliefs, and they worship a triumvirate of gods under the authority of Singalang Burung, the bird-god of war, Iban woman are superb weavers, using the back strap loom, while Iban men are excellent silversmiths.”13
The ancient Nagas and the Iban people were resembled in their tradition and customs, like Headhunting, animistic religion, harvesting festival, hornbill festival, woman-weaving etc. The Harvesting festival and Hornbill festival are still very common in Nagaland (Nagalim). Every year the Hornbill festival is hold in Nagaland. Recently the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland was held from 1st –5th December 2004 at newly constructed Naga Heritage Complex at Kisama. The majority of the Nagas had adopted Christianity but they still practiced traditional festival like the Iban people. Both ancient and modern people of Iban are similar with the Nagas in India. The Nagas women are good in weaving clothes like the Iban women. All the Naga tribes have different beautiful color of shawls representing their own tribes. There are also many Nagas expert in blacksmiths. The Nagas men made all kinds of sword, dao, knife, spear etc for different purposes. Nagas are similar with the Iban people in religion, tradition and custom, festival, economic activities etc. Besides, they also have similar attitudes to the outsiders and to their fellow people. The Nagas are generous, hospitable, frankly, honest and amicable, as many authors on Nagas had written about the Nagas.
The Iban were largely known for their fierce reputation as warriors, particularly because of their headhunting tradition. In fact, it was as recent as during World War II, the community celebrated the victorious warriors of a headhunting raid with a grand festival called the Gawai Kenyalang (the Hornbill Festival). The tradition of headhunting gradually came to an end after the British made it illegal after the war. A large majority has become Christians although they still maintain their strong cultural identity and heritage, keeping their traditional beliefs.14 The Nagas are very resemble with those nomadic people of Penan tribe. Those Penan people who have converted into Christianity no longer live the nomadic life and have settled in long houses. Their long houses are similar with the ancient Naga houses where they built the big houses for the village chief and dormitories. The Orang Ulu another group of people from Borneo also resembles with the Naga people in some aspects. Most of the Orang Ulu people are now Christian and they are warm and hospitable people like the Nagas. Their long houses and woodcarvings houses are similar with the Naga ancient houses.
III. Affinities between Nagas and Indonesia Tribes There are some affinities between Naga tribe and some of the indigenous people in Indonesia. Some of the tribes in Indonesia like Batak, Dayak, Toraja, Bugis etc have some resemblance in their customs and tradition with the Naga people. Headhunting, house structure and social structure is similar with Naga tribe in India. Today, many Bataks tribe living in Sumatra were converted into Christianity and Islam. There are six groups of Batak living around Danu Toba who distinguish themselves with their languages and habits.15 The Nagas and Bataks tribes are parallel in their tradition and customs. Both the tribes were well known for their headhunting. They were isolated for centuries from other contacts living in the hilly regions.
“The Bataks, is infamous tribe of former cannibals and headhunters. Their bloody feuds and guerrilla attacks on each other’s villages gained an apparently well-earned reputation for ferocity. They also practiced ritual cannibalism in which a token piece of flesh – of a slain enemy or of one judge guilty of a major violation of traditional laws – was eaten. The heads and hands of war captives were preserved as trophies.”16
The Bataks also preserved the head of the war victims as trophies like the Naga tribe. In those days, reputation of man or manhood is reveal through their headhunting skills and bravery. The indigenous people in Borneo (Indonesia), known to the outside world as the Dayaks live by shifting rice cultivation and by farming of Sago palms. They are divided into different tribes, which were formerly prone to the internecine warfare that their headhunting customs demanded. Although, they are now mostly converted to Christianity, their cultures retain a great deal of their original vigor. Traditionally, the Dayaks live in communal long houses known as Lamin in East and West Kalimantan, Sarawak and Brunei. Long houses are usually built parallel to the river, and rice barns and storehouses containing valuable is kept separate from the main building, to keep away from fire.17 In most of the Naga villages, there is separate house like those of Dayak tribes for living and storehouse. Storehouses are build near to the main house, which keep rice barns, millets and other barns to avoid fire from main house incase any fire broke out from main house. The seafaring Bugis are found all over the Indonesian archipelago. They have settled in the Riau Islands, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sumbawa and Malaysia and have trading with all the smaller Islands. The Bugis have traditionally lived in pile-built wooden houses with slatted bamboo floors similar in style and layout to the basic Malay prototype. The characteristic decorative feature is a pair of crossed roof finials symbolizing buffalo horns.18
Some of the Naga tribes also lived in pile-built houses like those Bugis. The Nagas old house structure is very similar to that of Bugis old house, which have a pair of crossed roof symbolizing the buffalo horns. The Nagas who treated the ‘Feast of Merit’ to the people have such kind of house structure with diagonally crossed wooden beam, which is attached to the eaves of the house symbolizing the buffalo horns. The house with diagonally crossed wooden beam above the eaves is gradually vanishing. There is one Church at Senapati, Manipur where we can find the old Naga house structure with diagonally crossed concrete beam placed above the eaves symbolizing the buffalo horns. The Tana Toraja is located in the northern part of the South Sulaweshi Province. Toraja is a name of Bugis origin given to the different people of the mountainous regions of the northern part, which remained isolated until recently. Their native religion is megalithic and animistic, and is characterized by animal sacrifices, ostentatious funeral rites and huge communal feasts.
“In former times, Toraja villages were sited strategically on hilltops and fortified to such an extent that sometimes access was only possible through tunnels bored through rock. This was all part of then common Indonesian custom of headhunting and inter-village raids. The Dutch pacified the Toraja and forced them to leave the hills and to build their villages in the valleys, and they also introduced wet-rice cultivation.”19
The Nagas villages are also situated on hilltops and fortified in ancient time to protect from their enemies’ attack. There was headhunting between inter-village and tribe so it became necessary for them to fortify and to have village gate in all the villages. In the case of Nagas, the British pacified them and later there was no headhunting. On the front of the wall in most of the Toraja important houses are decorated with wooden buffalo head, adorned with actual horns.20 In most of the houses in Naga villages also have similar decoration like the Toraja houses with carved wooden buffalo horns and real buffaloes horns hanged on the front of the wall. The number of real buffalo hanging on the front wall is depends on how many cattle killed during the Feast of Merit. But the other carved wooden horns are depended on the sculptured and designed of the house owner. The carved wooden buffalo horns and real buffalo horns hanging on the front wall of the house are still found in many Nagas villages.
IV. Affinities between Nagas and Taiwan Tribes There are ten tribes in Taiwan (Formosa) and each tribe have different culture and tradition. The Puyuma and Tsou tribes have some resemblance with Nagas tribe in their tradition. The Payuma tribe had the institutions for males and they stayed in their Assembly Hall, so as to build them strong bodies to protect their tribe. Before men get married they stay in their assembly hall. These groups are divided according to their ages and they are trained to defend their tribe.21 The Nagas had very similar assembly hall or Morung, where males stay there and trained in different ways in singing, folkdance, fighting and other skills. The Naga men also lived in their Morung till they get married. To quote Elwin Verrier, he writes,
“Prominent in many villages is the Morung or dormitory for the young unmarried men – some tribes also have small house for the unmarried girls. The morung are guard-houses, recreation clubs, centres of education, art and discipline and have an important ceremonial purpose.”22
In Naga society even the females group also have assembly hall or Morung (dormitory) where different age group sleep together. The different activities carried out in Puyuma assembly hall and Nagas Morung is similar in many aspects. The TSOU tribe of Taiwan also have assembly hall. The young men lived in Assembly Hall and are trained in different skills before they are married. There are traditional taboos prohibiting the women from setting foot into the “Kuba” (the Assembly Halls)23 Like the Tsou tribe, the Naga tribe also have a kind of Assembly hall called “Morung”. The young man folk stay in Morung and were trained in different skills till they are married. The Naga young woman folk have separate Morung, the man can go to female’s Morung but the females are prohibited to enter into man’s Morung, which is also similar with the Tsou tribe. The Nagas belief that if woman enter the men’s dormitory, it would bring misfortune in the village, thus woman was restricted to enter in men’s Morung.
“Headhunting was a cultural practice of some of the indigenous tribe of Taiwan. The men of the Atayal tribes were required to bring back a head to earn manhood and the ability to marry headhunting struck fear in many settles on the Island who gave the people the name “savages”. The Japanese abolished the practice during their occupation from the 1890s to the 1940s.”24
The Naga tribes also required like the Atayal tribe of Taiwan to bring back a head to earn manhood and ability to get marry a beautiful woman in the village. For those people who could not get even single head couldn’t elevate their reputation and status in the society in those days. In those days, bringing a choke off head from other village is a must to be highly recognised and to earn high status in the society. The similarities in custom and tradition of Nagas with some of the Indigenous tribe in Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan is convincing that once the Nagas lived near the Southern Seas or Archipelago and migrated from the southern seas to the present Naga Hills. It also believed that some of the indigenous groups of Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan were the same group of Nagas who retreated from the southern seas of Myanmar. Some of the Naga scholars believed that some of the descendants of Nagas were left near the seacoast and those people went further to the southern archipelago.
The Malay tribe is the largest ethnic group in Malaysia, accounting for more than half of the population in Malaysia. Their origin is traced back to Yunnam China through the Proto-Malays and Deuteron-Malays, which belong to the broader-based Malayo-Polynesian group of races. These early aboriginal groups first reached the Peninsula around 2000BC. Since their arrival, the cultures of the Peninsular Malays have been shaped and reshaped through many influences from those vicinity areas of Java and Sumatra, the Indian sub-continent, China, the Middle east, and the West, as they have large trade with them, resulting to variation in customs and social identies.25 Some of the Nagas writers also traced back their origin to Yunnam Province of China, which assumed that some of the tribes in Southern Seas are to be the same ancestor.
Conclusion The above comparative study in affinities and origin is convincing that some of the indigenous tribe of Malaysia and other tribes in southern seas of Philippines, Taiwan and Indonesia are the same ancestors/group and have same origin of place. Some of the Nagas writers traced back the origin of Nagas to Yunnam Province of China like some of the writers from Malaysia tracing back their origin to Yunnam Province of China. Some Naga scholars also believe that some of the Naga groups went further to the southern seas of Myanmar, Malaysia, Taiwan, Philippines and Indonesia. The Nagas and some of the indigenous groups of Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia and Malaysia may be the same tribe/group originated from China but due to influence from other people and differences in environments made them variation in their culture and customs. If they are not influenced from other people and bring changed due to environment - it may still retain their ancient culture and customs, which will be easier to study about their similarities.
There are some similarities in customs and traditions; they also traced back their origin to Yunnam Province of China. But the study of DNA and analysis of Nagas with those tribes in Archipelago can give us scientific proof and conclude that they are from the same descendants. There is great possibility that in deep comparative study of origin of Nagas and some indigenous people in Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan in the future may conclude that they are from the same origin and same ancestor in examination of archaeology and DNA.
References 1. (http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/pagoa/4820/sagada/fok-stories.html) References used: i. Philippines ethnic Motifs vol.3 as part of the Okir projected by the product Devt. And design center of the Philippine and Philippine national museum. ii. Unreached Peoples’ 81 –David C. Cook Publishing Co. iii. Cordilla Philippines iv. Bibak NE homepage) Page-1 2. Website: www.lard.net/headhunters.html (copyright 1996, Encyclopedia Britannica Inc) Website visited on 12-02-03 3. Elwin Verrier 1961, Nagaland, Shillong: Published by P.Dutta for the research Dept. Adviser’s Secretariat Page –12 4. (http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/pagoa/4820/sagada/folk-stories.html) website Visited on 20-2-2003 5. Ibid 6. Shimray R.R.1985 Origin and Culture of Nagas, New Delhi, Somsok Publications, Page-113 7. (http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/pagoa/4820/sagada/folk-stories.html) Website visited on 20-2-2003 8. Ibid 9. (http://www.allmalaysia.info/msiaknow/iban-ethnicity.asp) All the figures are from Year Book of Statistics, Sarawak 2001, Dept. of Statistics Malaysia, visited on 10-3-03 10. (http://www.sarawaktourism.com/malays.html) website visited on 21-2-2003 11. Peter Kunstadkar, p-339 12. Shimray R.R.1985 Origin and Culture of Nagas, New Delhi, Somsok Publications, Page-72 13. (http://www.sarawaktourism.com/malays.html) website visited on 21-2-2003 14. Ibid 15. (http://www.asiatravelling.net/indonesia/sumatra/sumatra_culture.htm) Website visited on 21- 2-03 16. Ibid 17. (http://www.sunsite.ui.ac.id/unscol/english/sulawesi.html) visited on 20-9-03 18. Ibid 19. Ibid 20. (http://www.atayal.org/tribe.asp) visited on 04-02-04 21. Elwin Verrier 1961, Nagaland, Shillong: Published by P.Dutta for the research Dept. Adviser’s Secretariat Page –8 22. (http://www.atayal.org/tribe.asp) visited on 04-02-04 23. (http://www.atayal.org/TT_headhunting.asp) visited on 04-02-04 24. (http://www.allmalaysia.info/msiaknow/malay_ethnicity.asp) visited on 10-3-03 25. (http://www.allmalaysia.info/msiaknow/iban-ethnicity.asp) visited on 10-3-03


Frans on 06.28.06 @ 01:53 PM CST [link]


Tuesday, June 27th

GOI ‘positive response’ on Federal-arrangement


GOI ‘positive response’ on Federal-arrangement The Morung Express

Dimapur June 26 (MExN): The matter of a Federal arrangement, one of NSCN-IM’s 30-point Charter of demand to the Government of India, has elicited a “positive response” from the latter, according to Kraiba Chawang, Deputy Kilonser, MIP of the organization.
“Mutual understanding and confidence between the two contenting parties are growing at large. The Government of India gave positive response about the federal arrangement” Kraiba Chawang asserted but hastened to add that “lots of works are to be worked out.” He said that the GOI is working and exploring other methods as well and “so we can take that as positive” the Kilonser opined. Chawang also said that there is a possibility that talks would be held every one in a month. However the “GOI is attempting to find a way” that as well.
FGN appreciates stand of Sumis The Morung Express

DIMAPUR, JUNE 26 (MExN): The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) has appealed for maintaining peace in the Sumi region and appreciated the stand of the Sumi people towards keeping it so in the region. “We cannot allow any further killing of Sumi by Sumi or a Naga by Nagas in our region”, stated V. Phutoi Zhimomi, Midan Peyu, Sumi region, FGN.
“Therefore I would like to encourage Sumi public leaders such as Sumi Hoho, Sumi Kukami Hoho, Sumi Totimi Hoho and Sumi Kiphimi Kukhakulu leaders to stand united and firmly for peace as they have decided on June 14, 206, which is indeed the duty and responsibility of NGO leaders”, the FGN communiqué stated. Pointing out that hundreds of Sumis have been killed by their own brothers and that such “madness” should be completely stopped through a mass movement. “I pray that may God our Lord use Sumi leaders to bring peace not only in Sumi region but also in the whole Nagaland”, the FGN stated.

NISC accuses India of abetting factional clash Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, Jun 26: The Naga International Support Center (NISC) calls on the Indian Govt once and for all to show its sincerity, to stop supporting fig hting among Nagas and to come up with a policy which shows to the Indian populace what it's policy is for Nagaland, its accountability for more than 50 years of military presence in Nagaland, is required, said the NISC in a statement today.

The Europe based organisation in a statement made available to this Network last night said that while the talks are held in an amicable atmosphere and the commitments to arrive at a mutually agreeable and honourable peace accord are time and again confirmed and reinforced, India props up adversary elements to undermine its Naga partner at the talks for peace.

"The question now is: Is India sincere in its endeavor to end this war once and for all? The Congress Govt in power in 1995 delivered the commitment openly, stating that the military solution is not possible, opening all avenues to negotiate with the Nagas on an equal basis," said the NISC statement adding, "at the same time, through the years and now quite openly, India reinforced the results of its divide and rule policy by providing the NSCN-K and the remnants of the Naga National Council, funds and arms to fight against the NSCN who by the Govt of India itself are the recognized representatives of the Naga Peoples, with which is partnering in the peace talks".

It further said that time and again the Indian Govt negotiators have reassured the Naga negotiators to contain these groups, so fighting among the Nagas could stop.

"However, it looks like the negotiators are alienated from the ground realities, for Assam Rifles and Indian Reserved Police team up with the said groupings to initiate confrontations and providing the logistics", said the statement adding,'' they in turn call it factional fighting, which is then misleading both the Nagas and the outside world." This public statement made by the NSCN-K reveals all "The Indians are not our enemies.

It is the NSCN-IM," it asserted, adding the recent confrontations between NSCN-K and NSCNIM are no factional clashes but Govt of India's induced confrontations.

The NSCNK, in line with the Govt of India's desire to settle for a Nagaland State wanted the NSCN-IM to sign a cease fire agreement.
NISC accuses India of abetting factional clash Newmai News Network
Dimapur, Jun 26: The Naga International Support Center (NISC) calls on the Indian Govt once and for all to show its sincerity, to stop supporting fig hting among Nagas and to come up with a policy which shows to the Indian populace what it’s policy is for Nagaland, its accountability for more than 50 years of military presence in Nagaland, is required, said the NISC in a statement today.
The Europe based organisation in a statement made available to this Network last night said that while the talks are held in an amicable atmosphere and the commitments to arrive at a mutually agreeable and honourable peace accord are time and again confirm-ed and reinforced, India pr- ops up adversary elements to undermine its Naga par-tner at the talks for peace.
“The question now is: Is India sincere in its endea-vor to end this war once and for all? The Congress Govt in power in 1995 delivered the commitment openly, stating that the military solution is not possible, opening all avenues to negotiate with the Nagas on an equal basis,” said the NISC statement adding, “at the same time, through the years and now quite open-ly, India reinforced the results of its divide and rule policy by providing the NSCN-K and the remnants of the Naga National Council, funds and arms to fight against the NSCN who by the Govt of India itself are the recognized representatives of the Naga Peoples, with which is partnering in the peace talks”.
It further said that time and again the Indian Govt negotiators have reassured the Naga negotiators to contain these groups, so fighting among the Nagas could stop. “However, it looks like the negotiators are alienated from the gro-und realities, for Assam Rifles and Indian Reserved Police team up with the said groupings to initiate confrontations and providing the logistics”, said the statement adding,‘‘ they in turn call it factional fighting, which is then mislead- ing both the Nagas and the outside world.”
This public statement made by the NSC-K reveals all - “The Indians are not our enemies. It is the NSCN-IM,” it asserted, adding the recent confrontations between NSCN-K and NSCN- IM are no factional clashes but Govt of India’s induced confrontations. The NSCN -K, in line with the Govt of India’s desire to settle for a Nagaland State wanted the NSCN-IM to sign a cease fire agreement.
Khaplang group forced our team to sign ceasefire: Isak-Muivah faction Such farcical imposition will not be binding on us, says letter Special Correspondent The Hindu
• Our group "unarmed," rival team in "full combat gear"
• "Treacherous action, insult to Nagar civil society"
• Centre accused of causing factional clashes
GUWAHATI: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) has accused the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-Khaplang), a rival underground outfit, of a "breach of trust" and intimidating its leaders into signing a ceasefire agreement recently.
In a statement, NSCN (I-M) chariman Isak Chisi Swu said he had deputed a team of officials of the `Government of the People's Republic of Nagalim' (GPRN) led by Deputy Kilonser (Minister) Shikato Chisi Swu to meet leaders of the Khaplang camp in the spirit of "reconciliation and unity among the Nagas."
Mr. Swu alleged that though the GPRN team went to the Khaplang camp "unarmed," the rival team led by Nikhuyi "came in full combat gear and after creating commotion by random firing, intimidated our officials into signing the ceasefire agreement, clearly conveying the idea they would all be eliminated should they refuse to sign.
"Apparently Mr. Nikhuyi also ordered his men to attack our cadres stationed at Khukiye Lukhai village and ambushes were laid at Chisholimi, Mudutsugho and surrounding villages targeting the returning GPRN officials," said the NSCN(I-M) chairman in his statement, released by the Amsterdam-based Naga International Support Centre.
"Such brazen attitude and treacherous action are not only an insult to the Sumi [Naga tribe] civil societies through whose positive efforts these initiatives were made but are more of self-forfeiture of our trust and therefore we hold ourselves not bound by any such farcical imposition. We believe neither in such forced union nor in the marriage that can be sustained through deception. We no longer trust such people."
Mr. Swu said the NSCN(I-M)'s commitment to peace process was total. and it was exploring every possible avenue of finding an honourable political solution acceptable to both parties. "For the achievement of this objective, faith in the power of collective wisdom and mass participation becomes essential. The NSCN therefore advocates a policy of reconciliation and unity among the Nagas." The Naga insurgent group, engaged in peace negotiations with the Centre, has been accusing the security forces of using the Khaplang faction to "counterbalance the NSCN(I-M) to create a situation of "factional clashes" and "to vitiate the otherwise conducive atmosphere."
Factional clashes in Nagaland are a law and order problem, says Prime Minister: satp
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told a seven member Congress party team from Nagaland that called on him in New Delhi last week that the conflict between the Naga militant factions is a law and order problem which the State Home Department has to solve on its own instead of blaming Delhi for it. The Telegraph, June 20, 2006.
Nagaland: The ‘Public Mockery’ of Peace M. Amarjeet Singh
Research Associate, Institute for Conflict Management
Another round to talks between the Union Government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) concluded at The Hague on June 25, 2006. The usual statements regarding the talks being “quite good and very fruitful”, were made by Union Minister, Oscar Fernandes, after three days of talks with the insurgent leaders, along with Union Minister of State for Home, S. Reghupathy, and Minister of State at the Prime Minister’s Office, Prithviraj Chouhan. Fernandes, Reghupathy and Chouhan are members of the Group of Ministers constituted by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to look into the long drawn Naga peace process. The interlocutor for the Naga talks, K. Padmanabhiah, was also present at the meeting. Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah represented the NSCN-IM. The Union Government began talks with the NSCN-IM in 1997 after the two sides agreed to a cease-fire.
However, the ground situation continues to cause serious concern, raising the crucial question: is Nagaland heading back to the days of continuous fratricidal wars between the ‘national workers’ out to restore all that was wonderful in the State before ‘India’ decided to ‘plunder and subjugate’? The question hangs heavy in the wake of the recent escalation in violent clashes between two rival National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) factions. The clashes appear to indicate that the cease-fire agreements signed between the Union Government and separately with the NSCN-Isak-Muivah (IM) faction in 1997, and the Khaplang faction in 2001, are being violated at will. Worse, efforts to end the abiding and violent confrontation have had no visible impact on the warring factions.
The May 19, 2006, killing of the NSCN-K ‘Education Kilonser’ (minister), Ngampan Konyak, by the rival NSCN-IM at Mon provoked the NSCN-K to launch a campaign codenamed, "Operation Blueland", under which it has stepped up attacks against the IM group. On the other side, the IM faction also alerted its armed cadres to reinforce their dominance in different parts of the State. As rebel factions, both claiming to represent the wishes and aspirations of the Nagas, build up their manpower and resources for future mutual carnage, the common people in remote and interior locales, are increasingly worried.
Although the ceasefires with the Union Government still hold formally, escalating violence, large-scale extortion and intimidation put a question mark on the very arrangement that supposedly prohibits the movement of armed cadres, armed violence, intimidation and disturbance to peace that are, in fact, endemic. According to the ceasefire agreements, the cadres of each faction are to remain confined to their respective designated camps, but the rule if flouted more often than it is kept. Indeed, the ceasefire has been exploited by militant groups to consolidate and expand. Since the NSCN-IM entered into its formal ceasefire in 1997, it has reportedly raised its cadre strength from 3,000 to 5,000 and nearly doubled its weapon holdings.
Factional violence continues at regular intervals as both groups vie to augment their territorial supremacy. In a statement made available to the local media on May 31, 2006, senior NSCN-K leader A.Z. Jami threatened to take control of Dimapur, Nagaland’s commercial hub, known to be a stronghold of the rival NSCN-IM. Jami declared: "We will certainly take over Dimapur. Our cadres are all over the town, waiting for the opportunity to strike." Alarmed, the NSCN-IM responded that it would never compromise with such a threat “by anti-nationalist like A.Z. Jami." A release issued by NSCN-IM’s ‘Secretary, Union Territory - I’, Romeo Sankhil, asserted that his outfit was "well prepared to meet any eventuality at any cost to protect the Naga peoples in general and Dimapurian (sic) in particular and also the ongoing peace process." The release further added that the NSCN-IM had already intensified its vigil and deployed its men across Dimapur to meet any eventuality. The desperation of both the factions is perfectly understandable. Dimapur is a flourishing commercial town – the largest and the only one in Nagaland – promising enormous profits to whoever controls it.
It is significant that, between 2002 and 2005 – a period during which both factions of the NSCN were party to a ceasefire - 171 persons have been killed in militancy related violence in the State, of which 113 (66.08 per cent) were militants, 52 (30.40 per cent) were civilians and the rest 6 (3.50 per cent) were security force SF personnel. With rare exception, most militant deaths have been the result of factional clashes. 2004 saw at least 17 factional clashes, while 2005 witnessed another 14. 2006 has already seen 27 such incidents, (till June 25) in which at least 28 militants have been killed (14 of the NSCN-IM, 10 of the NSCN-K and two of the Naga National Council (NNC), and two unidentified). There is no available record of the numbers of injured.
Some of the significant incidents in just the last month and a half include:
• June 18: NSCN-K ‘awarded’ capital punishment to one, Wanpa, at Nangtan under Tizit Assembly Constituency for his alleged role in the assassination of its ‘Education Minister’, Ngampan Konyak, in the Mon district on May 18.
• June 14: Clashes broke out between cadres of NSCN-IM and NSCN-K at Khukiye and Chisholi in Nagaland.

Unidentified gunmen shot dead one NSCN-IM cadre, Yangthsase Sangtam at Longkhim in the Tuensang District.
• June 8: A factional clash occurred between cadres of the NSCN-IM and the NSCN-K at Naga Ching in the Tamenglong district.
• June 7: Two civilians were wounded when firing broke out between cadres of the NSCN-IM and the Federal Government of Nagaland of the Naga National Council (NNC) at Chosaba village in the Phek District.
• June 2: NSCN-K killed one NSCN-IM cadre, James Tangkhul, during a factional clash near Zunheboto town.
• May 31: Factional violence was reported from Sheyipu village in the Zunheboto District, Chingphoi village in the Mon District, Athibung area in the Peren District and Old Phek area in the Phek District. Several militants and one civilian were reportedly wounded.
• May 30: Two NSCN-IM cadres were seriously wounded in a clash with rival NSCN-K at Lochomi village in the Zunheboto District.
• May 27: NSCN-K claimed to have killed two rival NSCN-IM cadres and injured two others in an encounter at a place near Longleng in the Tuensang District.
• May 24: NSCN-K killed two NSCN-IM cadres while three others were abducted in different raids against rival camps in the Zunheboto district. They were said to have been released subsequently on May 30.
• May 19: NSCN-IM killed the ‘education kilonser’ (minister) of the NSCN-K, Nampang Konyak at his home at Mon in Nagaland.
• May 16: Two NSCN-IM cadres were killed while unspecified number of NSCN-K cadres were wounded in a factional clash between cadres of the rival groups at Athibung in the Peren district.
• May 6: In a factional clash, two NSCN-K militants were killed while three others sustained injuries in a pre-dawn attack by NSCN-IM cadres at Old Phek village in the Phek district.
Naga factional violence has not remained confined to the State itself, and has spilled over to neighbouring Manipur. On May 5, 2006, a clash occurred at Tinkhai Khulen in Manipur’s Senapati district bordering Nagaland. Earlier on May 2, another clash took place at Aling Saan village in the Tamenglong District. The NSCN-K, on May 5, claimed to have ‘neutralized’ a rival hideout at Alingson village under Nungba Police Station limits in the Tamenglong District on May 2. On April 12, 2006, the NSCN-K shot dead two rival cadres and injured another at Keimai in the Tamenglong District.
The impact of this unending friction on the lives of the common people is enormous. The Chakhesang Public Organisation, an apex body of the Chakhesang tribe, on March 7, 2006, made a declaration prohibiting extortion, movement of cadres in combatant uniform and the establishment of militants camps within the periphery of the tribe’s habitation. Again, on April 17, 2006, several Phek-based organizations under the banner of Phek Area Public Organisation (PAPO) urged the State government to take up the issue of factional clashes with the rival outfits and the Union Government, and to ensure that cadres belonging to the two rival factions move out of the Phek and the Chakhesang areas. A Press Release issued by PAPO stated: Ninety per cent of our people are agriculturists, who depend on agriculture for their survival. Although March and April is a time for sowing seeds, yet the villagers are afraid of going to the fields for fear of being mingled in cross fire." The gathering also condemned the unabated illegal ‘tax collection’ imposed by the militant groups.
The Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) at a meeting held at Pfutsero in the Phek District on May 11 and 12, 2006, said that, in Phek district, innocent citizens had suffered because of threats, intimidation, extortion, and forced taxation imposed by the various militant groups. The church body alleged that the armed factions had forcibly occupied a number of private houses and educational institutions in the District. The meeting described the existing ceasefire with the Union Government as a "public mockery".
The State Government, often described as soft on the militants – especially the NSCN-IM – tends to surrender to their caprice. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, while presenting the State Budget in the Legislative Assembly in capital Kohima on March 20, 2006, stated: "It is not possible for any Government to prevent this (extortion) completely." The hapless Chief Minister termed the factional killings "mindless and senseless”, but has displayed little intent or capacity to do anything about them, and all past attempts to contain the factional feud have remained subservient to short-term political calculations. In March 2003, the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) coalition Government formed a ‘Consultative Committee for Peace’ comprising various political parties and major non-governmental organisations. However, the opposition Congress party, known to be sympathetic to the NSCN-K, was not included in the committee. As a result, the committee remained a partisan and useless jamboree.
Since the 1990s, the church and the Naga Hoho (the apex tribal council of Nagaland) have been attempting to bring all warring underground factions together through a ‘reconciliation process’, but their efforts have proven futile. The NSCN-K has accused the Naga Hoho, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), the Nagaland People’s Movement for Human Right (NPMHR), the Naga Mothers Association (NMA) and even the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Government of a pro-NSCN-IM stance. On May 29, 2006, the NSCN-K on accused Chief Minister Rio of providing security to NSCN-IM cadres at Dimapur and Zunheboto. The Chairman of the NSCN-K Ceasefire Supervisory Board, Kughalu Mulatonu, had alleged that the Chief Minister dispatched security personnel belonging to the Indian Reserve Battalion to protect the NSCN-IM cadres.
There appear to be no principled and non-discriminatory efforts to contain the factional violence in Nagaland, and the militant groups remain a law unto themselves, immune to any suggestions or corrective measures. Under the circumstances, and in view of the enormous suffering continuously being inflicted on innocent civilians, it is time the Centre reviewed its ‘hands off’ policy and made a proper assessment of the anarchy on the ground that its deals with the insurgent outfits have yielded. The conditions of the Government’s ceasefire with the NSCN factions have been clearly defined, and they cannot be allowed to be habitually violated with impunity.
Comprehensive strategy needed to deal with drugs-HIV: Governor The Hindu Kohima, June 26. (PTI): Cautioning people about the tremendous cost imposed on the society due to the spread of HV/AIDS in the northeast, Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta today called for adopting a comprehensive strategy to deal with this challenge. Calling on NGOs and Government agencies working to rehabilitate drug addicts and HIV-infected people to share their experience, Dutta said the current National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) strategy followed by northeastern states was not sufficient considering the ground situation.
A more comprehensive plan of action was needed as there was a direct co-relation between drug abuse and HIV prevalence in the region, he said.
Speaking at a function to observe the "International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking" here, Dutta said the drug menace was no more a health-related or enforcement issue in Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. It had become a social issue and "Everyone of us should understand and forsee the economic cost of it in the days to come when we have limited resources for development activities", he said. Sharing their experiences on recovering drug addicts and counselling in de-addiction centres, NGO workers asked law enforcing agencies to be more stringent as narcotics are easily available in Nagaland. They said unless the supply of drugs is curbed, no amount of effort for demand reduction will yield positive results.
Datta for NE plan to combat drug trafficking Morung Express News/PTI Kohima | June 26
Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta proposed a North East Regional plan to combat the menace of drug abuse and trafficking apart from the National level initiative. Otherwise, the region may not be able deal with its impact, said Datta, while speaking at the International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking today at the State Academy Hall as chief guest.
Datta said that setting up NE regional plan would facilitate greater collaboration and coordination amongst the states of the region. Cautioning people about the tremendous cost imposed on the society due to the spread of HV/AIDS in the northeast, Datta called for adopting a more comprehensive strategy to deal with this challenge.
Calling on NGOs and Government agencies working to rehabilitate drug addicts and HIV-infected people to share their experience, Datta said the current National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) strategy followed by northeastern states was not sufficient considering the ground situation. A more comprehensive plan of action was needed as there was a direct co-relation between drug abuse and HIV prevalence in the region, he said.
Datta said the drug menace was no more a health-related or enforcement issue in Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. It had become a social issue and “Everyone of us should understand and foresee the economic cost of it in the days to come when we have limited resources for development activities”, he said.
Sharing their experiences on recovering drug addicts and counseling in de-addiction centres, NGO workers asked law enforcing agencies to be more stringent as narcotics are easily available in Nagaland. They said unless the supply of drugs is curbed, no amount of effort for demand reduction will yield positive results. Others who spoke on the occasion included Temjen Toy, former Health Secretary, Abou Mere, Khishili Chishi, President, NMA. Kriebou Nakhro said the welcome address while David Khing of Kuknalim Foundation gave the vote of thanks. Earlier Khyochamo Ezung, Sesino Yhoshu, and Pastor Shimray shared their life experiences.
Where the Sun Rises, When Shadows Fall: The North-East By Geeti Sen

For most people living in India, little is known about the North-east, its myriad cultures and value system. This book paints a broad canvas by introducing readers to the rich cultural heritage and history of the states..

the outstanding modern poetry from this region, acknowledged to be among the best from India; and the dual or plural identities which have led to the immense crisis of political development. Over thirty leading personalities, most of them from the Northeast, have contributed to this volume essays, oral narratives, poems, interviews, and around 40 photographs.

Oral narratives from eight states including Sikkim, evoke a world in harmony with nature. this idyllic image is juxtaposed with impassioned, pungent, and sardonic poetry, which expresses the pain and brutality of political oppression. The cultures of these different states are also shown experiencing transformations in social values, beliefs, and lifestyles, as they adapt to radical changes. Three cogent essays deal with political turmoil-partly engendered by a ‘mindset’ leading to a conflict of loyalties between the state and the country.

The Brahmaputra becomes a metaphor for destruction and survival. The book is enriched by two interviews held with luminaries: Indira Goswami speaking with candour about negotiating on behalf of the ULFA; and Ratan Thiyam speaking on bringing the aesthetics of his repertory theatre group based in Manipur to performances worldwide, investing the local Manipur language and culture with universal significance. This poignant and gripping account of the North-east and its cultures, will deepen readers’ understanding of this little-known part of India, especially scholars of anthropology, cultural studies, and literary culture, as well as general audiences.

PCG urges ULFA, govt to maintain restraint By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, June 26 – The People’s Consultative Group (PCG) today appealed to the Government and the ULFA to maintain restraint in the interest of creating a congenial atmosphere for political talks. In a statement here today, the PCG appealed to all sections of people of the State and the media to play a positive role in carrying forward the peace process. The PCG said that it would keep a close watch on the implementation of the assurances given by the Government of India including release of the central committee leaders of the ULFA.

The talks between the Government and the PCG on June 22, both sides stressed the need for direct talks between the Government and the ULFA for a political solution to the issue. The PCG made it clear before the Government that any delay in carrying forward the peace process due to lack of seriousness on the part of the Government might jeopardize the process.

Sino-Indian ties in good shape: Wen Assam Tribune
BEIJING, June 26 – As India and China held fresh round of talks on the vexed boundary issue today, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said bilateral ties were in ‘good shape’ since the enunciation of ‘Guiding Principles’ for the settlement of the problem, reports PTI. “Our bilateral ties are in good shape since last year when I visited India and we established the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the settlement of the India-China boundary question,” Wen told India's Special Representative for border talks and National Security Advisor M K Narayanan when the latter made a courtesy call on him. “You are not only the Special Representative (for the India-China border talks) but also a friendship envoy,” Wen, who returned yesterday after a seven-nation official tour of Africa, told Narayanan.

The Chinese Premier said India and China have formed a strategic partnership last year during his visit to New Delhi and since then, frequent high-level exchanges have taken place which has boosted bilateral ties. Earlier, Narayanan and his Chinese counterpart, Dai Bingguo held two rounds of talks here following their informal parleys in the northwestern city of Xian. The eighth round of border talks will last till tomorrow. Narayanan is also scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing. The new round of negotiations is taking place after the recent successful visit to China by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee as well as last week's historic agreement between India and China to reopen the Nathu La border trade point.

No violation of ceasefire, say defence authorities The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 25: Reacting to the statement issued by the Zomi Revolutionary Army, ZRA over the shootout at Churachandpur on the intervening night of June 22 and 23, in which a ZRA cadre was killed, the PRO, defence, has clarified that there was no violation of the cessation of operations agreement signed between the ZRO and Indian security forces. The PRO, defence, stated that the AR troops involved were responding to a call for help over a reported threat to the life of Hangkhapao, vice chairman of the Zomi Council, and had opened fire in retaliating to the firing that ensued from the house. The PRO said "AR troops rushed to the spot after receiving phone call from one LB Soina of Zomi Council informing that there is a threat to the life of Hangkhapao president United Zomi Organisation and vice-chairman of the Zomi Council.

When the troops arrived there, the miscreants started firing towards the troops, the PRO said stating there is no question of violation of suspension of operation signed between ZRO and Indian security forces. It may be mentioned that the shootout resulted in the death of a ZRA cadre, and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle by the AR troops.

Itham public up in arms over AR`s frame-ups The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Jun 24: The residents of Itham Moirangpural and surrounding villages in Imphal East have strongly alleged that the 19 Assam Rifles having its battalion headquarters at Yaingangpokpi are indulging in the evil design of torturing civilians after picking them up and subsequently handing over to police with fake charge that the arrested person are militants.

To substantiate their claims, the AR even produced live bullets and other items at the time of handing over the persons to police, though no such seizure was made earlier, the resident alleged.
The residents Itham also claim that at least two such incidents have occurred in the village recently in which the AR troopers picked up innocent civilians and branded them as militants after being tortured severely. Latest such case is that of Konthoujam Joysingh, who was picked by personnels of the 19 AR from his residence on the night of June 23 and later handed over to Lamlai police station with fake charges that four live bullets were recovered from his possession. The AR also claimed that Joysingh is member of an underground organisation though the person had any connection whatsoever with any underground group, Joysingh`s parent disclosed in a public meeting held today.

Another such case had also occurred on June 7 in which one Konsam Lokhon was picked up from his residence, tortured and later handed over to police after charging that he was member of an underground organisation. Protesting against the alleged action of the 19 Assam Rifles, residents of Itham and surrounding villages gathered today at local Lai Lampak and convened a meeting to chalk out a course of action to secure release of the arrested civilian who is still in police custody and to launch agitation against the excesses of the security forces.

Apart from local clubs and Meira Paibi organisations, the meeting was also attended by leaders of several prominent civil society bodies, Meira Paibis and human rights groups like AMUCO, COHR, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur. While condemning strongly to the alleged action of the 19 Assam Rifles, the meeting later resolved to submit a memorandum to the chief minister regarding ceasing of special powers given to security forces under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. The meeting also resolved to launch agitation in coordination with state level civil society bodies if government fails to fulfill the demand of the people for removal for draconian laws which gives sweeping powers to security forces.

Finally, the meeting also agreed to stage one day agitation by the residents of Itham, Moirangpural and Tumukhong to protest action of the 19 Assam Rifles.

It’s Cong-BPPF(H) United Front Govt
June 30 Govt-BTC meet to discuss Bodo Accord By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, June 26: It just took the Congress and the BPPF(H) a mere 20-minute meeting to decide on a name for the coalition government in the State, and they kept it simple: the Congress-BPPF(H) United Front Government.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, BPPF(H) president Hagrama Mohilary, Transport, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Chandan Brahma and BTC deputy chief Kampha Borgoiyari were present at the meeting which was held at the Chief Minister’s official residence in the city this morning.
With 12 seats to its name, the BPPF(H), which is the only and vital partner of the Congress in the government, had underscored the need to christen the coalition government at a party legislators’ meeting on Sunday. A decision to form a coordination committee of the coalition was also taken at the meeting. With Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi as its chairman, Hagrama Mohilary as convenor and BPPF(H)’s Chandan Brahma and Kampha Borgoiyari as members, the seven-member committee will consist of three more members from the Congress, whose names are yet to be finalized. The coordination committee, as the name suggests, would work towards a synergy between both the coalition partners, especially during policy making, thereby streamlining the government machinery. Meanwhile, a meeting between the Asom Government and the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) slated for June 30 would take up the matter of implementation of the Bodo Accord. Besides the issue of granting ST (Hills) status to the Bodos of Karbi Anglong, the Bodo leaders are likely to put thrust on the withdrawal of non-bailable warrants (NBWs) pending against some of the erstwhile BLT cadres.
Hundreds of cadres of the erstwhile BLT were issued NBWs in connection with over 2,000 cases of arson during the Bodo agitation. While 40 per cent of the NBWs have been withdrawn so far, the remaining cases, related mostly to district-level cadres, are still to be revoked.
After emerging as the kingmaker in the recently-concluded Assembly elections, BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary had sought withdrawal of all NBWs pending against erstwhile BLT cadres in lieu of any ministry in the government. Meanwhile, a 53-member delegation of the BPPF(H) led by its president Hagrama Mohilary today left for New Delhi to work out the proceedings so as to get the party recognized by the Election Commission.


Frans on 06.27.06 @ 02:24 PM CST [link]


Monday, June 26th

NISC blames GoI for infighting among Nagas The Morung Express


NISC blames GoI for infighting among Nagas The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JUNE 25 (MExN): The Naga International Support Center has called on the Indian Government to once and for all show its sincerity, to stop supporting fighting among Nagas and to come up with a policy which shows to the Indian populace what it’s policy is for Nagaland.
The NISC pointed out that while the talks themselves are held in an amicable atmosphere and the commitments to arrive at a mutually agreeable and honorable peace accord are time and again confirmed and reinforced, India props up adversary elements to undermine its Naga partner at the talks for peace.
“The question now is: Is India sincere in its endeavor to end this war once and for all”, the NISC stated in a press communiqué. Reminding the Congress Government in power in 1995 delivered the commitment openly, it stated that military solution is not possible, opening all avenues to negotiate with the Nagas on an equal basis.
“At the same time, through the years and now quite openly, India reinforced the results of its divide and rule policy by providing the NSCN-K and the remnants of the Naga National Council, funds and arms to fight against the NSCN who by the Government of India itself are the recognized representatives of the Naga Peoples, which is partnering in the peace talks”, the NISC stated.
Stating that time and again the Indian Government negotiators have reassured the Naga negotiators to contain these groups, so fighting among the Nagas could stop, “however, it looks like the negotiators are alienated from the ground realities, for Assam Rifles and Indian Reserved Police team up with the said groupings to initiate confrontations and providing the logistics”.
Pointing to the recent confrontations between the NSCN factions, the NISC alleged that these are no factional clashes but Government of India-induced confrontations. “The NSCN-K, in line with the Government of India’s desire to settle for a Nagaland State wanted the NSCN-IM to sign a cease fire agreement. When the NSCN-IM representatives refused, saying that NSCN-IM stands for every inch of Naga soil, the K people threatened, fired and, under duress, made them sign the agreement. Such behavior by the K has been condemned by the NSCN-IM and the people”, the NISC further alleged.
This deliberate breach of trust, provocatively shown by the NSCN-K and backed up the Indian Government will certainly imperil the talks to the point of abrogation, the NISC stated and cautioned that the Indian Government is solely responsible for the continuous violence.
“But NISC does not think the Indian Government could be so shortsighted that it will inevitably lead its Armed Forces back into full fledged war. NISC calls on the common-sensed leaders of the Government of India to end this war”.
Admit it or not, Tribalism is HERE and NOW in Naga Society ‘Even Naga national movement saturated in tribalism’ Morung Express News Dimapur | June 25
Decidedly lucid that the denouncement of sectarian tendencies, particularly Tribalism, in Christian Nagaland is limited only to ‘Sunday churches’, the scourge is not only underhandedly existent in the state but is also destroying the Naga society gradually. The Morung Express Poll covering the preceding week witnessed an overwhelming 94% of the respondents categorically agreeing that tribalism is destroying the very fabric of the Naga society, underhandedly or explicitly. Only 4% responded in negative while the final 2% stood on the sitting fence.
Some respondents in generic terms affirmed that “most” Naga tribes have their own ethnocentrisms not only in respect to other tribes but also within their own communities. “Most of the Naga tribes have (their) own ethnocentrisms in their respective tribes” one respondent asserted while another opined “Tribalism is a curse for Nagas as Caste System is for the Hindu society”. Unfortunately, the “curse” doesn’t seem to limit itself only to intra-tribal systems – observers asserted that even the Naga national movement has been invaded by the Tribalism-virus as well. “The factional killings are almost taking the form of tribal feud…infusing deep hatred against one another” one respondent observed. Perhaps this might be the reason why the Naga underground movement is being view as a veritable synonym for disunity like one reader responded by saying “it is preventing any form of dialogue”. Another reflected the warning voice of many a sensible Naga today –“Naga people have become so narrow-minded; you can’t speak your mind freely because they start threatening you in the name of clan, village (or) tribe. Nagas are doomed”. The slow deterioration of brotherly ethos in the so-called Christian society of the Nagas is reflected in the opinion of the same reader – “(The Naga) people are making up their own customs and tradition.”
The respondents also affirmed the obvious trend that likened sectarian mindsets like Clanism is not only destructive but is already destroying the Naga people. The most prominent instance of this evil is the prevailing (albeit underhandedly) intra-tribal antagonism among the Naga tribes where the significance of a tribe is measured in the context of the next tribe’s superiority/inferiority. The trend implied a cycle of the past and the continuing future. “The tribes that are less-advanced are now recognizing how they were used earlier” according to one reader. To this effect, albeit counter-productive, “the so-called advanced tribes feel threatened when other tribes progress” still another opined. This is indicative of the cycle of the continuing process and counter-processes that the evils of tribalism has started. Tribalism/clanism in Nagaland being too malicious to be unnoticed, one reader even asserted that the two evils can even be ‘activated’ when sensible, right-thinking Nagas resist the sectarian tendency: “Resistance mechanism against domination triggers tribalism”, the reader asserted. Reinforcing this contention another respondent said “Nagas are a jealous race that always hates to see progress in someone; when one progress, everybody wants a part to bring them down.”
Still there are some who prefers to sit the fence “Tribalism? I would rather not waste useful time and energy and indulge in such unproductive issues. To me tribalism is a misconstrued word for the distinction that has been among the Nagas since Month of Sundays, which in essence, puts together a rich ethnic Naga society.” Christian Nagaland still has to ponder over its faith.
Naga rebels read demands to India Nagarealm.com
A powerful rebel group in India’s remote northeast has demanded a separate constitution, flag and more control of natural resources and finances to end their decades-old revolt. Leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland submitted their 30-point “charter of demands” to a group of Indian ministers during their latest round of three-day talks which began at The Hague on Thursday.
“We have put up our demand for a federal arrangement between India and Nagaland,” V Horam, a senior leader of the council told. “The kind of relationship between the two will be worked out in the course of the next rounds of discussions, so that it could be incorporated in the constitutions of India and Nagaland,” he added.
The Indian government and the council have held many talks since a ceasefire in 1997. The truce is due to end on July 31.Analysts say peace with the Nagas will be crucial to a broader peace in the region, home to dozens of insurgent groups. Meanwhile, suspected left-wing guerrillas in central Chhattisgarh state beat three people to death, police said. The rebels also attacked police when officials went to collect the bodies of the three in Dantewada district however there were no casualties in the exchange of gunfire.
Police said those killed were activists of a state-sponsored anti-Maoist campaign that has put civilians under greater threat from Maoist violence. Agencies
NSCN demand new constitution for peace GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - A powerful rebel group in the northeast has demanded a separate constitution, flag and more control of natural resources and finances to end their decades-old revolt. Leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland submitted their 30-point "charter of demands" to a group of Indian ministers during their latest round of three-day talks which began at The Hague on Thursday.
"We have put up our demand for a federal arrangement between India and Nagaland," V. Horam, a senior leader of the council told Reuters by phone on Saturday.
"The kind of relationship between the two will be worked out in the course of the next rounds of discussions, so that it could be incorporated in the constitutions of India and Nagaland."
The Indian government and the council have held many talks since a ceasefire in 1997. The truce is due to end on July 31. The Naga tribal rebellion is India's oldest insurgency, and analysts say peace with the Nagas is crucial to a broader peace in the turbulent northeast, home to dozens of insurgent groups.
Ulfa must prepare for realistic dialogue NORTH by NORTH EAST: SANJOY HAZARIKA

It is now virtually official: the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULfa) is almost certain to come to India for direct talks with the Government of India later this year to begin a dialogue to end decades of confrontation, as it winds down its struggle for a once-romanticised “free” Assam. Last week’s meeting of the Peoples Consultative Group, the public face of Ulfa, with the representatives of the GoI, including home minister Shivraj Patil and national security advisor MK Narayanan, was positive. The discussions lasted over four hours and closed with a joint statement to the media. There are three issues on which the two sides hammered out a consensus: that there would be no recrudescence of Ulfa’s violence, a reference to the attacks that it unleashed on the Assam valley two weeks ago; that the organisation would come for talks and that five senior leaders in custody, a few captured after the Bhutan army’s assault on their camps in the Himalayan kingdom in December 2003, would be released.
Several media reports had proclaimed a hitch in the talks on the eve of the PCG’s arrival in New Delhi, saying that the five leaders, including a woman, were unlikely to be freed. However, this column had said last week that New Delhi had begun the process of releasing them, which has since been borne out by the government’s decision. The group is to be freed in order to enable the policy council of the organisation to meet to take a formal decision on the talks.
But what is Ulfa’s future agenda? What are the key issues it will discuss? It has proclaimed in the past that the key issue for discussion will be sovereignty but this is unlikely to be on the table for negotiations because New Delhi will not look at it. Talk about half-baked ideas such as “shared sovereignty” is not going to move the process much further. The Ulfa leadership needs to be far more realistic and recognise, as have the Nagas, that the Indian State can sustain the limited violence that it can unleash, which in turn angers and alienates the people of Assam.
Bangladeshi factor
There is a Bangladeshi factor here, as mentioned earlier in this column: that the possibility of a pro-India regime in Dhaka after the Parliamentary elections due in that country next year bodes ill for Ulfa and other armed groups based in Bangladesh such as the Hynnyetrip National Liberation Council of Meghalaya’s Khasi hills. They will no longer receive the welcome that they had long enjoyed there as Dhaka puts the finishing touches to an extradition treaty with India and has openly claimed that it had killed a number of Tripura rebels based in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Western diplomats told me recently that pressure from the political-military establishment in the USA and Britain, deeply concerned about the radical edge of an Islamic surge in Bangladesh, is also beginning to tell on Dhaka.
What is required is for Ulfa to shed its call to arms, to move away from Bangladesh into Assam, to quickly move into a political mode and get a feel of the ground realities by travelling across the state. For this to begin, two or three nominees of the group should start discussions quietly with Indian government officials and its leaders should consider a return to their homes ~ they need to learn that there is strong opposition to them, not merely from political groups such as the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party but also from those who believe in a transparent peace and human rights for all, not a select few, and the families of those who have suffered their wrath and violence.
There is also a group known as the People’s Committee for Peace Initiatives in Assam which has attacked the media for allegedly taking part in a “conspiracy” to derail the Ulfa-New Delhi peace process. This was a response, seemingly on behalf of Ulfa, which got rapped on the knuckles by the media in Assam and other parts of the country blasting it for seeking to intimidate senior editors and journalists in the state. Groups such as Ulfa and the PCPIA should understand that they need the media more than the latter needs them. And such self-proclaimed civil society groups as the PCPIA should be aware too that in the public eye they appear to have become the convenient tools of Ulfa’s propaganda machinery.
Talks in The Hague, hope at home
Another round of talks in The Hague, Netherlands, between the GoI and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim has taken place with a high-level representation from New Delhi, including three political leaders led by Oscar Fernandes, a minister in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government; the others were Prithviraj Chauhan and S Reghupati while long-time interlocutor K Padmanabhiah was also there.
Whatever the outcome of these talks, there is wonderful news out of the little village of Khonoma in Nagaland, the home of the late AZ Phizo, founder of the Naga independence movement. A reconciliation has taken place between two major clans, on the one side the descendants of Phizo, and, on the other, that of Sakhrie, once Phizo’s closest advisor who had a sharp difference of opinion with his former mentor and who was allegedly killed by the leader’s loyalists.
After years of dialogue and discussions between leaders of the two clans, Sebi Dolie, the eldest survivor of the Phizo line, took responsibility for the tragedy, apologised to Shimray’s family and called for reconciliation. The apology was accepted and an old bitterness, not less than 50 years old, finally buried.
It is this reconciliation, this healing between Nagas ~ at the individual, community, tribal and political level that is crucial if agreements at the highest level are to come together and bear fruit. This is the healing touch that must cement the foundation of good politics and strong negotiation.
It is also my view that it is now time for the GoI to call a consultation with the chief ministers and top officials of the neighbouring states of Nagaland as well as Nagaland to brief them on the progress of the talks with the NSCN and seek their views. Such an exercise will open up hearts and minds as well as make the consultations more transparent. However, statements such as that of K Chawang, a spokesman of the NSCN at Kohima recently, do not bode well. Chawang has criticised the media about misinformation about the ongoing talks.
Well, no one really knows what happens at the talks apart from bland statements, platitudes and close aides of both sides! A federal relationship, according to Chawang, on defence, foreign affairs and currency is what is being negotiated. That is not autonomy, according to him. But a federal relationship exists within repeat a federation and is all about autonomy and the extent to which political frameworks can be stretched. I wonder why this point is always missed in such remarks.
The principal stakeholders in the Naga peace process are not just the NSCN and the GoI but the neighbours of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh whose lands and futures are also at stake. Whether such a consultation can lead to a broadening of the process by which the NSCN leaders also share their views with the political leaders of the three states is yet to be seen, but it appears to be a logical and appropriate way to move ahead. New Delhi is not a real neighbour of the Nagas ~ Assam, Manipur and Arunachal are.
Naga peace talks ‘fruitful’: Fernandes Nagaland Post
THE HAGUE (THE NETHERLANDS), JUNE 25 (PTI): Giving a push to the Naga peace process, a group of ministers has concluded "very fruitful" talks here with the NSCN-IM leadership on key issues raised by the rebels, including autonomy for Nagaland. "This round of talks were part of the ongoing peace process. The talks were quite good and very fruitful," Union Minister, Oscar Fernandes, said after three days of talks with Naga rebel leaders along with Union Minister of State for Home, S Reghupathy, and Minister of State at the PMO, Prithviraj Chouhan. Fernandes, Reghupathy and Chouhan are members of the Group of Ministers constituted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to look into the Naga peace process.
Asked whether NSCN-IM's 30-point Charter of Demands that included autonomy had figured in the talks, Fernandes said, "we discussed all relevant issues. But we cannot have talks on a piece-meal basis."
"We generally discussed the ongoing ceasefire in Nagaland. But the issue of extension (of the truce beyond July 31) was not taken up in the meeting," he said when asked whether the two sides had discussed extending the ceasefire that will end next month. Asked whether another meeting would be held before July 31, Fernandes said, "certainly another round of talks will be held before the expiry of the date. It is premature to talk about the extension now."
Sources said the 30-point Charter of Demands submitted by the NSCN-IM, including a greater say in the utilisation of Nagaland's natural resources, a separate Constitution, separate flag and control in areas like finance, defence and policing, had figured in the discussions. The NSCN-IM is insisting on "some kind of concession" from the Centre on its demands to "please domestic constituencies" that have become desperate due to delays in the peace process. However, the Centre's response to this was not known, sources said.
The issue of unification of Naga inhabitated areas in the northeast was also raised by the rebels. The Naga outfit has made a case for a "federal relationship" with the Indian Union. It has argued that the nature of this relationship should be incorporated in the country's Constitution as well as the separate one for Nagaland. If it is granted, this alone can ensure a lasting settlement to the nation's oldest insurgency problem, sources said.
The government's negotiators are believed to have put forward the Centre's view on the extent of flexibility under the Constitution that could take care of regional diversities and aspirations, sources said. The interlocutor for the Naga talks, K Padmanabhiah, was also present at the meeting while the NSCN-IM was represented by Chairmam, Isak Chishi Swu, and General Secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah.
The Centre began talks with the NSCN-IM in 1997 after the two sides agreed to a ceasefire.
Centre, NSCN-IM hold ‘fruitful’ talks in the Hague The Morung Express
The Hague (The Netherlands), June 25 (PTI): Giving a push to the Naga peace process, a group of ministers has concluded “very fruitful” talks here with the NSCN-IM leadership on key issues raised by the rebels, including autonomy for Nagaland.
“This round of talks were part of the ongoing peace process. The talks were quite good and very fruitful,” Union Minister Oscar Fernandes told PTI after three days of talks with Naga rebel leaders along with Union Minister of State for Home S Reghupathy and Minister of State at the PMO Prithviraj Chouhan.
Fernandes, Reghupathy and Chouhan are members of the Group of Ministers constituted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to look into the Naga peace process. Asked whether NSCN-IM’s 30-point Charter of Demands that included autonomy had figured in the talks, Fernandes said, “we discussed all relevant issues. But we cannot have talks on a piece-meal basis. We generally discussed the ongoing ceasefire in Nagaland. But the issue of extension (of the truce beyond July 31) was not taken up in the meeting,” he said when asked whether the two sides had discussed extending the ceasefire that will end next month. Asked whether another meeting would be held before July 31, Fernandes said, “Certainly another round of talks will be held before the expiry of the date. It is premature to talk about the extension now.”

‘No collective identity for Kukis or Nagas’ By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jun 25 : Asserting that there is no collective identity for Kuki group or Naga group, vice-president of HERICOUN Renghang Chothe noted that it is almost an impossible task to build a collective identity exclusively either for the Nagas or Kukis.
Speaking as a guest of honour on the concluding day of the Fifth Manipuri National Convention at DM College of Arts ground today, he maintained that it would be more democratic and rational to allow each ethnic group to preserve and promote their own unique identities.
Kakomlunglu Kamei of Kabui Mothers' Association said that in the prevailing situation, it is a must to encourage protection of identity for every ethnic group with the ultimate objective to bring unity in the State.
Chairman of Dingpi Area Development Peace Committee of Samtal village, Chandel district Ngamkhojam Guite observed that there is no such ethnic group as Naga or Kuki in Manipur but it is inhabited by indigenous groups like Kabuis, Tang-khuls, Maos, Khongshais etc.
Disclosing that Dingpi area which lies close to the Burmese border is bereft of electricity, drinking water, health centres and other civic amenities, he lamented that if any person falls sick, the patient is left to his/her own fate. He also mentioned that malaria and dysentery have claimed many lives in the area.
Rather than just shouting for unity at Imphal, Ngamkhojam Guite called upon all to help spread the light of development and progress in such areas. Then only, unity among the all the Manipuris would become a reality, he added.
Addressing the function as chief guest, titular king Sanajaoba remarked that it is essential to rejuvenate the value systems and traditional institutions of each and every ethnic group to build up emotional integrity of Manipur.
Sanajaoba recalled that Manipur had unified strength and unity among its people in the past.
Unfortunately, it seems that today unity has become a thing of the past. The titular king attributed such disintegration to failure of different ethnic groups of Manipur to preserve their distinct identities and the inability of all Manipuris to keep up a common ‘National ideology’.
He also mentioned of the alien ideologies imposed from beyond the State as one of the main factors of national disintegration.
Following the conflict between the ‘National ideology’ and ‘alien ideolo- gies’, a large number of Manipuris have started losing faith in their own National ideologies, remarked Sanajaoba. Another factor he counted for disintegration was discrimination among the people of Manipur practised under Hinduism during certain period of history. He further reiterated his call to revive the traditional value systems and institutions of different ethnic groups of the State. Today's concluding function was also attended by many representatives of several civil societies including those from outside Manipur as presidium members. During the programme participated by about 249 delegates from outside the State, cultural shows were also presented to mark the closing function.

Is all not well in the North? By Oinam Anand Sangai Express
Can two parallel lines meet at one point when extended on both the ends? The Geometry says 'no'. But two men walking in the same direction along two parallel roads may meet the same destination somewhere if they don't diverted or strayed away from their original tracks. Just opposite to this if two individuals or two groups of people ask for the same thing, the same piece of land at the cost of the other, who shall be the judge? What will be his decision? This is the present problem arises out of the NSCN (IM) talk with GoI and its effect and impact on the territorial integrity of Manipur.
The Manipuris vow to protect the integrity of Manipur while the demand of NSCN (IM) is to create a Nagalim which is possible only when the boundaries of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are redrawn. Will the Manipuris agree to this? The mass uprising of the 18th June 2001 is more than enough to show that much blood is there to shed to protect the boundary.
Another June 18 has passed this year with the vivid memories of the tragedy five years ago. The convergence of the large number of people from children to the aged and from the lowest rank to the highest to pay floral tributes to the tombs of the 18 martyrs had shown the love and sacrifice of the eighteen. For their blood, the integrity of Manipur is intact and will not be forsaken in future also.
On the other camp, this June 18 is a day which carries bad omen for them. According to their estimation the incident that happened on this day five years ago was a blow that thwarts the seemingly achievable goal.
So, actually this day is a day of hate and scorn for them but they named it as a 'prayer day' to find a solution in their own liking. Can a prayer with folded hands, with closed eyes before the alter of God while the mind is pre occupied with hatred of others be called a sincere prayer?
Some are following a path which they think right. Some others are following theirs which they think right. But the two paths criss-crossed each other not even run parallel for a short distance. Let us be friends and we shall eventually meet. Will you and I meet if you are going north and I south? Can we be friendly if you have one set of principle, action and belief and I another. To be friendly implies relationship in work, in thought, but is there any relationship between the man who always hates you?
When we turn back to the pages of the ceasefire talk between NSCN (IM) and GoI which has been for more than seven years, what we have seen is there is no definite course or direction in the talks. It may be taken as a far fetched metaphor but here is a story from fables:
A man cut down a tree with an intention to make a boat. In the process of making he found a flaw in the middle and he dropped the idea of making a boat. He again tried to make a pillar with the remaining piece. At this time by his slight mistake a vertical crack developed. He then trimmed it and tried to make a pole which is to be used in de-husking the paddy (Shuk in Manipuri). But it was also broken in the middle.
He next had thought of making a divider used in handloom ('tem' in Manipuri). He could not make it because he had no idea about it. In these long process the huge trunk of the tree becomes smaller and smaller and at last the man decided the stick to use in smearing chandan on the forehead (Chandon Chei).
He cut the small piece with some force and the stick flew away giving a sound 'hung' and lost from sight. The man had nothing to do but consoled himself by saying that he had succeeded in making a sound at least.
The Nagas fought for many decades with the Indian Government for an independent home State in the SE Asia in between the stretch of India and Myanmar and bordering china. In the course of long war they have gained nothing except recognition by some NGOs in the international level. They came to term with GOI dropping the idea of an independent country with ceasefire in 1997.
The main agenda or condition of the ceasefire is 'Unification of Naga inhabited areas. As the talks progress, the steps in the demand came down to Greater Nagaland, South Nagaland and now as the reports floated in the press is to be taken the talks this time will be on the autonomy of the Naga areas. Then the demand may come down again to the demand of 6th Schedule provided in the Constitution.
While there is downward trends (it may be the writers presumption) in the demands made by the NSCN (IM) to find a respectable solution to their problems there is upward trends of enmity created by this long never ending talks of peace to the people of hill and valley. Many problems arise between those with want to separate, clinging to their separateness and those who wants to hold the crack. This invariably breeds conflict and pain.
A problem is never solved on its own level; being complex, it must be understood in its total process. To try to solve a problem on only one level physical level leads to further conflict and confusion. Consciously or unconsciously we refuse to see the probability of solution of every problem because we don't want to let go of our problems.
For what we be without them? With the problems at least we are familiar whether they are world problem or kitchen problem, whether they are political problem or religious problem. We talk of the ideals of peace, of non-violence, and yet lay the foundation stone of war. As the days of peace talk develops it seems that all is not well in the north. Is this the conflict between two actualities or between the actual and the fictitious? Time will tell.



Frans on 06.26.06 @ 12:24 PM CST [link]


Sunday, June 25th

Press Release Breach of trust causes further deadlock in the Indo-Naga Peace talks: India shows two forked tongue


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

Press Release

Amsterdam June 25 2006

Breach of trust causes further deadlock
in the Indo-Naga Peace talks
India shows two forked tongue

The Naga International Support Center calls on the Indian Government to once and for all show its sincerity, to stop supporting fighting among Nagas and to come up with a policy which shows to the Indian populace what it’s policy is for Nagaland its Accountability for more than 50 years of military presence in Nagaland, is required.

While the talks themselves are held in an amicable atmosphere and the commitments to arrive at a mutually agreeable and honorable peace accord are time and again confirmed and reinforced, India props up adversary elements to undermine its Naga partner at the talks for peace.

The question now is: Is India sincere in its endeavor to end this war once and for all? The congress Government in power in 1995 delivered the commitment openly, stating that the military solution is not possible, opening all avenues to negotiate with the Nagas on an equal basis
At the same time, through the years and now quite openly, India reinforced the results of its divide and rule policy by providing the NSCN-K and the remnants of the Naga National Council, funds and arms to fight against the NSCN who by the Government of India itself are the recognized representatives of the Naga Peoples, with which is partnering in the peace talks.
Time and again the Indian Government negotiators have reassured the Naga negotiators to contain these groups, so fighting among the Nagas could stop.

However, tt looks like the negotiators are alienated from the ground realities, for Assam Rifles and Indian Reserved Police team up with the said groupings to initiate confrontations and providing the logistics. They in turn call it factional fighting, which is then misleading both the Nagas and the outside world. This public statement made by the NSC-K reveals all
“The Indians are not our enemies. It is the NSCN-IM.”
The recent confrontations between K and IM are no factional clashes but Government of India induced confrontations. The NSCN-K, in line with the Government of India’s desire to settle for a Nagaland State wanted the NSCN-IM to sign a cease fire agreement. When the NSCN-IM representatives refused, saying that NSCN-IM stands for every inch of Naga soil, the K people threatened, fired and, under duress, made them sign the agreement. Such behavior by the K has been condemned by the NSCN-IM and the people.
This deliberate breech of trust, provocatively shown by the K and backed up the Indian Government, will certainly imperil the talks to the point of abrogation.
The Indian Government is solely responsible for the continuous violence, but NISC does not think the Indian Government could so shortsighted that it will inevitably lead its Armed Forces back into full fledged war.
NISC calls on the common sensed leaders of the Government of India to end this war.

Attached the annulment statement of Chairman of the NSCN-IM Isak Chisi Swu
For more information on the history of the NNC and NSCN-K visit our website www.nagalim.nl Or get in touch via nisc@nagalim.nl">nisc@nagalim.nl


ANNULMENT AHZA

The National Socialist Council of Nagalim’s commitment to peace process is total and she is seriously engaged in exploring every possible avenue in finding an honourable political solution acceptable to both the parties. For the achievement of this objective, faith in the power of collective wisdom and mass participation becomes essential. NSCN therefore, advocates the policy of reconciliation and unity among the Nagas. In this spirit and in response to the genuine wishes of the Sumi civil societies, a team of GPRN Officials led by Mr. Shikato Chishi Swu, Dy. Kilonser, was deputed by my office to meet some leaders from Khaplang’s camp as desired also by them, to foster better understanding amongst us.
Our team went there unarmed demonstrating our faith and sincerity; but to the utter surprise of the entire team, Mr. Nikhuyi and his men came in full combat gear and after creating a commotion by their random firing, intimidated our officials into signing a ceasefire agreement, clearly conveying the idea that they would all be eliminated should they refuse to sign it. Apparently Mr. Nikhuyi had also ordered his men to attack our cadres stationed at Khukiye Lukhai village and ambushes were laid at Chisholimi, Mudutsugho and surrounding villages targeting the returning GPRN officials.
Such brazen attitude and treacherous action is not only an insult to the Sumi civil societies through whose positive efforts these initiatives were made, but it is more of a self-forfeiture of our trust and therefore we hold ourselves not bound by any such farcical imposition. We neither believe in such forced union nor in the marriage that can be sustained through deception. We no longer trust such people.
NSCN is very critical of the fact that how unscrupulously the Government of India is using these elements to counterbalance it. GOI has succeeded only in vitiating the otherwise conducive atmosphere. In the final analysis, this intrigue would only be self-defeating though they have not ceased terming the self-created situation as a case of “factional clashes”.

(Isak Chishi Swu)


Frans on 06.25.06 @ 06:20 PM CST [link]



Centre, NSCN-IM hold 'fruitful' talks


Centre, NSCN-IM hold 'fruitful' talks Hidustan Times
The Hague (The Netherlands), June 25 (PTI): Giving a push to the Naga peace process, a group of ministers has concluded "very fruitful" talks here with the NSCN-IM leadership on key issues raised by the rebels, including autonomy for Nagaland.
"This round of talks were part of the ongoing peace process. The talks were quite good and very fruitful," Union Minister, Oscar Fernandes, said after three days of talks with Naga rebel leaders along with Union Minister of State for Home, S Reghupathy, and Minister of State at the PMO, Prithviraj Chouhan. Fernandes, Reghupathy and Chouhan are members of the Group of Ministers constituted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to look into the Naga peace process.
Asked whether NSCN-IM's 30-point Charter of Demands that included autonomy had figured in the talks, Fernandes said, "we discussed all relevent issues. But we cannot have talks on a piece-meal basis."
"We generally discussed the ongoing ceasefire in Nagaland. But the issue of extension (of the truce beyond July 31) was not taken up in the meeting," he said when asked whether the two sides had discussed extending the ceasefire that will end next month. Asked whether another meeting would be held before July 31, Fernandes said, "certainly another round of talks will be held before the expiry of the date. It is premature to talk about the extension now."
Sources said the 30-point Charter of Demands submitted by the NSCN-IM, including a greater say in the utilisation of Nagaland's natural resources, a separate Constitution, separate flag and control in areas like finance, defence and policing, had figured in the discussions.
The NSCN-IM is insisting on "some kind of concession" from the Centre on its demands to "please domestic constituencies" that have become desperate due to delays in the peace process. However, the Centre's response to this was not known, sources said.
The issue of unification of Naga inhabitated areas in the northeast was also raised by the rebels.
The Naga outfit has made a case for a "federal relationship" with the Indian Union. It has argued that the nature of this relationship should be incorporated in the country's Constitution as well as the separate one for Nagaland. If it is granted, this alone can ensure a lasting settlement to the nation's oldest insurgency problem, sources said.
The government's negotiators are believed to have put forward the Centre's view on the extent of flexibility under the Constitution that could take care of regional diversities and aspirations, sources said. The interlocutor for the Naga talks, K Padmanabhiah, was also present at the meeting while the NSCN-IM was represented by Chairmam, Isak Chishi Swu, and General Secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah.
The Centre began talks with the NSCN-IM in 1997 after the two sides agreed to a ceasefire.
NSCN-IM demand separate constitution The Morung Express

GUWAHATI, June 24 (Reuters): A powerful rebel group in India’s remote northeast has demanded a separate constitution, flag and more control of natural resources and finances to end their decades-old revolt. Leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland submitted their 30-point “charter of demands” to a group of Indian ministers during their latest round of three-day talks which began at The Hague on Thursday.
“We have put up our demand for a federal arrangement between India and Nagaland,” V. Horam, a senior leader of the council told Reuters by phone on Saturday. “The kind of relationship between the two will be worked out in the course of the next rounds of discussions, so that it could be incorporated in the constitutions of India and Nagaland.”
The Indian government and the council have held many talks since a ceasefire in 1997. The truce is due to end on July 31. The Naga rebellion is India’s oldest insurgency, and analysts say peace with the Nagas is crucial to a broader peace in the turbulent northeast, home to dozens of insurgent groups.
NSCN-IM withdraws ceasefire with NSCN(K) Zee news
Kohima, June 24: The historic ceasefire agreement between rival factions of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), signed on June 14 last at Zunheboto district, has been nullified with NSCN-IM president Isak Chishi Swu declaring the agreement as ''farcical imposition'' by NSCN(K). Swu today claimed the representatives of his faction were intimidated into signing the deal. ''THE agreement was ''more of a self-forfeiture of our trust and therefore we hold ourselves not bound by any such farcical imposition,'' he added.

He maintained that in the spirit of reconciliation and in response to the genuine wishes of the Sumi Civil Societies, the NSCN-IM deputed its team, led by Deputy Kilonser Shikato Chishi Swu, to meet some NSCN(K) leaders to foster better understanding between the two groups.

''The NSCN-IM representatives had gone without any arms showing faith and sincerity,'' he said, while alleging that the rival faction team, led by Nikhuyi, came in full combat gear and after creating a commotion by their random firing, intimidated the NSCN-IM officials into signing the ceasefire agreement. The action of the rival faction clearly conveyed the idea that they would all be eliminated, if they refused to sign the ceasefire agreement, Swu added.

He reiterated that the NSCN-IM was totally committed to the peace process and engaged in exploring every possible avenue in finding an honorable political solution acceptable to both the parties, Swu said in order to achieve this objective, faith in the power of collective wisdom and mass participation had become essential. He also said the ''brazen attitude and treacherous action'' displayed by the rival faction was not only an insult to the Sumi civil societies through whose positive efforts these initiatives were made, but also a ''self-forfeiture of trust''.

''Neither do we believe in such forced union nor in the marriage that can be sustained through deception, '' he said.

''The NSCN-IM no longer trusted such people''. He said and alleged the ''Centre had been unscrupulously using these NSCN(K) elements''. Bureau Report
'Practice what you preach' NSCN (IM) told by FGN The Morung Express
Dimapur June 24 (MExN): The FGN has maintained that the “iron hand” policy of the NSCN (IM) is breeding hatred and enmity, which according to the former, was manifested in the recent killing of Mayarping Angkang on June 22 at Kohima “by their rival faction”. And that the NSCN (IM) should not do what it condemns.
“It is unfortunate for the Nagas that they reaffirmed again their policy of iron hand when Emo Mayarping Angkang was killed in Kohima on June 22, 2006 by their rival faction. Condemning the killing without desisting or refraining themselves from killings and violence is a mockery and ridiculous. The iron hand of Muivah bred hatred, enmity, killings and terrorism.” Tungbang, Maidan Peyu of the Ao Region, FGN, stated.
The FGN was of the opinion that “when the socialist political ideology of Th. Muivah was rejected by the Nagas, Muivah and his henchmen started to practice their policy (of) iron hand to deal with their opponents and killed more than three thousand Nagas who opposed socialism, in the past 25 years”. The FGN added the NSCN-IM condemning killings without desisting from itself indulging in killings are a mockery.
“The value of human life is equal whatsoever small or big man, a Tangkhul or other Nagas. They killed thousands of innocent Nagas in cold-blood and condemned the killing of Mayarping Angkang” the FGN asserted and added that this tantamount to making one’s own community above all Nagas.
“Such communalism and chauvinism will make more furious (the issue) and incense other Naga families and communities” it stated.
“If they really condemn the killing, they must first announce and stop killing. They should nobly admit their mistakes and relinquish the so-called NSCN set-up which is facing a failure. This is the only way to stop killing of the Nagas and will pave the way to achieve our national goal” the Maidan Peyu added.
Sumi Hoho upset by CF annulment The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JUNE 24 (MExN): The Sumi Hoho has expressed pain over the decision of the NSCN (IM) decision to annul the Zunheboto ceasefire agreement that was widely reported in yesterday’s local news-dailies.
Refuting the reasons given by the NSCN (IM) that it was made to sign the truce pact under duress citing the “brazen attitude and treacherous action of the NSCN (K) cadres under the command of Nikhuyi,” the Sumi Hoho clarified that the representatives of both NSCN factions had come for the meeting on June 14, 2006 under the escort of Peace Monitoring Cell but never in full combat.
“And in no case the agreement was signed under intimidation, force nor persuasions”, the Sumi Hoho stated in a rejoinder issued by President H.S Rotokha and General Secretary Aheto V. Yepthomi. “There was of course, a bit of disagreement on area coverage in the course of discussion. However, the representatives of both the factions came to a conclusion that the agreement should initially cover all Sumi inhabited and not Zunheboto district exclusively”, the statement maintained.
The Sumi Hoho informed that the representatives of both the factions were convinced and signed four points of agreement witnessed by Sumi Hoho and Sumi Kukami Hoho in presence of all Sumi NGOs. Further, this agreement between the two NSCN factions was welcomed and fully endorsed by the Sumi general public meeting on June 23, it was informed.
The Sumi Hoho also clarified that it had received reports of firing at Khukiye Lukhai and Chisholimi on June 14 but that on inquiry, it came to light that the firing happened before the agreement was signed and it was ordered to be stopped.
The Sumi Hoho and other civil societies appealed to all leaderships to be more sincere in their approach towards peace and reconciliation process regardless of ‘insignificant hurdles that may stand on the way’. “We expect a sense of mutual understanding will prevail in the best interest of the Nagas in general”, it stated.

Sumi general public meeting endorse ceasefire The Morung Express

DIMAPUR, JUNE 24 (MExN): The Sumi General public meeting held on Friday, June 23 has fully endorsed the bilateral ceasefire agreement signed by the NSCN factions on June 14 under the initiative of the Sumi Hoho for cessation of armed clashes among the factions. The meeting also urged upon the concerned leaders to initiate such agreements to all sectors in Nagaland.
The five point resolution adopted also appreciated the timely intervention and selfless efforts put in by the Peace Monitoring Cell Zunheboto in preventing more bloodshed in and around Zunheboto town. It also resolved that the present PMCZ continues its operation.
The public meeting also resolved that similar Peace Monitoring Cell shall be formed in each and every towns and areas at the earliest so as to monitor such situation as and when required.
In this regard, executive members of Sumi Hoho, Sumi Kukami Hoho, Sumi Totimi Hoho and Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu of the respective towns and areas have been entrusted for its formation.
It also urged the concern leaders to expedite the peace and reconciliation process with sincerity for an honorable and expectable unification as per agreement signed on June 14.
The meeting also reiterated its support to the ongoing peace process for an early and honorable solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political issue as per the laid down principles.
Judiciary & Executive should be separated in Nagaland: Justice Sema The Morung Express
Dimapur, June 24 (MExN): In the context of Nagaland Judiciary and Executive, where traditional conventions have been fused with exigent legislations, the need to affect total separation of powers of both organs from each other is not only a compulsion but most importantly, a necessity. This assertion was made by Justice HK Sema, Judge of the Supreme Court who held the view that the two must be separated ‘since it is a complete necessity’.
“The separation of the Judiciary from the Executive is a necessity” Justice HK Sema asserted in an informal interaction after inaugurating the Dimapur Bar Association building at DC (Judicial) Court Complex, Dimapur June 24. “One cannot be a judge as well as the prosecutor. That is why separation of the two powers is necessary and the two should be separated in Nagaland. It is a necessity” he said.
Elaborating on his contention why a separation should be caused, the Supreme Court Judge implied that traditional laws as fused with the administration was more or less inconsistent with emergent needs. “One day the people of Nagaland is going to have its own High court; it’s going to have its own separate permanent bench in future and as such we need separation; it is a necessity” His Lordship reiterated adding that a democratic country cannot monopolize two subjects. “One cannot be a judge as well as the prosecutor” Justice Sema reiterated.
Meanwhile, delivering his address as Chief Guest at the inauguration, Justice HK Sema called for maintaining the sanctity of the courts of law. His Lordship, who is the only Naga to ascend the country’s Judiciary echelons, reminded that the law of a democratic court is supreme and these statutes should be upheld sagaciously and reverently. “In a democratic country like ours the rule of law is supreme – in the Upanishads, it says that law is much more powerful than kings. Through law, the weak prevails over the strong; the peon can prevail over the Chief Minister” Justice Sema asserted.
The Justice also urged the legal representatives to endeavor keeping in mind the needs of the people and cautioned that lest their commitment wavers, the integrity of their profession as law interpreters would be undermined by the common man. He urged the legal representatives present to endeavor with dedication and honesty “since there are no limits to rising higher”. “There is no substitute for hard work. The best example is oneself” Justice HK Sema exhorted and wished all the legal guardians success and goodwill in their future endeavors.
Earlier in the programme Rev M Sakhrie said the invocation after which Justice Sema unveiled the Plague. The programme was chaired by Aphien Gonmai, DBA Treasurer while the welcome address was delivered by DK Nagi, president of the association. The Nagaland Law Students Federation (NLSF) also treated the gathering with a special number. The Vote of Thanks was offered by Akito Zhimomi, Executive member, DBA.
Sumi Hoho reacts to Isak’s charges Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JUNE 24 (NPN): Contrary to the reasons given by the NSCN-IM for annulling the June 14 Zunheboto ceasefire agreement signed between the rival NSCNs, the Sumi Hoho (SH) today clarified that in no case was the agreement signed under intimidation, force or persuasion. The hoho also said that representatives of the two factions who attended the meeting under the escort of Peace Monitoring Cell were "never in full combat."
Earlier on Friday, the NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chishi Swu had declared the agreement as a "farcical imposition" by the NSCN-K as the NSCN-IM representatives were allegedly intimidated into signing the deal. Swu in an "Annulment Azha" said the agreement was "more of a self-forfeiture of our trust and therefore we hold ourselves not bound by any such farcical imposition."
Expressing pain at Swu's statement, Sumi Hoho president HS Rotokha and general secretary Aheto V Yepthomi, in a press statement admitted that initially there were some differences on the ambit of the ceasefire in the course of discussion. However, representatives of both the factions came to a conclusion that the agreement should initially cover all Sumi inhabited areas and not Zunheboto district exclusively, the hoho said and added that the two sides were finally convinced and later signed a 4-point agreement, which was witnessed by Sumi Hoho and Sumi Kukami in presence of all Sumi NGOs.
On the NSCN-IM allegation that its cadres were ambushed at Khukiye Lukhai and Chisholimi while they were returning after the meeting, the Sumi Hoho said after inquiring into the matter it was found out that the firing took place before the agreement was signed. Appealing to all "leaderships" to be more sincere in their approach towards peace and reconciliation, the statement further informed that Sumi Hoho and other civil societies expect mutual understanding to prevail in the best interest of Nagas.
Meanwhile, the Sumi general public meeting that was held on June 23 urged the leaders concerned to expedite the peace and reconciliation process with sincerity, for an "honourable and expectable unification" as per the June 14 agreement. Fully endorsing the agreement signed under the aegis of the Sumi Hoho, the meeting also urged the leaders to initiate such pacts in all parts of Nagaland. The meeting appreciated the commendable role played by Peace Monitoring Cell, Zunheboto, in preventing more bloodshed and also resolved to form similar peace cells in all towns and areas. The meeting further reiterated support to the ongoing peace process.
Isak Swu’s cease fire annulment draws flak Newmai News Network
Kohima, June 24: The powerful Sumi (Sema tribe) Hoho, the apex body of the Sumi community, has taken Isak Chishi Swu’s annulment of the ceasefire between the two NSCN factions in Sumi areas as a betrayal to the Sumi people insisting that the declaration has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sumi community. Sumi Hoho President, H. S. Rotokha however doubted that the statement was actually issued by Swu. Contradicting Isak Swu’s allegations that the NSCN (IM) was forced to sign the ceasefire agreement, Rotokha insisted that the Sumi Hoho witness that none of the parties involved were made to sign under duress. “The move was made with the good intention of letting them (underground factions) come together and pave the way for an honourable merger. We want all factions to come together”, Rotokha explained.
Assuring that there is no tension yet in Sumi areas as a result of Swu’s annulment of the ceasefire, he pointed out that the NSCN (K) has put its cadres under alert following the declaration.
NPMHR members complain of ‘democratic deficit’ in Delhi Unit The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JUNE 24 (MExN): Members belonging to the NPMHR Delhi Unit addressing themselves as ‘members of NPMHR, Delhi Unit in the interest of the public’ have issued a press communiqué pointing out that the decision to keep the NPMHR, Delhi Unit, in abeyance was undemocratic in nature and bias in action and that it was “still not convinced as to why Delhi Unit should have been kept in abeyance in the first place”.
Stating that it wanted to put on record their decision taken on June 23, the statement pointed out that the decision was necessitated in the wake of ‘democratic deficit being face by the members of NPMHR, Delhi Unit.
“The honourable members have agreed to come out in the public domain for the interest of the members of the NPMHR in particular and the Naga people in general”, the communiqué stated.
The members stated that in the General Assembly of the NPMHR on May 6, 2006, they had clearly pointed out in the GA proceedings for ‘serious consideration of all the interest, opinions, views, sentiments etc in good spirit, once the committee has been formed to resolve and constitute a new team for Delhi Unit. “However, it is learnt that favouritism has been obvious in constituting a new team for Delhi Unit. Moreover, not all the members have been informed of who are those persons in the new team”, the communiqué addressed to the NPMHR Secretary General stated.
As such the members considered this as a deliberate attempt to suppress the right to information of all members.
The communiqué also termed as immature and unbecoming of some of the members of Delhi Unit had a meeting without informing all its members on June 17, 2006 when the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi was in the middle of hectic preparation for the June 20th Rally for Peace and Justice. “The motive behind calling the meeting was objectionable in the sense that the initiators for the June 17 meeting knew to themselves very well that most of the honourable members were actively assisting and helping the NSUD for making the rally a successful one”, it informed.
As such the communiqué stated that the manner in which the meeting has been called is not only undemocratic but also has high potential of vitiating the NPMHR itself. “This sinister way has led us to a condition where to place trust on the new team will not be an easy task for the honourable members. The communiqué stated that it did not recognise the action plans chalked out by five members on 17 June meeting where majority (8-10 in numbers) of the members had not participated in the decision making.
It was also pointed out that members decided that all the units of NPMHR must not work hand in glove with any civil society which does not subscribe to the similar principle of the NPMHR. “In this historic moment, the honourable members have serious doubt on the sincerity of those active members of the NPMHR who are having deep linkage with The Other Media and other Indian NGOs to work for the Naga cause.”
While stating that having solidarity with all civil societies is important and necessary for the NPMHR, however, it cautioned that it would be a ‘profundity of destruction’ to the people’s movement for their right to self-determination, if, an active member of the NPMHR is always in line with “the puppeteers”.
NPMHR Delhi Press Statement Press Communiqué
Date: 24/06/06 In the midst of various new developments that are taking place in the society, the honourable members of the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, Delhi Unit, desired to put on record their decision that was taken on Friday, the 23rd of June 2006 with regard to the prevailing scenario in the aftermath of the NPMHR, Delhi Unit, being kept in abeyance on December 24, 2005. The above decision has been necessitated in the wake of democratic deficit being faced by the honourable members of NPMHR, Delhi Unit. It is hope that every individual will sincerely understand the good intension of this move. The following points have been carefully considered and weighed, and the honourable members have agreed to come out in the public domain for the interest of the members of the NPMHR in particular and the Naga people in general. The points are as under:

1. That, the honourable members are of the opinion that devoid of reason for keeping the NPMHR, Delhi Unit, in abeyance was undemocratic in nature and bias in action. Besides, the honourable members are still not convinced as to why Delhi Unit should have been kept in abeyance in the first place.
2. That, the honourable members, in the General Assembly of the NPMHR on May 6, 2006, has clearly pointed out in the GA proceedings for serious consideration of all the interest, opinions, views, sentiments etc. in good spirit, once the committee has been formed to resolve and constitute a new team for Delhi Unit. However, it is learnt that favouritism has been obvious in constituting a new team for Delhi Unit. Moreover, not all the members have been informed of who are those persons in the new team. This is beyond doubt a deliberate attempt to suppress the right to information of all members. The honourable members are dismayed to learn that such policy would still be employ especially after the GA.
3. That, it is immature and unbecoming of some of the members of Delhi Unit had a meeting without informing all its members on June 17, 2006 when the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi was in the middle of hectic preparation for the June 20th Rally for Peace and Justice. The motive behind calling the meeting was objectionable in the sense that the initiators for the June 17 meeting knew to themselves very well that most of the honourable members were actively assisting and helping the NSUD for making the rally a successful one. It will not be out of place to state that the manner in which the meeting has been called is not only undemocratic but also has high potential of vitiating the NPMHR itself. This sinister way has led us to a condition where to place trust on the new team will not be an easy task for the honourable members. The honourable members did not recognise the action plans chalked out by five members on 17 June meeting where majority (8-10 in numbers) of the members were not participated in the decision making.
4. The last but not the least, the honourable members decided that all the units of NPMHR must not work hand in glove with any civil society which does not subscribe to the similar principle of the NPMHR. In this historic moment, the honourable members have serious doubt on the sincerity of those active members of the NPMHR who are having deep linkage with The Other Media and other Indian NGOs to work for the Naga cause. The honourable members agreed in principle that having solidarity with all civil societies is important and necessary for the NPMHR. However, the point to be noted here is that it would be a profundity of destruction to the people’s movement for their right to self-determination, if, an active member of the NPMHR is always in line with the puppeteers.

Issued by the honourable members of NPMHR, Delhi Unit in the interest of the public
Copy to: Secretary General NPMHR and all the Units.
Now American IT firm show interest in Nagaland The Morung Express
Dimapur, June 24 (MExN): With a corresponding signing of a deal with ADSNetCurve, a leading IT firm in the United States, COSYNE Enterprise has evinced considerable interest in forming partnerships and investment between American firms and with those from North East India, particularly, the state of Nagaland. COSYNE Enterprise’s unit in Nagaland, COSYNE Internet Centre, which is located at Midland, Dimapur will be hosting Perry Ram, CEO of COSYNE Enterprise on June 26.
A circular from COSYNE issued by Dr Aola Imcha, informed that CEO Perry Ram, from Atlanta, USA and on his maiden business trip to the state, will be in Dimapur on the scheduled date to discuss IT partnerships and investment between American firms and those from NE, Nagaland state in particular. The CEO will also launch the exclusive Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) courses and exams in the North East, according to the circular. MOS is the only globally recognized certificate for office package in the world, it was informed. “Because of it growing popularity and demand all over the world, Microsoft has given Cyberlearning the privilege to conduct tests in all of South Asia. Cyberlearning, who is COSYNE’s partner, has recognized the work COSYNE has done and awarded us the exclusive rights from Microsoft to offer in North East India” Dr Aola Imcha stated.
It was also informed that COSYNE has signed a deal with ADSNetCurve, stated to be one of the fastest growing IT firms in the United States. COSYNE will jointly operate its SDPI facility in Mangalore from July 1. It was also added that the centre is planning to open another SDPI in Guwahati. Dr Mendinaro will be the Chief Executive of the Indian operations, it was stated.
Differing Media Priorities At Imphal And New Delhi By: Lal Ala E Pao news
If there is someone who, out of necessity or curiosity, makes it his business to search for and collect news relating to Manipur (or even the northeast excluding Assam) on a daily basis in the New Delhi-based newspapers, he may either end up happy, or frustrated. Happy, because there rarely are news reports to work on and hence, lots of leisure. Or frustrated, because most of whatever little news he obtained will be negative news. And if he takes the extra trouble to make a comparison of the regular headlines in Manipur newspapers and those that appear in the national newspapers, he will probably be flustered by the extent in which the two differed, in terms of priorities and news selection.

So, while the noisy daily protests over the integrity issue in the Imphal valley regularly gets top-billing in the Manipur dailies, the national papers usually do not reflect that sentiment. On the rare occasions in which Manipur is in the news, it usually is about the moral policing by insurgents: dress code for students, ban on shades in restaurants or beedis etc, the scourge of AIDS, Army’s counter-insurgency operations, AFSPA or NSCN-India talks (not necessarily in that order). A cursory glance would also reveal that among the northeastern states (excluding Assam, which is in a different category altogether), Meghalaya seems to have obtained the most attention. Maybe, the cosmopolitan character of Shillong, the capital, and personalities like PA Sangma have something to do with it. Even the tiny Mizoram seems to be better-placed than us in terms of media coverage. And most of the news from there are positive news- World Bank financing projects, progress made in bamboo harvesting, its promotion of handicraft works or the government’s initiatives to counter the bamboo flowering menace etc. In fact, sources from the government here said that the Mizoram government had already presented a detailed plan to tide over the coming food crisis to the Centre. If there is any major negative news about the state, it is the Reang issue which is one very emotive issue from an outsider’s perspective.

However, more attention seems to have shifted to Manipur since the recent past. From early this year, Manipur is in lots of news here. And they were about landmines and mass rapes and the Army’s counter-insurgency operations. Most of these reports were not found in mass-circulation papers like the Hindustan Times or Times of India, but in smaller ones like The Pioneer, the Indian Express or The Asian Age. Interestingly, most of the detailed reports on landmines and mass rapes in Manipur were filed by reporters from Shillong or Aizawl. Reports of nexus between the government (or Ibobi Singh) and militant groups also did not appear only in Outlook-which reported on the case twice- but in newspapers like the Asian Age and The Pioneer. As for the mass rape issue, the most detailed writing on it in the national media, even if a little belated, is given by Frontline (Violence and Violation by Malini, Issue June 1-16, 2006).
This week, the big news about the northeast here is the Naga-India talks which commenced last Thursday at The Hague, in the Netherlands. The Economic Times gave a detailed analysis on the proposals likely to be taken up at the talks in its Wednesday issue. The reports emphasized the point that a Jammu & Kashmir-like status for Nagaland is under active consideration at the talks, which if true, will mark a major climb-down on the part of the NSCN (The NSCN-IM leadership in Dimapur subsequently refuted the reports). The Indian Express, June 22 issue reported that the government has dispatched two more union ministers viz. S. Reghupathy and Prithviraj Chauhan for the Hague talks to assuage NSCN’s feelings that Oscar Fernandes alone may not have the necessary clout to convince the government on the need to fulfill demands forwarded by the outfit. The Naga outfit has been smarting under the non-progress at the talks, especially relating to the core demand of integration of Naga areas. The ceasefire between the two is due to expired on July 31, 2006. A rally organized here on June 19 by the Naga Students Union, Delhi (NSUD) in support of the NSCN demands was also reported in The Hindu, Indian Express and Hindustan Times. Even though only The Hindu gives a detailed report, it is nevertheless significant given the fact that no newspapers here had reported on a rally previously organized on the mass rape issue in Tipaimukh.

Lastly, how much importance does the national newspapers accorded to the ‘Great June Uprising Day 2006’ in Manipur? As it is, only The Hindu reported on the observations function at Imphal. The Hindu, in its main national page, carried a detailed UNI report on the observation held at Kekrupat (Great June Uprising) and at GM Hall (5th Unity Day) along with a PTI photo. The report mentioned, among other things that speakers at the function (which one I don’t know) demanded a constitutional amendment for safeguarding Manipur’s territorial integrity. As for other regular headlines in Manipur, like the success stories of revolutionary groups, they are conspicuous by their absence in the national capital.


Frans on 06.25.06 @ 05:12 PM CST [link]


Saturday, June 24th

ANNULMENT AHZA


ANNULMENT AHZA

The National Socialist Council of Nagalim’s commitment to peace process is total and she is seriously engaged in exploring every possible avenue in finding an honourable political solution acceptable to both the parties. For the achievement of this objective, faith in the power of collective wisdom and mass participation becomes essential. NSCN therefore, advocates the policy of reconciliation and unity among the Nagas. In this spirit and in response to the genuine wishes of the Sumi civil societies, a team of GPRN Officials led by Mr. Shikato Chishi Swu, Dy. Kilonser, was deputed by my office to meet some leaders from Khaplang’s camp as desired also by them, to foster better understanding amongst us.
Our team went there unarmed demonstrating our faith and sincerity; but to the utter surprise of the entire team, Mr. Nikhuyi and his men came in full combat gear and after creating a commotion by their random firing, intimidated our officials into signing a ceasefire agreement, clearly conveying the idea that they would all be eliminated should they refuse to sign it. Apparently Mr. Nikhuyi had also ordered his men to attack our cadres stationed at Khukiye Lukhai village and ambushes were laid at Chisholimi, Mudutsugho and surrounding villages targeting the returning GPRN officials.
Such brazen attitude and treacherous action is not only an insult to the Sumi civil societies through whose positive efforts these initiatives were made, but it is more of a self-forfeiture of our trust and therefore we hold ourselves not bound by any such farcical imposition. We neither believe in such forced union nor in the marriage that can be sustained through deception. We no longer trust such people.
NSCN is very critical of the fact that how unscrupulously the Government of India is using these elements to counterbalance it. GOI has succeeded only in vitiating the otherwise conducive atmosphere. In the final analysis, this intrigue would only be self-defeating though they have not ceased terming the self-created situation as a case of “factional clashes”.



(Isak Chishi Swu)

Frans on 06.24.06 @ 04:05 PM CST [link]



`Greater autonomy` reports an attempt to confuse public: NSCN


`Greater autonomy` reports an attempt to confuse public: NSCN Nagarealm.com Dimapur, Jun 24 : Strongly reacting to the PTI news reports based in New Delhi that the NSCN-IM is expected to focus on the greater autonomy for Nagaland during the crucial talks with the Centre`s negotiators at the Hague from June 22-24, one of the key figure in the NSCN-IM set up has termed the reports as attempt to confuse the people.
"We are not surprised over such reports as some media have been playing spoil-sports with regard to the ongoing Naga peace process", said deputy home minister of the NSCN-IM V.Horam adding,"there are no as such things as greater autonomy or smaller autonomy that the Nagas are talking about".

Informing this to Newmai News Network this morning V. Horam said that "we are talking about the federation of India and Nagalim". The NSCN-IM deputy home minister explained that the proposal "we have put up is for the Federation of India and Nagalim and the pattern of relationship between these two nations (Federation of India and Nagalim) which is to be inseparable and this thing to be worked out in the process of the ongoing talks and that would be incorporated in the constitution of India as well as the constitution of Nagalim." V. Horam further explained that within this framework and principle the whole thing would be revolved around. However, V.Horam said that it is not proper to give comment before the talks start but stated that things will be out there for everyone to see after the agreement is done.

Meanwhile, the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region spokesman Felix has informed the media over telephone that three non-Naga cadres who were with the NSCN-IM had been killed and five NSCN-IM cadres injured at the clash between the two rival faction in Tamenglong district few days back.

He said that three killed cadres belong non-Naga outfit which had been trained by the NSCN-IM.Felix further stated that five injured NSCN-IM cadres had taken to Dimapur for medical attention while the three dead bodies had been taken care off by the NSCN-IM.The incident occured in the Makoi village clash incident,according to Felix.The spokesman further stated that his outfit been restraining from attacking the rival outfit because of the presence of the Indian security forces to which they do not want to create law and order problem in the region.He then claimed that his outfit could finish-off the rival faction if wants to and urged the rival faction to come out in the open at any place at any day for confrontation.

Crucial round of Centre-Naga talks begin Kuknalim.com
THE HAGUE (The Netherlands), June 22: With an aim to boost the ongoing Naga peace process, a Central team including three union ministers began a crucial round of negotiations with NSCN-IM leaders here today. The meeting assumes significance as for the first time Union Minister Oscar Fernandes and two key members of the group of ministers constituted by the government to look into the Naga peace process are participating in the talks.

Fernandes had been the only minister of the UPA government to participate in earlier negotiations, but he has been joined this time by Union Minister of State for Home S Reghupathy and Minister of State at the PMO Prithviraj Chouhan. The interlocutor for the Naga talks, K Padmanabhiah, is another member of the Central team.

With the Centre reluctant to concede the NSCN-IM's key demand for unifying all Naga-inhabited areas in the Northeast, the rebel group is expected to raise the issue of "greater autonomy" for Nagaland during the deliberations that will continue till June 24, sources said.
Autonomy is part of the 30-point "charter of demands" submitted by the NSCN-IM, and this includes a greater say in the utilisation of natural resources, a separate constitution, a separate flag and control in areas like finance, defence and policing, they said.
The two sides are also expected to discuss the extension of the ceasefire with the NSCN-IM, which is set to end on July 31. The Centre began talks with the NSCN-IM in 1997 after the two sides agreed to a ceasefire. (Zee News)

NSCN demand new constitution for peace Reuters
GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - A powerful rebel group in the northeast has demanded a separate constitution, flag and more control of natural resources and finances to end their decades-old revolt. Leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland submitted their 30-point "charter of demands" to a group of Indian ministers during their latest round of three-day talks which began at The Hague on Thursday.
"We have put up our demand for a federal arrangement between India and Nagaland," V. Horam, a senior leader of the council told Reuters by phone on Saturday.
"The kind of relationship between the two will be worked out in the course of the next rounds of discussions, so that it could be incorporated in the constitutions of India and Nagaland."
The Indian government and the council have held many talks since a ceasefire in 1997. The truce is due to end on July 31.
The Naga tribal rebellion is India's oldest insurgency, and analysts say peace with the Nagas is crucial to a broader peace in the turbulent northeast, home to dozens of insurgent groups.
Centre-NSCN-IM hold meeting in Netherlands Zee News
The Hague, June 23: Seeking to take forward the Naga peace process, three Union Ministers today held a meeting with the NSCN-IM leadership here and discussed various issues raised by the rebels, including their 30-point Charter of Demands.

"The talks were quite good. They were very fruitful," Union Minister Oscar Fernandes told PTI after meeting the Naga rebel leaders along with Union Minister of State for Home S Reghupathy and Minister of State at the PMO Prithviraj Chouhan.

Asked whether NSCN-IM's 30-point Charter of Demands, including autonomy, had figured in the meeting, Fernandes said, "We have discussed all relevent issues. But we cannot have talks on a piece-meal basis. All issues were covered.

"We generally discussed the ongoing ceasefire in Nagaland. But the issue of extension (of the truce beyond July 31) was not taken up in the meeting," he said when asked whether the two sides had held discussions on extending the ceasefire that will end next month.

Asked whether another meeting will take place before July 31, Fernandes said, "Normally we take up the matter just before the expiry of the date. It is premature to talk about the extension now." Fernandes said the talks would continue tomorrow.

The interlocutor for the Naga talks, K Padmanabhiah, was also present at the meeting while the NSCN-IM was represented by chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah. The Centre began talks with the NSCN-IM in 1997 after the two sides agreed to a ceasefire. Bureau Report

UNC delegation meets Arjun Singh in Delhi
The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 23: The United Naga Council delegation today met the Union Human Resource Development Minister, Arjun Singh at the latter`s official residence in New Delhi and apprised him about the aspirations of the Nagas presently living in Manipur.

A statement faxed to IFP said the UNC delegation also submitted a memorandum to the Union Minister on the payment of Hill House Tax directly to the government of India and not to the government of Manipur.

This is a follow up of the Naga Peoples Convention (NPC) held on November 4, 2005 at Tahamzam (Senapati), in which the Nagas decided to launch non-cooperation movement and civil disobedience against the government of Manipur, the UNC statement said.

The NPC had also among others arrive at resolutions regarding introduction of syllabus of Nagaland Board of Education for classes VIII to X and affiliation of schools in Naga inhabited areas of Manipur to the Nagaland board.

The Union Minister was also made to understand of the hardships faced by the Nagas living in Manipur under the alleged dominant rule of suppression and impositions by the majority community, the statement claimed and maintained that government of Manipur have been opposing every rightful aspirations of the Nagas.

It further alleged that government of Manipur have been using forces against civilians apart terming Nagas as hostiles for expressing their democratic rights.

The UNC also claim that the meeting with Union HRD Minister was cordial and ended with positive note.

The United Naga Council, while maintaining that the organisation is totally against all forms of violence and bloodshed amongst Nagas, has also strongly condemned the killing of Mayerping Angkang.

The organisation also appeals all armed organisations to desist from cowardice activities and stop killing innocent civilians.

The UNC team along with Naga Women Union Manipur, All Naga Students Association Manipur and Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights condole the untimely demise Angkang, according to a release.

NSCN (IM) annuls Zunheboto ceasefire The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JUNE 23 (MExN): GPRN President (Yaruiwo) Isak Chishi Swu today issued an ‘annulment ahza’ (order) of the Zunheboto ceasefire agreement reached earlier with the NSCN (K) citing the ‘brazen attitude and treacherous action’ of the NSCN (K) cadres under the command of Nikhuyi. “Our team went there unharmed demonstrating our faith and sincerity; but to the utter surprise of the entire team, Mr Nikhuyi and his men came in full combat gear and after creating a commotion by their random firing, intimidated our officials into signing a ceasefire agreement, clearly conveying the idea that they would all be eliminated should they reuse to sign it”, stated the annulment ahza dated June 23, 2006 issued from The Hague, Netherlands. The annulment order pointed out that Nikhuyi had also ordered his men to attack the NSCN (IM) cadres stationed at Khukiye Lukhai village and that ambushes were laid at Chisholimi, Mudutsugho and surrounding villages targeting the returning GPRN officials.
“Such brazen attitude and treacherous action is not only an insult to the Sumi civil societies through whose positive efforts these initiatives were made, but it is more of a self-forfeiture of our trust and therefore we hold ourselves not bound by any such farcical imposition”, the GPRN President stated in the ahza. “We neither believe in such forced union nor in the marriage that can be sustained through deception. We no longer trust such people”, it was stated while at the same time pointing out that it advocates the policy of reconciliation and unity among the Nagas.
“In this spirit and in response to the genuine wishes of the Sumi civil societies, a team of GPRN officials, led by Shikato Chishi Swu, Deputy Kilonser, was deputed by my office to meet some leaders from Khaplang’s camp as desired also by them, to foster better understanding amongst us”, it was stated. The President likewise, gave the assurance that the NSCN (IM) was committed to the peace process in totality and that it was seriously exploring every possible avenue in finding an honorable political solution acceptable to both the parties. “For the achievement of this objective, faith in the power of collective wisdom and mass participation becomes essential”, it stated.
The GPRN President also stated that they were “very critical of the fact that how unscrupulously the Government of India is using these elements to counterbalance it”. The statement pointed out that the GoI had succeeded only in vitiating the otherwise conducive atmosphere. “In the final analysis, this intrigue would only be self-defeating though they have not ceased terming the self-created situation as a case of factional clashes”.
Time for Agreement: UNPO on Naga talks UNPO The Morung Express
Amsterdam, June 23 (AGENCIES): Thursday June 22 saw the commencement of another crucial round of peace talks between the government of India and the NSCN-IM leadership, Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah. The talks will continue until 24 June.
The dialogue between the Nagas and the Indian government first started in 1997 and after years of negotiation it may seem that an agreement covering relevant points could be achieved. “The key question for discussion would be constitutional autonomy for Nagaland in context of a federal relationship,” UNPO General Secretary Marino Busdachin states, further emphasising that this matter could represent a milestone on the path to conflict resolution and the right of self-determination in its broad sense.
“Recent history demonstrates instances where mutually harmful stalemates on catastrophic self-determination conflicts have reached settlement through a series of wide ranging self-government (autonomy or federal status) and power sharing - engineering new forms of co-governance.” Busdachin draws analogy to the recent bylaw of a full autonomy status to Catalonia by the Spanish government and the status of Scotland in the United Kingdom. “These represent clear and illustrative examples of how to implement, in a new effective form, self-determination in a general process leading independent states to associate as the European Union and the federalist evolution of many states; from independence to inter-dependence, both nationally and internationally.”
UNPO highlights that Indian and Naga negotiators currently meeting in Amsterdam have the tremendous opportunity during these days to track a future of peace and development in the North East part of India and to instate a new example for an implied constitutional self-determination status.
UNC submits No-hill-tax-to Manipur memo to Centre The Morung Express
Dimapur, June 23 (MExN): The United Naga Council (UNC) delegation today met the Union Human Resources Minister, Arjun Singh, at his residence June 23, and submitted a memorandum to pay the Hill House Tax directly to the Government of India and not to the Government of Manipur State.
The delegation also apprised the Union Minister of the aspirations of the Nagas presently living in the state of Manipur, according to a release received her issued by Azang Lonmai, General Secretary and Grace T Satshang, President of the Naga Women’s Union Manipur. “The union Minister was made to understand the hardships faced by the Nagas living in Manipur under the dominant rule of suppression and impositions by the majority community, the Meiteis” the release stated. “The Government of Manipur (has) been opposing every rightful aspirations of the Nagas by taking every decisions (on) their own accord using state forces against civilians and terming them hostile, for expressing their democratic rights” it was further asserted and added that the meeting with the minister ended with a positive note.
Meanwhile, the UNC has condemned what it termed the barbaric murder of Mayarping Angkang, by unidentified gunmen, in Kohima. “The UNC is totally against all forms of violence and bloodshed amongst the Nagas” it stated while appealing to the “armed organizations” to desist from such “inhuman, cowardice activities and stop killing the innocent civilians”. The UNC team along with the NWUM, the ANSAM and the NPMHR extended its prayers and condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for peace of the departed soul.
It may be mentioned that the delegation comprise of the UNC, the NWUM, the All Naga Students Union Manipur (ANSAM), the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and tribal leaders. The submission is part of the follow-up of the November 4, 2005, declaration of the Naga Peoples’ Convention (NPC) to launch a non-cooperation movement against the Government of Manipur.
ANSAM refutes statement Newmai News Network June 23
Imphal: The All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has taken strong exception to the statement made by AMUCO secretary general NC Khuman that “99 percent of peoples of the hill districts prefer to be in Manipur while the rest one percent are indulging in conspiracy of all sorts”.
ANSAM press note issued by its information and publicity secretary countered the AMUCO leader’s statement by asking, “will the valley community in Imphal agree if we (ANSAM) say that 99 percent of them have pledged their loyalty to the NSCN-IM leadership and also that this valley community who comprised majority in the valley support the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process and are supporting the Naga unification movement? This is not possible. Both the statements are blatant lies.”
“People like NC Khuman takes delight to propagate such lies and thrive on them”, stated ANSAM information and publicity secretary Sounii Khapa. NC Khuman had made his statement on June 18 at the function of Unity Day in Imphal’s GM Hall. ANSAM further stated that on June 18 the Naga students’ body fully endorsed the UNC sponsored Prayer Day for the success of the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talk.
Meanwhile, ANSAM while inducting its new office bearers has reiterated its earlier stand to go against the formation of unmandated organizations or committees in the hill areas particularly among the Naga community under the ANSAM jurisdiction.
ANSAM speaker David Choro informed that during its assembly sitting, ANSAM has directed all its constituent units and subordinate bodies to withdraw their respective members involved in any organization or committee which is not recognized by the ANSAM with immediate effect. This is the reiteration of ANSAM’s resolution number 2 which had been taken on February 26, 2003.
In its assembly held at Senapati on June 21 the ANSAM has accepted the resignation of its former vice president Ngachonmy Chamroy. The former vice president who served as an articulated spokesman of ANSAM during the 52 day long economic blockade of the Naga students’ body had submitted his resignation letter earlier.
Meanwhile, Asinpou Riamei of the Zeliangrong students has been inducted as general secretary of the ANSAM while Raisangtem Shaiza and Daneil P.K. have been inducted as the new assistant general secretary and the education and statistics secretary of the Naga students’ body respectively.
Professor’s long-distance conversations with ULFA leader highlight India’s fractures COMMENTARY The Morung Express Tim Sullivan
Every week or so the phone rings in the professor’s home, a tidy ground-floor apartment set behind a wooden gate and a flower-filled garden, and a voice echoes from a guerrilla hideout far to the east. The professor, Indira Goswami, is a prominent scholar of the Ramayana, the ancient Hindu epic. She is also the best-known novelist in India’s northeastern state of Assam, a woman born to a wealthy landowning clan whose books reverberate with the struggles of India’s vast underclass.
Her caller, Paresh Baruah, has spent 20 years on the run, leading a militant group fighting to take control of the forests and towns of Assam. Working from secret bases, many apparently in neighboring Bangladesh, he controls the military wing of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the most powerful militant movement in an isolated region riven by poverty and ethnic turmoil.
The writer and the gunman have never met. But their relationship, forged over bad phone lines and under the watch of Indian intelligence agents, has become the cornerstone of renewed efforts to bring peace to an area that has known little but violence for three decades. Amid a recent surge in militant attacks in Assam that have killed at least eight people and left more than 80 injured, the government is holding its third round of talks June 22 with the “consultative group” which Goswami heads, and which meets with officials on behalf of the militants.
So the pressure is on to avoid a stalemate. “This is a rare chance for us after so many years,” said Goswami, 63, a widow with an avalanche of pitch black hair and a teenager’s nervous giggle who for nearly two years has been the main conduit between the government and the ULFA militants, thrusting her into the largest of a cluster of bloody but largely forgotten conflicts that have killed more than 10,000 people in the last 10 years. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”
Even she isn’t sure what to make of her shift in priorities. “I’m a writer. I’m not a politician,” said Goswami. “I had no idea that this would take so long.” Her critics dismiss her as a dilettante misled by extremists whose popularity has plunged. She shrugs at such talk. All she knows is the talks have eaten up immense amounts of time, her phones are tapped (a security official let that slip, she says) and she has neglected her writing. “But I’m happy I could help move this peace thing, that I could open the door for the boys,” she said, sitting beneath a broken cuckoo clock, its hands frozen at 1:55, in her tchotchke-filled living room on the Delhi University campus.
India is, in many ways, a patchwork of humanity. Though dominated by Hindus from a handful of ethnic groups, its 1.02 billion people include all the world’s major religions, hundreds of ethnicities and more than two dozen languages that each have more than a million speakers. If the patchwork holds together in most places, the northeast is India’s stepchild: seven states about 1,600 kilometers from New Delhi and connected to the rest of the country by a narrow land corridor. The ethnic groups comprising their population of 38 million have physical features that tie them closer to Tibet or Myanmar than to the rest of India.
The area, which is about the size of the United Kingdom, is rich in natural resources, but hobbled by geography, ethnicity, poverty and unemployment. The situation has nurtured dozens of militant movements whose fights with the central government, and one another, regularly scatter the region with corpses. But there is no al-Qaida here, and the region holds little importance to Western policy-makers. So the little wars get almost no attention outside India.
In the northeast, though, the alphabet soup of militant groups - ULFA and PLAM, NLFT and ATTF - overlays nearly everything. “’Last year, this road was smeared with blood. There was always crossfire of machine guns, exploding grenades. Now it’s all quiet,”’ a character says in Goswami’s short story “The Journey,” driving through the northeast after a security clampdown. It was, the narrator reflects “As if a soft carpet covered it all – the blood stains, the dumps of arms and ammunition, the smell of gunpowder.”
The struggle of the ULFA guerrillas fighting for an independent Assamese state - “the boys” as Goswami invariably calls them – has left some 3,000 people dead since they took up arms in the late 1980s. If northeasterners have grown increasingly weary of the relentless cycles of attack-and-reprisal, along with the extortion the guerrillas use to raise funds, Goswami remains a firm believer. She sees them as they see themselves: as fighters for social equality battling the erosion of Assamese traditions and the bigotry of the rest of India. Violence, she said, “is the only power they have.” Her open sympathy gave her credence with the militants, and her links to New Delhi’s literary high society - her living room is scattered with book awards and photos of her with everyone from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to novelist V.S. Naipaul - gave her access to Indian political circles. “She has the confidence of both sides,” said Sunil Nath, a writer and former ULFA official. “A lot of people had wanted to mediate talks, but ULFA scoffed at all of them.” Her work began in late 2004 when she reached out informally to the prime minister, whom she knew from his days as an economics professor, urging him to bring peace to Assam. A year later, the militants asked her to head the small “consultative group,” made up mostly of political activists, that communicates with the government. Today, she speaks to Baruah, 49, anywhere from a couple times a week to once a month. He calls her - she has no way to reach him - and she never asks too many questions.
The two, who speak in Assamese, make an odd pair. Goswami is an exuberant woman, a name-dropper and a fixture on the society circuit. Eyes dramatically rimmed with kohl, she’s a relentlessly polite hostess, and no one escapes her home without repeated servings of tea and cookies. She loves to talk about herself, her writing awards, and her powerful friends. She has written extensively about her fight with depression, and her husband’s death in an accident soon after their marriage, and how writing saved her from suicide.
Baruah, on the other hand, is described this way: He “travels on a forged passport ... lives on money obtained from extortion or robbery and can handle all kinds of weapons,” says his wanted poster from the Assam police. It was Goswami’s writing that first took her to an ULFA base in the late 1990s. It happened during a gathering in Assam, one of many she attends to discuss her books, when a young man emerged from the crowd and quietly asked if she’d like to visit a militant camp. Her guides drove her through the night, arriving at a compound where heavily armed fighters had gathered. “I was already writing about them, and without firsthand knowledge I just cannot write,” she said. Years later, she tries to remain positive about Assam, but worries the peace talks could be smothered by the continuing violence. Baruah, in statements e-mailed to journalists, has denied that ULFA is behind many of the recent attacks. But Goswami told him – as ever, over the telephone - that things need to calm down quickly. “I sent a message that if things go on like this, it’ll be difficult to move ahead with peace.”
NSCN-IM annuls Zbto ceasefire agreement Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JUNE 23 (NPN): The much proclaimed June 14 Zunheboto ceasefire agreement signed between the two NSCN factions has received a jolt with none other than the NSCN-IM Yaruiwo (president) Isak Chishi Swu declaring the agreement as a "farcical imposition" by the NSCN-K. Stating that the NSCN-IM representatives were intimidated into signing the deal, Swu in an "Annulment Azha" said the agreement was "more of a self-forfeiture of our trust and therefore we hold ourselves not bound by any such farcical imposition."
A faxed copy of the "Annulment Azha" from Badhotel Scheveninben, The Hague, signed by the NSCN-IM chairman stated that the NSCN-IM had, in the spirit of reconciliation and in response to the genuine wishes of the Sumi civil societies, deputed its team led by deputy kilonser Shikato Chishi Swu, to meet some NSCN-K leaders to foster better understanding among the two groups.
And while its representatives had gone to the meeting unarmed to demonstrate their faith and sincerity, the NSCN-IM alleged that the entire NSCN-K team led by Nikhuyi came in full combat gear and after creating a commotion by their random firing, intimidated the NSCN-IM officials into signing the ceasefire agreement. The action of the rival faction clearly conveyed the idea that they would all be eliminated should they refuse to sign it, Swu said. "Apparently, Nikhuyi had also ordered his men to attack our cadres stationed at Khukiye Lukhai village and ambushes were laid at Chisholimi, Mudutsugho and surrounding villages targeting the returning GPRN officials", the NSCN-IM chairman added. Assuring that the NSCN-IM was totally committed to the peace process and seriously engaged in exploring every possible avenue in finding an honorable political solution acceptable to both the parties, Swu said in order to achieve this objective, faith in the power of collective wisdom and mass participation has become essential.
He however said the brazen attitude and treacherous action displayed by the rival faction was not only an insult to the Sumi civil societies through whose positive efforts these initiatives were made, but also a self-forfeiture of trust.
"We neither believe in such forced union nor in the marriage that can be sustained through deception. We no longer trust such people", the NSCN-IM chairman declared in the Azha. Swu further said the NSCN was very critical of how "unscrupulously the Government of India is using these elements."
"GOI has succeeded only in vitiating the otherwise conducive atmosphere. In the final analysis, this intrigue would only be self-defeating though they have not ceased terming the self created situation as a case of 'factional clashes'", he added. It may be mentioned that the ambit of the ceasefire agreement between the two NSCN factions signed on June 14 at Zunheboto, under the aegis of Sumi Hoho, is not without controversy. Whereas the NSCN-K chose to remain silent on the issue, the CAO, Sumi Region NSCN (IM), S Vihoto Sumi had earlier clarified that the ceasefire was confined only to Sumi areas (Zunheboto district). On the other hand, the Sumi Hoho in a later clarification said the deal had clearly mentioned that the ambit of ceasefire included "entire Sumi areas and not Zunheboto district alone."
‘Centre will not accept house tax raised in Manipur by Naga bodies’
From Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, June 23 – Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi on Wednesday said that Centre will not accept the “house tax” raised by the Manipur-based Naga organisations from the Naga-dominated districts of Manipur.Reacting to the proposed move of some Manipur-based Naga organizations under the aegis of United Naga Council Manipur to hand over “hill house tax” collected from parts of Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong districts, Ibobi while talking to some reporters on the sidelines of a rally here said, “our government will oppose the move, and I think Centre will also not accept the proposal”. Ibobi is aware about the news report on the issue that a delegation of UNC as part of their non-cooperation movement against Manipur Government, tried to hand over a cheque of Rs. 14.6 lakhs collected as “hill house tax” from parts of Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong districts to the Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio recently, but Rio refused to accept it citing “technical problems”.

When asked about his government’s plan to tackle the issue, he replied that necessary action will be taken up once the official verification is over on the matter. Ibobi also acknowledged that the Nagaland Government in its Consultative Committee for Peace meeting held recently agreed to urge New Delhi to allow proposal of introducing Nagaland Board text books in the Naga-dominated schools of Senapati,Ukhrul,Chandel and Tamenglong districts of Manipur.
Territorial Identity and Rethinking Indian Federalism: A Reflection on the Nagas Aspiration The Morung Express Perxpective
The socio-cultural and territorial aspects largely shape and constitute individuals and groups identity. Territorial implies not only the physical and boundary aspect alone but more so it includes land, natural resources and the very identity of the people who have been living within that territory since time immemorial. ‘Individuals and groups continue to live, think, and act primarily as members of their various territorial communities’ (Duchacek.1986). Identities are deep-seated in ones culture, history, religion, and land. In the present context it is the territorial entity i.e., the ‘State’ where individuals and groups identities are protected and governed. Factors like historical, socio-economic change, changing nature of political organization etc. deeply influenced the assertion of identity politics. We can envision the impact of socio-economic change, cultural change, political organizations, or government policies in shifting the nature of the conflict over time from one intersection to another or even into a non-ethnic location. Often ethno-territorial groups are considered as essentially a sub-nation within the present nation state.
Individuals and groups usually give their effective allegiance to the territorial entity i.e., village, state and emotionally identify with it. Modern nation-states are territorially organized for political action and therefore often considered the ethno-territorial communities as “stateless nations”. This situation exists in many countries like India, Soviet Union, Israel, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Malaysia, and Canada. While political authority and legitimacy remain territorial-bound, boundaries are also being pounded and infiltrated by various trans-frontier flows. These flows are made up of migrating individuals and groups, products, energy, technology transfers, drugs, pollutants, corporate transnational activities, cultural exchanges, media messages and signals, as well as—a relatively new phenomenon—international activities initiated by non-central governments in search of foreign investment, trade, and tourist currency.
Territorial community is an aggregate of individuals and groups who are aware of their bonds of identification with each other as well as with the past, the present, and hopes for the future of their area (Duchacek.1986). Today, the dynamics of State forces both territorial and non-territorial like cultural appropriation; education, employment, media etc. have challenged the cohesiveness of individuals and groups identity. Thus, there are two processes, firstly, socio-cultural base identities are diluted by the forces of globalization and secondly, there is a strong process of identity consciousness among the smaller ethnic groups in many parts of the world. The later is more intensified in a country where there is a diverse culture, religion, tribes etc.
It is imperative to know that modern political action are implemented and carried out on territorially organize institution called the State. Division of political power within the federal state is also done on territorial basis. Political geographers have analyzed the role of State territorial ordering and spatial compartmentalization as constituting the ‘political compartments’ within which control mechanisms are implemented and political hegemony are maintained (Murphy: 1989, Taylor: 1994). ‘Modern federal system is based on the fundamental territorial division of power, so that territory becomes the basis for political action’ (Elazar 1987). ‘Federalism and its kindred terms—e.g., “federal”—are used, most broadly, to describe the mode of political organization which unites separate polities within an overarching political system so as to allow each to maintain its fundamental political integrity. Federal systems do this by distributing power among general and constituent governments in a manner designed to protect the existence and authority of all the governments. By requiring that basic policies be made and implemented through negotiation in some form, it enables all to share in the system’s decision-making and decision-executing processes’ (Elazar 1968).
The term “federalization”, for example is often used to describe the process of combining territorial communities that previously had not been directly joined into a new nation or a new unit of common interest, policy and action. Hence, territory plays a major role in shaping the geographical basis of social and political organizations in a federal system. ‘As water is for fish, federalism is the appropriate element for territorial communities that, conscious of their separate identities, desire self-government, yet hope to achieve additional objectives by combining their efforts and domains into a composite national whole, both distinct from and interacting as a unit with other nation-states’ (Duchacek).
According to Dion, “the ethic of federalism is a necessary cohabitation of cultures” Elazar uses ‘thinking federalism ‘primarily, to emphasize as a means to be used for reconciling the demands of particularistic ethnic/sub-nationalism, while maintaining the wider unity of the state. The main objective of federalism is, however, to preserve the unity and integrity of the federal nation state by defusing power to its regional units (Khan, 1998). Managing this diverse regional aspiration and providing them a space for political rights is a challenge faced by any multi-ethnic State around the world.
The importance of ‘thinking federalism’ is mounting in such diverse society for appropriate managing and accommodation. To quote Nirmal Mukarji and Balveer Arora while describing about the Indian Federalism says “the strength of Indian democracy draws largely from its pluralism and diversity” (Mukerji, Arora, 1992). Under this circumstance the need for rethinking federalism emerge in a great way in India. Today, undoubtedly we can say that the success of a large democracy like India with its diverse social group can be attributed to democratic federalism. It is also important to note that various constitutional mechanisms have been introduced in post independent India for different regions basically to accommodate the diverse aspiration. Political scientist like Arora has called this arrangement as nothing but ‘asymmetric-federalism’ to accommodate the diverse political and social aspiration in the Indian democratic practices.
The present conflicts and problems around the world clearly reflects the growing need for state policy that recognize differences, respect and accommodate various cultural and ethnic groups and also allow them to preserve and flourish their identity. Multicultural democracies model has attempted to provide mechanisms for power sharing for accommodating diverse cultural groups. It involves sharing power territorially through federalism and its various forms. This form of power sharing is said to be relevant where minorities are territorially concentrated and where they have a tradition of self-government that they are unwilling to surrender (Human Development Report: 2004 UNDP).
The passed experiences shows that people’s movements and other regional demands in India were responded by adopting federal principle i.e., territorial division for the purpose of administrative convenience so as to manage ethnic diversity. For instance the drawing and redrawing of administrative-territorial boundaries in India in the early 1950s on the basis of linguistic homogeneity and the Northeast State re-organization in the early 1970s clearly testifies applying federal principle in solving people’s aspirations and rights. In this way, Indian State have to a great extent succeeded in keeping the social diversity but seemed to have failed politically in bringing final settlement to ethnic base conflict in the sub-continent.
India is a vast country both in terms of territory and social compositions with multi-linguistic group, religion and numerous ethnic groups. Today, the growing assertion of communal politics and ever increasing demand for identity by the ethnic minority is what concern and bothered Indian federal state. We may recall that the creation of the present Nagaland state in the 60s is part of the federal package/arrangement to accommodate the aspirations of the Nagas at that time. However, despite this arrangement the Nagas realized that the present arrangement has failed to keep the Nagas as one political community.
In recent years, the Nagas assertion for territorial integration/unification has become stronger and this assertion clearly reflects their aspiration to protect and utilize their land in their own genius. The demand for territorial integration of the contiguous areas of the Nagas is a direct contestation on the existing politico-administrative territorial arrangement in the Northeast region (states). Secondly, This has created a kind of conflict situation between the Nagas and other neighboring communities in the northeast region especially with the Meiteis over the territorial issue particularly in Manipur.
Movements like that of the Nagas is deeply rooted in their belief that they have a cultural, historical and political right, which is unique and aspire to live as one political community within a defined territorial entity. The nature of the Nagas’ struggle and solution calls for re-drawing of not only states boundaries of the Northeast region (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur) but also international boundary of Indo-Burma. Conceding to the Nagas demands will largely determine the future political development in the region in general and Nagas in particular. In this context it is pertinent to ask what should be the mechanism to solve and how Indian State should respond to this more than a half old century problems? Why Nagas demand for territorial integration of all the contiguous areas is so vital, and why survive till date? The crucial questions for both GOI and Nagas are; to what extent the federal device will satisfactorily settle and respond and concede to the demand put forward by the NSCN’s charter of demands “special federal relations”? Equally important is to what extent the Nagas will accept the future federal arrangement? The Nagas struggle for recognition in the political and cultural realm certainly pose a great challenge to the Indian federal State hence, rethinking Indian federalism is imperative.
Ningreingam Shimrah, Lecturer, Department of Political Science,
Baptist College, Kohima
Army may resume operations in State From Our Staff Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, June 23 – Reports of the Defence Ministry ordering resumption of Army operations in Asom, even as Government of India and Peoples Consultative Group (PCG) were talking peace has jolted the ULFA-appointed group. However, in an attempt to show that they stand committed to the peace process, the PCG has opted not to move the Centre at this stage. “Now it is for the ULFA to take over and tell the Centre their demands,” said convenor of the PCG Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami.

The Group, meanwhile, met at Dr Goswami’s North Campus residence over lunch to take stock of yesterday’s meeting and later developments. On the other hand, spokesman of the group, Aroop Borbora described the Defence Ministry’s decision to launch operations against ULFA as an act of sabotage. The same thing happened last time, when after February 7, dialogue the Kakopathar incident took place two days later in Tinsukia district. Borbora told newsmen, “We will monitor the situation closely and would hold the Government of India responsible if something goes wrong,” the spokesman of PCG said. Meanwhile, Dr Goswami said, “we have seen the reports in the media but we are not going to the Centre on this issue. Yesterday, we have decided to continue with the peace process and work for direct talk between Government of India and ULFA and that is where we stand,” Dr Goswami further clarified.

But in the same breath, added that the joint statement issued yesterday clearly said that there would be restraint on all sides. “The meeting concluded with a hope that there would be restraint on all sides.”

“I hope the Centre follows what it has committed,” she added. Centre and PCG yesterday winded up discussions on the note that further modalities for holding these talks between ULFA and Government of India in a fixed timeframe, would be worked out through mutual consultations. In the backdrop of this, the Defence Ministry’s order threatens to pour cold water over the fragile peace process. Dr Goswami, meanwhile, said her association with the peace process would end once the direct talks between the two sides take place. “I have been working against all odds but I am happy that we have succeed,” she said.

The PCG members who seemed quite satisfied with the dialogue yesterday were shocked to see a report in The Indian Express, this morning, which said that The Army’ in Asom has been asked to get cracking against ULFA by the Defence Ministry. It quoted a letter to the Tezpur-based 4 Corps with inputs from the Military Operations Directorate, South Block that after Assembly Elections it was time for operations to continue.



Frans on 06.24.06 @ 04:04 PM CST [link]


Friday, June 23rd

GoI-Naga talks begin in The Hague


GoI-Naga talks begin in The Hague Nagaland Post
The Hague (The Netherlands), JunE 22 (PTI): With an aim to boost the ongoing Naga peace process, a central team including three Union Ministers began a crucial round of negotiations with NSCN-IM leaders here today. The meeting assumes significance as for the first time Union Minister Oscar Fernandes and two key members of the Group of Ministers constituted by the Government to look into the Naga peace process are participating in the talks.
Fernandes had been the only Minister of the UPA government to participate in earlier negotiations, but he has been joined this time by Union Minister of State for Home S Reghupathy and Minister of State at the PMO Prithviraj Chouhan. The interlocutor for the Naga talks, K Padmanabhiah, is another member of the Central team.
With the Centre reluctant to concede the NSCN-IM's key demand for unifying all Naga-inhabitated areas in the northeast, the rebel group is expected to raise the issue of "greater autonomy" for Nagaland during the deliberations that will continue till June 24, sources said.
Autonomy is part of the 30-point "charter of demands" submitted by the NSCN-IM, and this includes a greater say in the utilisation of natural resources, a separate constitution, a separate flag and control in areas like finance, defence and policing, they said. The two sides are also expected to discuss the extension of the ceasefire with the NSCN-IM, which is set to end on July 31. The Centre began talks with the NSCN-IM in 1997 after the two sides agreed to a ceasefire.
IM rubbishes autonomy report Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, Jun 22: Strongly reacting to the PTI news reports from New Delhi that the NSCN-IM is expected to focus on the greater autonomy for Nagaland during the crucial talks with the Centre's negotiators at The Hague from June 22-24, one of the key figures in the NSCN-IM set up has termed the reports as attempt to confuse the people.

"We are not surprised over such reports as some media have been playing spoil-sports with regard to the ongoing Naga peace process", said deputy Home Minister of the NSCN-IM V Horam and added, "there are no such things as greater autonomy or smaller autonomy that the Nagas are talking about".

Informing this to Newmai News Network this morning V Horam, who is well known for his articulate skill and diplomacy, said "we are talking about the federation of India and Nagalim".

Explaining its proposal the deputy Home Minister said "what we have put up is for the Federation of India and Nagalim and the pattern of relationship between these two nations (Federation of India and Nagalim) which is to be inseparable and this thing to be worked out in the process of the ongoing talks and that would be incorporated in the Constitution of India as well as the Constitution of Nagalim." He further explained that within this framework and principle the new arrangements will revolve.

However, Horam said that it is not proper to give comment before the talks start but stated that things will be out there for everyone to see after the agreement is arrived at.

Meanwhile, the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region spokesman Felix has informed the media over telephone that three non-Naga cadres who were with the NSCN-IM had been killed and five NSCN-IM cadres injured in the clash between the two rival factions in Tamenglong district few days back. He said that three killed cadres belong to non-Naga outfit which had been trained by the NSCN-IM. Felix further stated that five injured NSCN-IM cadres had taken to Dimapur for medical attention while the three dead bodies had been taken care off by the NSCN-IM.

The incident occured in the Makoi village clash incident, according to Felix. The spokesman further stated that his outfit been restraining from attacking the rival outfit because of the presence of the Indian security forces to which they do not want to create law and order problem in the region. He claimed that his outfit could finish-off the rival faction if wants to and urged the rival faction to come out in the open at any place at any day for confrontation
Nagas, GoI should work on a win-win outcome The Morung Express
Dimapur, June 22 (MExN): Even as the crucial round of Amsterdam talks between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India is now currently underway, noted theologian and a keen political observer Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, while pointing out that “the Nagas and the GOI have their own blind spots in their memories” cautioned that if these blind spots become too large or too serious, they can deprive the Nagas and the GOI of a much needed win-win outcome. “It will also prevent a timely correction of mistakes and lead to a path of disaster in which both the parties become victims”, he was quoted as stating in an opinion article ‘The Indo-Naga Political Dialogue: How to Stomp the Blues’ made available to The Morung Express.
While stating that subversive propaganda of all forms, ranging from divide and rule policies, alignments, coalitions, and psychological warfare have remained ineffective, Dr Aier also observed that although seemingly “divided”, the Nagas are never divided in their political rights. “This is the paradox of the Naga heritage and spirit. This uniqueness is akin to all indigenous peoples of the world and is drawn from a primordial and ancestral being in unity with common aspirations. It is the soul of the Nagas that will not die nor perish in their political struggle”, Dr Aier was quoted as stating in his article.
Ibobi Singh denies NSCN (K) allegation The Morung Express

Imphal, June 22 (NNN): Manipur chief minister, O. Ibobi Singh strongly denied an allegation made by Khaplang faction of the NSCN that he borrowed a sum of Rs 100 million through an emissary from the Naga outfit in 2000. Ibobi was reacting to a report published by Dimapur based newspapers. The report quoted the NSCN (K) revenue minister Kughalu Mulatonu, as warning the chief minister to face dire consequences if the amount is not returned within seven days.
According to the report, Ibobi Singh sent Bijoy Koijam, a Congress MLA to Kohima to take the money from the NSCN (K) in 2000 for use by Ibobi for his election expenses. The NSCN (K) leader also warned that any consequences after the expiry of the deadline should be the responsibility of the chief minister.
“Ibobi Singh, chief minister of Manipur has clarified that such allegation is totally basaeless and unfounded. The elections of Manipur were held in 2002 and Bijoy Koijam was not known to Ibobi Singh in 2000. Bijoy Koijam did not belong to INC in 2000 and there was no question of Ibobi using him as emissary. Hence, such allegations are totally false and baseless,” the statement issued by the chief minister’s office this evening said.
The chief minister also clarified that neither hill based nor vally based underground outfits had/ have any relation with him any time related to elections or any other matter. The SPF government under Ibobi’s leadership is making all sincere efforts for the development, progress and harmony for the people of both the hill and valley, it said.
NSCN (IM) condemns murder of PWD employee The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JUNE 22 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has vehemently condemned the “heinous murder” of Late Mayarping Angkang, “an innocent and harmless public” serving as an UDA in the Public Works Department, Nagaland State government at Kohima without any justifiable rhyme or reason.
Stating this in a press communiqué, an MIP statement alleged that “anti-Naga elements” were relishing “their vested agenda, to vitiate the situation and derail the peace initiative”, by targeting innocent and harmless public “on the very likely pretext of false accusations to justify their criminal schemes and deeds”.
“The victim who was an innocent family man with no other inclined allegiance but only in being a Naga by birth was abducted from his home while with his wife and children and later cold bloodedly murdered”, it was informed.
The NSCN (IM) questioned as to whether such killing was aimed “to terrorize and spread fear psychosis by victimizing innocent and harmless public”.
It further described as unfortunate the “resurfacing of random targeting of innocent and harmless people like in 1996-97, where around 40 innocent and harmless people were cold bloodedly murdered without any reason”.
“Is it patriotic or terrorism when one turns to the path of human rights violations upon a people—who are being terrorized, deprived of their life and their bread earners, dear and loved ones snatched away from their midst for no wrong of theirs but except for simply belonging to a particular tribe of the Naga family.”
It was also pointed out that the NSCN (K) was intent to wreck all good-will gestures and instead resorting to their anti-Naga campaigns and cited the instance of provocative actions such as planting landmines at Athibung and killing an NSCN cadre and now followed by the resurfacing of their targeting of innocent civilians.
The NSCN (IM) clearly stated that it “will not permit hostile renegades to continue prevailing with their anti-Naga campaigns of divisions, false propagandas, terrorism, permeating fear psychosis, insecurity of the Naga people and lawlessness at any cost”.
“The terror outfit will be dealt with an iron hand from committing further terrorisms and anti peace campaigns and divisive machinations.”
As such, the NSCN (IM) has requested the Naga people to bear with it for any situation or circumstance that may have to be faced in the process of checking and countering such happenings and incidents by anti-Naga peace offenders.
The NSCN (IM) has appealed to all right thinking people to strongly condemn such heinous acts of terrorisms and human rights violation and be cautious in supporting such group for the greater interest of the Naga people. It also conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty God rests the departed soul in peace.
Naga delegates plead to pay taxes to the Centre Newmai News Network
Imphal, June 22: The Naga delegation met Union Ministers Oscar Fernandes and Shivraj Patel yesterday in New Delhi which the delegation described as a his- toric event.
The delegation of the “Naga Hill areas of Manipur state” have met Shivraj Pa-tel, Minister of Home Affai- rs and Oscar Fernandes, Minister of State (Independent Charge) to hand over Hill House Tax–2006 of Rs. 14,23,425 of 94894 Naga households living in Manipur.
“This historic meeting is part of the mission of the Naga people under the banner of the United Naga Council (UNC) to uphold its November 4, 2005 Naga People’s convention (NPC) Declaration at Taphou village Tahamzam that resolved to launch Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements against the Govt of Mani-pur while urging the Govt of India to demonstrate their political will to resolve the Indo-Naga issue by carrying forward the peace -pro- cess to an acceptable and honourable settlement at all cost” said the statement signed by UNC gen secy Azang Longmei and NWUM president Grace Satshang. The Naga bodies said the non-cooperation move-ment includes five (5) point resolutions which were resolved in the backdrop of the organized violence and communal campaign by the dominant valley community against the Nagas and the sanc-tioning and glorification of the same by the Govt of Manipur. The anti-ceasefire agitation against the Ju- ne 14 Bangkok Agreement, 2001 subsequent decla-ration of June 18 as Mani- pur’s “State Integrity Day” are unique examples of intolerance shown by the valley community and the State Govt to undermine and erase the rights and aspirations of the Nagas. The reaction of the valley community of Mani-pur and the State Govt is clearly an attempt to disrupt the hard-earned current Indo-Naga peace process, which is disrespectful of the Central Govt’s peace initiative itself, it said.
It then stated that ANSAM in support of the UNC’s resolutions has al-ready sought for the affi- liation of schools and colleges in the Naga districts of Manipur to the Nagaland Board of School Education and the Nagland University ANSAM has surren-dered the prescribed textbooks of the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BSEM) beginning from Class VIII - X in the first phase. Altogether 156 private schools have started introducing the NBSE’s prescribed syllabus from the academic session 2006. The Naga people’s assertion for unification of their homeland is not of recent origin but it is an inherent right and organized forms of _ex-pression of this rights dates back to the time of British India.
4 PLA cadres arrested in Dimapur; incriminating documents recovered The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JUNE 22 (MExN): The Dimapur Police yesterday busted the intelligence module of the Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA) at Nepali Basti, Dimapur and arrested an intelligence cadre along with three suspected PLA cadres. The four arrested has been identified as SS 2nd LT. Mani Chandra alias Chinglen of West Imphal District, Th. Priyananda of Imphal East district, Moriangtham Sanjoy Singh of Imphal East district and K.L.Manihar of Imphal East district. The "Chief of the Intelligence" Sanjoy, who is here in Dimapur, was absconding at the time of raid informed police sources.
The police, after receiving reports from people of the locality regarding some suspicious elements, have been keeping an eye on the movement of the cadres. The rented home as well as makeshift office of the PLA intelligence module has been operating in Dimapur since the last two years said police sources. The police on searching the house recovered a considerable amount of incriminating documents, sensitive materials and also a cash of Rs.45,000 from the possession of Chinglen. Training modules on explosive and demolition, commando training manuals, government data like demand for Grant for the year 2006-07 of Government of Manipur, restricted maps of various districts of Manipur and Myanmar were recovered. Some of the information was also translated into Metei language which the police believe is used in teaching cadres in Manipur. Most of the data are stored in laptops and compact discs which the police have not been able to decipher . About 80% of the stored data are yet to be examined, the police said.
Details of high ranking officers, maps of Assam Rifle posts, daily movements of AR officers and jawans, lists of all police organizations, details of the Government of Manipur and photographs were all stored in laptops and CDs it was added.
A case has been registered against the arrested cadres under U/S121A, 120B, 511 of the Indian Panel Code and R/W 10, 11, 13 [1] (a) (b) [2] UAP, 7 & 8 NSR. The Dimapur Police has also faxed the message to Manipur Police and has requested its counterpart to send a special team to Dimapur for interrogation and further necessary actions. At the time of filing this report, the Chief of Intelligence Sanjoy was still absconding and the police are investigating for more information.
Students union calls blockade on NH 53 from June 30 Newmai News Network June 22
Imphal: Agitated over the non fulfillment of the long standing demands to the state government, the Tengkonjang Higher Secondary Students’ Union (Noney) under Tamenglong district has opted for total blockade for 6 days along the National Highway 53, starting from 5.30 am of June 30 onwards.
According to the statement issued by the students’ body Secretary General, Langsinngam Kahmei said that in spite of lifting of the proposed total blockade in the larger interest of the public and following an agreement with the state government representatives which was supposed to come into effect on January 5 earlier this year.” Even after 5 months the government has not taken any action of the agreement”, it said.
The students’ demands included posting of qualified and adequate teaching staff, opening of science stream, access of library material, school hostel facilities and construction of approach road among others.
Explaining the grievances, the union point out that the academic admission is in full swing for both science and arts stream, but up till now there is not a single science lecturer. “Inspite of repeated reminder to the concerned authority to implement and to sanction laboratory equipment, it is still in vain” it said and added that the present Education Minister has no knowledge about the Tengkonjang Higher Secondary School grievances when inquired. Presently, the school has 15 lecturers of which only two are regularized the rest are part timers, it rued.
The student union further stressed that the academic session which was scheduled to begin from June 21 has been postponed due to government apathy. The union along with the Zeliangrong Student Union Manipur (ZSUM) and ZSULA has submitted the memorandum on November 14 and November 30 last year to Education Minister and Chief Minister; it said and added the same copy were also dispatch to local MLA, Tamenglong DC, Commissioner Education (S) and Director Education(S).
Failed to keep the promises on the government part, the union has no other option left but to go for total blockade along NH 53, said the statement.
A Dream coming true? Letters to the editor the Morung Express ValleyRose H Hungyo
Since many years I’ve been hearing that the northern parts of Nagaland state like Mon and Tuensang areas, the erstwhile NEFA are most underdeveloped and backward as compared to other Districts like Mokokchung, Kohima etc. Due to under development of the areas, the people are also not civilized. I also learnt that the pre-dominant tribe settled in these areas, the Konyaks are very fierce and they don’t like the Tangkhuls for a simple reason that their area is pre-dominantly controlled by the Khaplangs group of the NSCN who happen to be the rival of Th. Muivah who is a Tangkhul, also learnt that prior to the separation of the two underground leaders, there was no enmity among different communities, whether Tangkhuls, Sumi or Konyak or any other tribes. They were in harmony.
From the time of the unfortunate separations of the two leaders their supporters were also divided and the once upon a time good brothers and the best friends, became the worst enemies. Both groups started hunting each other and killing one another whenever and wherever they come across. This trend had continued unabated till date.
All these years, the common people have been kept under much pressure. Very often to do things under the diktat of the UGs wherever they have their control over the people. As a result the common people have come to think and speak that Konyaks and Tangkhuls do not like each other, they cannot see eye to eye. If they meet, they will kill eachother. No Tangkhul will dare to go to Mon area; the abode of the Konyaks and no Konyaks will dare to visit Ukhrul, the home of the Tangkhuls. If anyone venture out into the territories of the other he/she may not come back alive.
This was the common remark of many people including those who are in the top positions. I was also made to feel and belief that Konyaks do hate Tangkhuls. Considering the situations, I had a desire, a dream to go right into the heart of the Konyaks and meet them, interact with them, share pleasantries and hurt feelings with one another, talk about what we wish to happen in the future and plan together how we wish to build our land and our nation. I had a feeling that if we the people interact better and more frequently, definitely we will be able to build up better rapport towards one another, bring understanding and trust towards one another so that love and peace prevail among the people, beginning between the Tangkhuls and the Konyaks and then to spread to all other communities.
Yes, this was my dream that I would make my physical presence amid the Konyaks sooner or later so that it will mark the beginning of peace between not only common people but also between the two rival factions of the NSCN through the initiatives and influence of the common people. I belief that it will come true because everything is possible when there is mutual trust, respect and true love for one another.
Before I set out my journey to Mon, I was reminded and warned by many people that the situation is tense and that Tangkhuls going there will not be welcomed by anyone. There is more risk than prospect. But my desire to fulfill my dream was a stronger force than to be afraid of any threat. So I and my companions decided to move ahead to Mon. initially, we were a bit concerned because we did not know the road. Moreover there was none to lead us. But after prayer and putting all our trust in God’s hands, we ventured out to the unknown world. Yes, it is only Nagaland, the land of my fellow Nagas yet it has been more foreign to us than any other country as we are going there for the first time.
As we drove along the N.H.39 into Assam and later taking the road via Golaghat to Jorhat, we were confused sometimes whenever we came across some road crossing. As usual, we enquired from the passers by the road we want to take, all the people were so gentle and directed us to the right tract. We drove along passing through several places of tea garden and tea estates, towns and cities. When we reached Assam and Nagaland border called Namsa, I could see the differences immediately. There the people were dressed differently, the soft Assamese language turned to kuchha Nagamese, the faces were different and most of all, the houses made lots of difference. Most of the houses in Nagaland side of the border had thatch roofs and the walls are bamboos. Slowly we started driving uphill and as we went up higher, the whole mountain seemed to be covered by very thick fog. Driving through it was a challenge. I found that the climate and the vegetations were just as in my own place. The people there also have cultivated on the hills (Jhum) just like us. The crops grown on the jhum fields very much like ours. I felt as if I was going to my own village.
When we reached Mon town, we found that the town roads were under construction. It was muddy and slippery. We were received by a young man in the town and led us to the president’s house. As I got down from the car, I heaved a sigh of relief for we could reach there safe and sound. To our delight, Mr. Tiger Tingnei, an elderly man of above 70 extended his hand warmly towards us and introduced himself as the president of the Konyak Union (KU). He is the head of 3.25 lakhs Konyak population; two of the KU vice-presidents were also present with him. They were sitting at the outer part of the traditional Morung (Mens Club) where women are not allowed to enter (if any women enters the Morung a fine of Rs.500 is imposed). Mr.Tiger continuously chews pan/tamul.
To my pleasure, I found that the Konyak people are very hospitable. Immediately as we arrived we were served with a nice cup of tea and quickly followed by hot and delicious lunch served by Mrs. Tiger Chubala, the 1st Lady and another cute girl. After the lunch, many leaders representing the Konyak Mothers Association, Konyak Students’ Union and others gathered in the Konyak Union Office Hall for a joint meeting with us arranged by the Konyak Union. In the meeting, our team members and other leaders exchanged views and concern for the Naga political issue. Everyone felt very strongly that the killing among Naga brothers in arms should be stopped at all cost, that inspite of the fact that several attempts have been made by different organizations in the past to unify the three groups, yet unsuccessfully, we must try to find new modalities to bring together through reconciliation. The leaders liked the ideas and concern shared by our team. Mr.Tiger Tingnei assured us of every possible support and co-operation from the Konyak to any move who works for the unity and progress of the Naga people. He said so on behalf of the 3.25 lakh Konyak population. That was really sounding like telling me that my dream will one day come true. The desire to pray for peace and unity of the Nagas in every meeting we had, assured me that God will surely listen to the cry of His Naga people.
Our team had the opportunity to meet some key leaders of the NSCN (K) group the next day (17/6) at their cease Fire Supervisory Board Office. When our team presented our vision and mission, the purpose of our visit to Mon, we were reciprocated in a warm and friendly gesture. They appeared very open and receptive to our suggestions. Even though they expressed their anger and dislikes towards the other camp sometimes, it was also true that they are also not feeling good about the killings among brothers. They also expressed that they ill co-operate to our vision and mission so that the now divided Naga family will come together once again and work together towards achieving our common goal. Before we departed from Mon, I got a pleasant surprise from one of my childhood friend who is married to a Konyak gentleman of Mon. we exchanged our long time sweet memories on phone. When I asked her ‘how are you doing?’ she said “I’ am living just as one of their women” (Konyak women). Yes, that is it. The message is, she was a Tangkhul, married to a Konyak, yet there is no difference between the two. As long as there is mutual love and respect towards one another, there is peace and harmony. No difference in looks, blood, issue or race. Even though we speak different languages, follow a little different customs and culture, all are human beings, members of the Naga family.
With this humble beginning the spontaneous and warm response from the people, I feel that it is not too far off to achieve my long standing dream. It will be possible, yes it will come true when all the people come forward and join hands to restore our lost peace and love all the Naga brothers and the whole Naga family.
Yes, the time will come to build up the broken Naga family into a strong and prosperous Nation through a wonderful grace and power of God when all the Naga brethren forgive one another, be reconciled and unite to work together as one. Kuknalim
The Indo-Naga Political Dialogue: How to Stomp the Blues By Rev. Dr. Wati Aier the Morung Express

“In all of Lester Young’s finest solos (as in Ellington’s always ambivalent foxtrots) there are overtones of unsentimental sadness that suggest that he was never unmindful of human vulnerability and was doing what he was doing with such imperturbable casualness he had seen, been beset by, and somehow survived. In a sense, the elegance of earned self-togetherness and with-it-ness so immediately evident of the somewhat painful but nonetheless charismatic parade-ground strut of the campaign-weary soldier who has been there one more time and made it back in spite of hell and high water with shrapnel exploding all around him.” - Albert Murray, Stomping the Blues (1976)
The fifty-five plus years of Naga camaraderie to preserve and protect its political de facto has been deeply traumatic for Nagas and the Government of India (GOI). Five decades have hardly healed various political, psycho-spiritual traumas.
There is disillusionment in the lack of political will, which is simply to say, the capacity to be a subordinate is lacking. The ability to submit and respect others is a sign of maturity and wholesome identity, which ultimately guides pre and post-decisions of the government, thus becoming an essential aspect of any sustained political action and decision.
The Nagas and the GOI have their own blind spots in their memories. However, if these blind spots become too large or too serious, they can deprive the Nagas and the GOI of a much needed win-win outcome. It will also prevent a timely correction of mistakes and lead to a path of disaster in which both the parties become victims. Should we not learn from the typology of either a win-lose or a lose-win paradigm? An apathetic, inattentive, careless and uninspired approach on the part of the political status quo will only awaken and reinforce the other party. In this case, the Nagas will continue to preserve and protect her political de facto as in the past, with renewed and more informed democratic vistas.
Needless to say, India fought for her rights at the hand of imperialistic-colonial powers. At the moment, does one not see the imperialist elite casting itself as a defender of India under the guise of democracy? Subversive propaganda of all forms, ranging from divide and rule policies, alignments, coalitions, and psychological warfare have been ineffective. No civilized nation should resort to such kakistocracy.
Although seemingly “divided”, the Nagas are never divided in their political rights. This is the paradox of the Naga heritage and spirit. This uniqueness is akin to all indigenous peoples of the world and is drawn from a primordial and ancestral being in unity with common aspirations. It is the soul of the Nagas that will not die nor perish in their political struggle.
In this long road to freedom, for the second time Nagas have entered into a political talk with the Government of India; the latter acknowledging the “uniqueness of Naga history.” This moment belongs to the Nagas and the GOI to reclaim their common heritage and rights. Let no kakistocrats or any other force deny or sidetrack one of the world’s longest freedom movements in modern history.

Bold Moves Editorial the Morung Express
Bringing together political leaders into a common forum is not always an easy task given the intractable conflict and the near zero level communication that usually define their (dis)association. One of the first steps in ameliorating this discord would be to re-establish channels of communication between parties who otherwise would find it difficult to meet or acknowledge any contact and in improving the quality of communication and consequently of understanding across conflict lines. The recent news report about the meeting of the Manipur based Naga National Party (NNP) with leaders of the NSCN (K) in Mon therefore augurs well for the Naga people.
This bold initiative taken by the NNP members, who are mostly drawn from the southern Naga areas, to undertake its peace mission to the Konyak people under Mon district is appreciated and is a step in the right direction. Full marks therefore to the NNP members for their courage of conviction to reach out to its fellow Naga citizenry despite the hurdles of geography and political divide. Likewise, the response of the people in Mon under the aegis of the Konyak Union and the open hand of friendship and hospitality extended to the visiting team is extremely encouraging and such type of people to people interaction has to be promoted in order to help create better understanding and amity.
For the Nagas today, finding peace in these tumultuous times of fratricidal conflict is a difficult and sometimes impossible task. As hard as it may be, the continuation of killings and political violence will only perpetuate hatreds and stimulate vengefulness, further fueling the continuation of the conflict. It is time for those who are concerned; to help restore peaceful coexistence among the different factions. The first step for this to happen would be to make attempts in reducing tensions and create an environment in which the causes of conflict can be addressed and peace can be achieved through a dialogue process.
For this, what is required is an environment that is conducive for discussion to take place, and to give the factions the opportunity to develop contacts, exchange views, explore differences, and search for common ground on sensitive issues. The first step is also usually the most difficult and the objective of such an exercise is not to find a solution, but to lessen or remove the poison and distrust in the atmosphere with the hope that it would facilitate other options. A process of dialogue must begin soon.
It is well accepted that respecting one another is the first positive step in building a relationship and relationships are central to conflict transformation. One need not have to like a person or understand his or her viewpoint to accord them respect. Respect comes with the belief that a person or group can have beliefs contradictory to theirs but still honoring them. Empowering the political process by encouraging people centered initiatives like the one undertaken by the NNP or the recent truce signed between the NSCNs under the aegis of the Sumi Hoho has to be given priority. This will help in developing and stabilizing mutually beneficial interaction while realistically taking full measure of the obvious political complexities involved. There is no doubt that people to people contact can help in building up a large constituency for peace which in turn can act as a catalyst in the political process. People to people diplomacy should therefore be given the importance that it deserves which in turn can be used to strengthen the political process from the bottom. New Delhi clears thorn in road to peace in Assam By Syed Zarir Hussain, Indo-Asian News Service Guwahati, June 23 (IANS) New Delhi's positive signals in brokering peace with a dominant separatist group in the northeastern state of Assam could help end close to three decades of bloodshed in the region. On Thursday, Home Minister Shivraj Patil took a considerate stand by removing one of the biggest stumbling blocks between peace and violence by virtually agreeing to release five top jailed leaders of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).
The announcement was made after the third round of peace talks held in New Delhi between ULFA representatives and government peace negotiators led by Patil. ULFA's demand for releasing five of its senior leaders currently in jail on charges ranging from murder to secession was seen as one of the last big thorns in the road to peace. ULFA, which has been fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979, last October appointed an 11-member People's Consultative Group (PCG) comprising prominent civil society members to represent it in the talks with the government. The stage is now set for direct talks between the elusive ULFA leadership led by chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah - according to Indian intelligence officials, both were believed to be operating out of Bangladesh in carrying out their hit-and-run guerrilla strikes in Assam.
Patil said during the talks that New Delhi would consider the 'issue of releasing five jailed ULFA leaders in consultation with the Assam government'. The Assam government had already announced it was ready to release the jailed ULFA leaders for the greater interest of peace. 'We have made our position very clear that we mean business. We are ready to release some of the jailed leaders if that could bring the ULFA leaders for direct talks with the government and in turn bring permanent peace to the region,' Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told IANS. The ball is now is in the ULFA's court. The rebel leadership now has to come clear on two counts - not backtrack on holding talks once the jailed leaders are released and assure that the outfit would not indulge in violent acts during the peace process. Similarly, the authorities would also have to show restraint in conducting anti-insurgency operations so that it does not derail the peace process. Both the ULFA and the government should be sensitive and respect the wishes of the people of Assam who are craving for peace.
Some intelligence and police officials are sceptical on the issue of releasing the jailed rebels - and they have every reason to be so. The last round of direct talks between ULFA rebels and the Indian government took place in New Delhi in 1992 after the government released five rebel leaders from jail for the negotiations. The talks ended abruptly after the five ULFA rebels - who were released from prison for the dialogue with then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao - went underground. 'The situation then was quite different from now. Our leadership is very keen to resolve the conflict through negotiations,' jailed ULFA leader Pranati Hazarika said while being brought to a local court for a trial. The ULFA is one of the most organised militant groups in India's northeast, where more than 30 rebel groups operate with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy. At least 15,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in Assam since 1979 when the ULFA, the state's first rebel group, was founded.
Clear signal for army to resume anti-ULFA operations Nine months after the UPA government pulled back the Indian Army from the Tinsukia forests in Assam in the midst of an operation against ULFA...
Nine months after the UPA government pulled back the Indian Army from the Tinsukia forests in Assam in the midst of an operation against ULFA, the Defence Ministry this week gave it the go ahead to resume operations against the militant outfit. The Army's formations in Assam have received word from the Defence Ministry that the operations against ULFA must get going. In a letter to the Tezpur-based 4 Corps with inputs from the Military Operations directorate, South Block has essentially clarified that with the Assembly Elections in Assam complete, it was time for operational duties to continue. Officially, the Army neither confirmed nor denied the Defence Ministry's instructions, but indicated that ''forces were carrying out their duties'' and that ''the Defence Ministry's instructions are ongoing for a counter-insurgency scenario.''
The Indian Express had first reported late last year how the Army cordon around an ULFA camp in the Dibrugarh-Saikhowa National Park in upper Assam in September last was effectively called off at the last minute, apparently for political reasons. Since then, the government has been under pressure from the Left to talk with the ULFA but not to call off operations. The Defence Ministry's word, copied to Integrated Defence Headquarters and the Army's Eastern Command in Kolkata, come in the light of a meeting of the Unified Command on June 11. Chaired by Assam chief secretary S Kabilan, the state government had asked for clarity from the Centre, which was represented by Home Ministry joint secretary for the North East Rajiv Agarwal, on what the approach, dialogue or operations, was to be taken in battling the outfit. The Defence Ministry's word this week is therefore a clear answer. The restraint ordered by the Centre during the September-2005 operation in the Tinsukia forests came at the last minute, a move still looked at with a tinge of bewilderment by the Army, especially since the troops were about to close in on the ULFA camp. The internal security establishment has persistently reported that the ULFA is responsible for the sporadic blasts since the September-2005 operation and that there needs to be clarity between the Centre and state on which approach to be used. Talks between the People's Consultative Group (PCG), which represents the militant outfit, and the Centre ended today.
Manipur national convention begins in Imphal Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, June 22 – With the active participation of hundreds of Manipuris living beyond the State boundary, the fifth Manipur National Convention was inaugurated at the D M College campus here this morning. The noted singer and former director of Doordarshan Kendra Nongmaithem Pahari was the chief guest at the inaugural function wherein many Manipuris living in the States of Asom, Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland along with their friends in Manipur turned to take part in the five-day exchange and interaction sessions. This is first time two influential student bodies of Manipur – All Manipur Students Union, Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur in association with the North East Students Coordinating Committee on Manipuri identity organized the historic convention in the heart of Imphal town.

The basic motive behind organizing such a gathering is to deliberate on important issues concerning the Manipuri nation and to consolidate the efforts of all the Manipuris inhabiting various parts of the globe so as to awaken the Manipuris for regeneration of a new Manipuri society. According to the organizers, the convention will redefine and specify the Manipuri national identity apart from discussing the issue relating to the threat posed by the population dilution and issue of uncountable migrants in the region. The convention is also likely to discover the paradox in education and also to highlight the problems of Manipuri economy in its discussion which will continue till June 25. Today’s academic session was chaired by former Vice Chancellor of the Manipur University, Prof I S Khaidem. Many cultural items and dance sequences displayed by different communities living in the State as well as those coming from other parts of the North Eastern States marked the first day’s inaugural session.

Five jailed ULFA leaders to be released; modalities to be prepared for direct talks Talks: Delhi springs a surprise By a Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, June 22: Setting aside apprehensions as to whether it would show sincerity in holding direct talks with the ULFA, New Delhi today sprang a surprise by assuring the release of five top jailed ULFA leaders, a demand which the banned outfit has been consistently making before the direct talks could be held.
The development is seen as a good augury in view of the contradictions that came to the fore in the aftermath of the recent spurt in violence allegedly carried out by the outfit across the State.
“The Home Ministry decided to favourably consider the release of five jailed leaders of the ULFA in consultation with the State Government and to work out modalities for holding direct talks with the insurgent group within a fixed time-frame,” PCG member Lachit Bordoloi told The Sentinel over phone from New Delhi after the crucial third round of talks, the last with the select group. During the two-and-half hour meeting, the PCG argued that the five jailed ULFA leaders — vice president Pradeep Gogoi, political advisor Bhimkanta Buragohain alias Mama, cultural secretary Pranati Deka, publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary and Ramu Mech — should be freed as they were members of the outfit’s central executive council which has to meet to take the peace process forward. Besides Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, today’s meeting with the PCG was attended by National Security Advisor MK Narayanan, Home Secretary VK Duggal and Intelligence Bureau Chief ESL Narasimhan. Interlocutors Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami and Reboti Phukon were also present. Simultaneously, the Home Minister urged the PCG to impress upon ULFA to ensure a peaceful and conducive environment so that direct talks with the Government of India are held at the earliest, a statement issued by the PCG in New Delhi stated.
This is for the first time in 27 years — since the ULFA came into existence — that the Centre has agreed to hold direct talks with the outfit. “The PCG is satisfied at the positive approach of the Home Minister to the negotiations that will help usher in lasting peace in Asom,” Bordoloi said.
The need to restrain operations by both sides — government and ULFA — was another key issue of focus in the talks. Modalities for direct talks between the ULFA and the Centre in a fixed time-frame would be worked out through mutual consultations, the statement said, adding that the meeting concluded with the hope that there would be restraint on all sides. Quoting Home Secretary VK Duggal as telling reporters in New Delhi, “While the government has urged the ULFA to maintain peace and create a conducive atmosphere for direct talks, we will also ensure such an atmosphere is there.” On the time-frame for the direct talks, Duggal said, “It will be at the earliest”.


Frans on 06.23.06 @ 01:15 PM CST [link]


Thursday, June 22nd

GPRN STRONGLY CONDEMNS KILLING OF INNOCENT PUBLIC BY KHAPLANG GROUP


PRESS RELEASE
22 June 2006

GPRN STRONGLY CONDEMNS KILLING OF INNOCENT PUBLIC BY KHAPLANG GROUP

The GPRN vehemently condemns the heinous murder of Lt. Mayarping Angkang, an innocent and harmless public serving as an UDA in the Public Works Department, Nagaland state government at Kohima without any justifiable rhyme or reason.

The anti-Naga elements to relish their vested agenda, to vitiate the situation and derail the peace initiatives, have started targeting innocent and harmless public on the very likely pretext of false accusations to justify their criminal schemes and deeds. The victim who was an innocent family man with no other inclined allegiance but only in being a Naga by birth was abducted from his home while with his wife and children and later cold bloodedly murdered. Is such killing to terrorize and spread fear psychosis by victimizing innocent and harmless public to show their existence a justified action? It is very unfortunate in the resurfacing of random targeting of innocent and harmless people like in the 1996-97, where around 40 (Forty) innocent and harmless public i.e., Pastors, Reverends, Advocates, Service men, etc. who were cold bloodedly murdered without any reason. Is it patriotic or terrorism when one turns to the path of human rights violations upon a people- who are being terrorized, deprived of their life and their bread earners, dear and loved ones snatched away from their midst for no wrong of theirs but except for simply belonging to a particular tribe of the Naga family.

Following the Naga peoples urge for cessation of all hostilities in Nagalim that was being observed of its feasibility, the Khaplang group with intent to wreck all good-will gestures have resorted to enhance their anti-Naga campaigns. Starting their violent acts of provocations by planting land-mines at Athibung and killing an NSCN cadre and now followed by the resurfacing of their targeting innocent civilians.

The GPRN/NSCN will not permit hostile renegades to continue prevailing with their anti-Naga campaigns of divisions, false propagandas, terrorisms, permeating fear psychosis, insecurity of the Naga people and lawlessness at any cost. The terror outfit will be dealt with an iron hand from committing further terrorisms and anti peace campaigns and divisive machinations. The Naga people are requested to bear with the NSCN for any situation or circumstance that may have to be faced in the process of checking and countering such happenings and incidents by anti-Naga peace offenders.

The NSCN/GPRN appeals to all right thinking peoples to strongly condemn such heinous acts of terrorisms and human rights violation and be cautious in supporting such group for the greater interest of the Naga people.

The GPRN/NSCN conveys deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray that the Almighty God rests the departed soul in peace.

Issued by:

Ministry of Information & Publicity
GPRN

Frans on 06.22.06 @ 05:14 PM CST [link]



Indian Media misinforming world community:NSCN-IM


Indian Media misinforming world community: NSCN-IM Morung Express News
Kohima NSCN-IM rapped mainland Indian media for what they said as “playing destructive role” by misinforming the world community on the ongoing political talks with the government of India. The Organization, MIP Dy. Kilonser Kraibo Chawang said that the Indian media is playing a destructive role, by using certain words such ‘autonomy’, ‘special development or package’, ‘Naga inhabited areas’ etc which has never been used either by them or the government of India during the talks.
He said that the terminology such as ‘autonomy’, which was widely carried in several newspapers, is only the creation of the Indian media. “When we have never used these words in the talks, what type of autonomy are they talking about”, Chawang questioned.
What the two sides have been trying to work out since the talks started is the ‘special federal relationship’ on issues such as defence, external affairs, flag, currency etc, therefore, the question of ‘autonomy’ as appeared in Indian Media does not arise, Kraibo said.
Chawang also said that at no point of time they discussed anything ‘special development’ or ‘package deal’, as flashed by the media, with the government of India.
“We are only talking about the political solution. We never discussed about package deal”, Chawang said, alleging that the Indian media is trying to twist the whole truth of the ongoing talks and misinform the world community by using such strange terminologies.
“This shows that Indian media have not taken the seriousness of the Indo-Naga peace process with respect”, he stated.
Kraibo also clarified that they never used the term like the ‘Naga inhabited areas’, but only the term ‘Naga areas’.
Use of the term ‘Naga inhabited areas’ would mean exclusion of many Naga areas, which are inhabited by other tribes at present, therefore, they only used the words Naga areas, he clarified.
NSCN-IM also said that there is no greater or smaller Nagalim, but the Nagas are talking about what have been theirs since time immemorial.
Meanwhile, Chawang also said that the talk which is to be held from June 22 to the 24th in Hague will be a very crucial one as they are going to touch upon all the substantive issues.
Issue regarding ‘special federal relationship’ with the government of India on defence, currency, external affairs, flag etc would dominate the scheduled talk, he added.
The talk would be led by its President Isak Chishi Swu.
Centre’s talks with NSCN-IM, PCG today Nagaland Post
New Delhi, June 21 (Agencies): Continuing its efforts to resolve the insurgency problem in the Northeast, the government will hold separate parleys tomorrow with negotiators from Nagaland and Assam. A team of top leaders of the NSCN-IM will hold discussions with the Centre's representatives including Union Minister Oscar Fernandes at the Hague on the Naga rebel group's 30-point "charter of demands" and extension of the ceasefire in Nagaland beyond July 31.
In the talks, the NSCN-IM is likely to put pressure to get "some kind of concession" from New Delhi on its charter of demands, including autonomy for Nagaland, official sources said in New Delhi. "There has been some forward movement in the talks but we want the Indian government to speed up and solve our problems at the earliest," said NSCN (IM) MIP Deputy Kilonser Kraibo Chawang. The NSCN-IM, which began talks with the government in 1997 after the two sides agreed to a ceasefire, is likely to submit a fresh proposal on the kind of autonomy it wants for evaluation by the Centre, they said. The NSCN-IM is expected to focus on "greater autonomy" for Nagaland since the government is reluctant to concede its key demand for unifying all Naga-inhabited areas in the Northeast.
The talks with ULFA-designated People's Consultative Group (PCG) are likely to center around the outfit's key demand to release five jailed leaders as for a pre-condition for direct talks as well as a recent spurt of violence in Assam that was blamed on the group. "We are moving in the right direction and marching forward positively. We hope the government will invite the ULFA for direct talks very soon and all issues raised by the PCG will be settled," PCG member Lachit Bordoloi said today. An Assam government team led by Chief Secretary S Kabilan is understood to have briefed Union Home Ministry officials today about the situation in the state, especially in the wake of a series of blasts this month that killed seven people and injured 25.
The state government team reportedly suggested that only three of the five jailed ULFA leaders could be released. The Assam officials said ULFA ideologue Bhimakanta Buragohain, vice chairman Pradip Gogoi and cultural secretary Pranati Deka could be set free. This issue was also reportedly brought to the notice of National Security Advisor M K Narayan, who is expected to attend tomorrow's talks. Another PCG member, noted writer Indira Goswami, said the group will attend tomorrow's meeting with a positive attitude.
CM clarifies on NSCN(K) `ultimatum` The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 21: Reacting to the report, `NSCN(K) serves ultimatum to Ibobi: Nagaland paper`, chief minister O Ibobi has clarified that the allegations contained in the report are totally baseless and unfounded. The report, picked up from the Dimapur based North-East Herald, had stated that the NSCN(K) had served an ultimatum to the state chief minister regarding repayment of Rs. 100 million which was allegedly borrowed by him in 2000 for his election expenses through his emissary Bijoy Koijam. In his response, the state chief minister pointed out that elections in Manipur were held in 2002 and Bijoy Koijam was not known to him in 2000.

The CM also pointed out that Bijoy Koijam did not belong to the INC in 2000 and there was no question of using him as emissary. Also, Bijoy Koijam was first elected in 2002.

Ibobi Singh also clarified that he had had at no time any relation with either hill-based or valley-based underground outfits relating to election or any other matter. The CM, in his statement further clarified that the SPF governmentunder his leadership is making all sincere efforts for the development, progress and harmony for the people of both hill and valley.
Talks with ULFA, NSCN-IM today The Morung Express
GUWAHATI, JUNE 21 (IANS): The Indian government will hold separate peace talks with representatives of two powerful northeastern rebel groups Thursday aimed at ending decades of bloodshed in the region.
A union home ministry official said government negotiators will holds talks with the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) separately.
“Talks with the NSCN-IM leadership will take place in Amsterdam while ULFA representatives will meet emissaries led by Home Minister Shivraj Patil in New Delhi,” the official said.
He said central minister Oscar Fernandes and New Delhi’s chief peace interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah will lead the government team in talks with the NSCN-IM, led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, in Amsterdam.
Naga delegation meets Patel; Hill tax refused The Morung Express
Dimapur, June 21 (MExN): As was reported earlier in this paper, the delegation of Naga organizations from the Naga areas in Manipur met with Union Home Minister Shivraj Patel and Minister of State Oscar Fernandes today to hand over the Hill House tax for the year 2006 amounting to Rs 14, 23,425 from 94,894 Naga households in Manipur. However, the Home Minister did not accept the tax amount “since it is a state subject”, according to a joint release issued by Azang Longmei, General Secretary of the United Naga Council (UNC), Manipur and Grace T Shatsang, President of the Naga Women’s Union, Manipur (NWUM).
Nevertheless, it was informed that the Home Minister has acknowledged the issues being faced by the Naga people as “most genuine” and assured the delegation firmly that he would do his utmost with the Manipur State Government to resolve the issue without compromising the historical rights of the Nagas.
The delegation comprises of the UNC, the NWUM, the All Naga Students’ Union Manipur, the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights and other tribal leaders.
Terming the meeting as “historic” the statement reiterated that the delegation’s undertaking is to uphold the November 4, 2005 Naga Peoples’ Convention (NPC) Declaration at Taphou Village which resolved to launch a non-cooperation movement against the Government of Manipur State. “The non-cooperation movement includes five point resolutions which were resolved in the wake of organized violence and communal campaign by the dominant Meitei community against the Nagas and the sanctioning and glorification of the same by the government of Manipur” according to the statement.
The anti-ceasefire agitation against the June 14 Bangkok Agreement 2001 which agreed ceasefire ‘without territorial limits’ and the subsequent declaration of June 18 as ‘Manipur State Day’ are unique examples of intolerance shown by the Meiteis and the Manipur Government to undermine and erase the historical rights of the Nagas, it added.
Relative to the non-cooperation movement, it was also informed that the ANSAM in support of the UNC’s resolution has already sought the affiliation of schools and colleges in the Naga areas of Manipur to the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) and the Nagaland University.
“The ANSAM has decisively surrendered the prescribed textbooks of the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BSEM) beginning from Class VIII to X in the first phase. Altogether 156 private schools have started introducing the NBSE’s prescribed syllabus from the academic session 2006” it stated.
Tharoor says his age is right for the top UN post The Morung Express
NEW DELHI, JUNE 21 (PTI): Shashi Tharoor, India’s nominee for the post of UN Secretary General, has sought to allay the impression that he is too young for the top position of the world body. “My age is right (for the post). There was a suggestion that the Secretary General should be aged between 45 years and 55 years. My age is just halfway,” he said while interacting with a group of journalists here last night.
The UN Under Secretary General for Communication and Public Information said he was three years older than the Thai candidate Surakiart Sathirthai.
To a question, Tharoor said if he were to get elected to the top UN post, he would be an “Indian Secretary General” and “not India’s Secretary General”. Elaborating, he said that as a Secretary General, his job would be to be responsible to all the 191 countries and not just one. “India has put me to a job accountable to 191 countries, not to be an agent of the Indian government,” he said. On his observation about religious nature of Indians, Tharoor said he was not regretful for saying that ancient temples and beliefs still have a hold on Indians.” “We have technology as well as mantras,” he said, adding “I am sorry if this (his observation on religion) has been seen as my indictment,” he said. He said that he treated UN reforms as an issue of fundamental importance. “The UN has changed a great deal and change is something the UN is capable of,” he said.
Having garnered support from across the country’s political spectrum, India’s nominee for the UN Secretary General’s post Shashi Tharoor today foresaw hard work ahead. “It was an extremely useful opportunity to focus on the home base to meet with a cross section of political leaders right across the spectrum,” he told reporters after meeting former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the last day of his three-day visit.
Tharoor, 50, said his India visit aimed at determining the next step forward in the race for the Secretary General’s post and at planning an appropriate action.
“... so from my point of view that objective has been accomplished. Now the hard work lies ahead,” he remarked.
Tharoor, who met PM Manmohan Singh, Leader of the Opposition L K Advani and Left leaders during his visit, also spoke about the support which he said he had received from across the country’s political spectrum. He said the former PM saw his bid for the Secretary General’s post as a “national endeavour”. “I told him (Vajpayee) that I have come to seek your blessings and he gave it to me unhesitatingly. I was very very pleased by the warmth of his welcome. We of course talked about other things as well because though he said that on this he was already fully supportive and very much seeing it as a national endeavour,” Tharoor said. Also, he described Vajpayee’s “optimism” about his success as the “most important tip” from the BJP veteran.
NESO urges government to demilitarise NE The Morung Express
NEW DELHI, JUNE 21 (AGENCIES): A day ahead of two separate crucial meetings on insurgency problem of Assam and Nagaland, an influential student organisation of North East today asked the Centre to demilitarise the entire region and bring “acceptable and honourable” solution to the problems of the region by holding talks with all armed groups.
“The Government of India must show boldness in bringing the armed groups to the negotiating table,” North East Students Organisation (NESO) president Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya and general secretary N S N Lotha told reporters here.
“A time-frame mechanism with a focus for an acceptable, honourable and beneficial solution must be worked out,” they said adding “as a prelude the NE region be demilitarised with a time-bound schedule and the armed group should be confined to the five-kilometer border area and not be allowed to enter into the civilian areas”.
Bhattacharya and Lotha said the Centre must demonstrate its sincerity and commitment to all the ongoing political dialogues with different armed groups of North East.
A crucial meeting between the ULFA-backed Peoples’ Consultative Group and the Centre would be held here tomorrow. Besides others, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil will attend the meeting.
Another meeting between the NSCN(IM) and government negotiators, led by Union Minister Oscar Fernandes, would be held at the Netherlands city the Hague tomorrow.
The NESO leaders also demanded urgent steps to solve the vexed illegal immigration problem of the region and special economic package for North East.
NSCN (K) serves ‘ultimatum’ to Ibobi: Nagaland paper The North East Herald

Kohima : The NSCN (K) has warned to react with dire consequences if the Ibobi Singh government of Manipur does not, within the coming seven days, repay Rs. 100 million, which it claimed Ibobi borrowed in 2000 for his election expenses.

NSCN (K) revenue kilonser, Kughalu Mulatonu today warned that, "If Rs. 100 million fails to reach the NSCN's treasurer, leaving aside two gypsies, reaction will be expensive." Mulatonu, early this month, had disclosed about the amount borrowed by Ibobi Singh through his emissary Bijoy Koijam in 2000 at Kohima.

However, regretting that thus far neither Ibobi nor Bijoy has contacted the NSCN (K), he said any problem after the expiry of seven days would be self-invited by Ibobi.

He also declared that if the money can not be refunded to the NSCN (K), Ibobi must make his stand very clear to the Nagas concerning Chandel, Tamenlong and Senapati while also adding that "Ibobi must also declare to the Meiteis (Manipuris) that NSCN has already paid for the three Naga inhabited districts under Manipur.

The NSCN's reaction on the issue would begin from June 26, he warned, adding that Ibobi could contact the Supervisor, Cease-fire Supervisory Board, NSCN (GPRN) through mobile no. 9436423173 if at all he wants to change his stand.

This report appeared in today’s edition of the Dimapur-based North East Herald. We are reproducing it as it is certain to be a matter of interest to our readers.
(Courtesy: The North East Herald)
India should withdraw Tharoor’s nomination Statement of Sanal Edamaruku,
President, Indian Rationalist Association
I am shocked to hear that the Government of India plans to nominate Shashi Tharoor as a candidate for the post of UN Secretary-General. Shashi Tharoor - despite his carefully nurtured image as a suave and balanced intellectual - is a hardcore propagandist of obscurantism, miracle belief and all kinds of superstitions, who does not miss a single opportunity to raise his voice in the international media in favour of paranormal claims and in praise of godmen and miracle mongers.
India has to be ashamed of Shashi Tharoor and his avowed positions. A progressive and forward looking country striving for a leadership position in a modern world would do itself a disservice by fielding a man to highest international positions, who has made it his program to promote ignorance and gullibility, the very scourges that held India back for centuries. The Indian Constitution declares scientific temperament as a fundamental duty of all citizens. How can India afford to nominate a man to the top UN post, who has ridiculed scientists and rationalists by defending the Ganesh milk drinking frenzy in 1995 as a real miracle?
When the world media came out to expose Indian godman Satya Saibaba, and his so-called miracles as well as his outrageous behavior towards many young devotees was documented in television clippings, the UNESCO distanced itself from Saibaba and cancelled a planned common project with him. Shashi Tharoor, however, did not hesitate to rush to the godman’s rescue by singing his praise in international newspapers. In International Herald Tribune (dated 3 December 2002), Tharoor declared Saibaba’s conjuring trick of “producing holy ashEto be a miracle. He certified that Satya Saibaba did materialize gifts for his devotees from thin air and boasted that he himself was the recipient of a gold ring with nine embedded stones. The secret of the godman’s magic was already exposed by rationalists and his hand-sleight tricks were caught red-handed by television cameras and shown in a Channel IV documentary around the world. But Shashi Tharoor remained his staunch defender.
In the same article that appeared all around the Western world and is proudly reproduced in Tharoor’s personal web-site, he expresses his position about India:
In the 1950s, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declared dams and factories to be “the new temples of modern India.” What he failed to recognise was that the old temples continued to maintain their hold on the Indian imagination. The software programs of the new information technology companies dotting Bangalore’s “Silicon Plateau” may be the new mantras of India, but they supplement, rather than supplant, the old mantras. E Saibaba and Infosys are, in fact, emblematic of an India that somehow manages to live in several centuries at once.
If a person who has such sinister views about India and propagates them with arrogance can contest as India ‘s nominee for the UN top office, it is shameful for all progressive-minded Indians. Shashi Tharoor does not limit his miracle mongering to his godman Satya Saibaba alone. In another article he writes about another “holyEfigure:
She took to standing in a crucified position, and blood appeared spontaneously on her hands and feet Ethe stigmata of Christian lore. Like Saint Teresa of Avila centuries earlier, she suffered seizures during which she levitated: neighbors would come to her family home on Fridays to see her suspended high against the wall in a crucified pose.
Shashi Tharoor’s nomination is bound to become a major embarrassment for India as he is an articulate and avowed propagator of blind faith and superstition, and ridicules the scientific outlook of India’s policy, enshrined in the Indian Constitution. If he becomes the UN Secretary-General, he will moreover cause serious damage to the reputation of the august world organisation.
I call upon the Government of India to withdraw the nomination of Shashi Tharoor.
About Indian Rationalist Association and Sanal Edamaruku :
The New Delhi based Indian Rationalist Association, founded in 1949, is one of the largest freethought organizations in the world with thousands of members.
Sanal Edamaruku initiated and led a series of anti-superstition programs, covering thousands of villages in India during the 1980’s and 90’s. He received national media attention for exposing and explaining several so-called “miracles” that had confused and uncalmed major parts of the population, among them the “milk drinking” statues of the Indian god Ganesh, and the “monkey man” stories. His work has been featured by BBC, Channel 4, Discovery, Danish State Television, The Independent, The Times, New York Times etc. He is an Honorary Associate of the Rationalist Press Association of UK and the President of the Rationalist International.
Email address of Sanal Edamaruku: S.Edamaruku@rationalistinternational.net">Edamaruku@rationalistinternational.net
Demilitarise NE: NESO NAGALaND Post
New Delhi, June 21 (PTI): A day ahead of two separate crucial meetings on insurgency problem of Assam and Nagaland, an influential student organisation of North East today asked the Centre to demilitarise the entire region and bring "acceptable and honourable" solution to the problems of the region by holding talks with all armed groups.
"The Government of India must show boldness in bringing the armed groups to the negotiating table," North East Students Organisation (NESO) president Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya and general secretary N S N Lotha told reporters here.
"A time-frame mechanism with a focus for an acceptable, honourable and beneficial solution must be worked out," they said adding "as a prelude the NE region be demilitarised with a time-bound schedule and the armed group should be confined to the five-kilometer border area and not be allowed to enter into the civilian areas".
Bhattacharya and Lotha said the Centre must demonstrate its sincerity and commitment to all the ongoing political dialogues with different armed groups of North East.
A crucial meeting between the ULFA-backed Peoples' Consultative Group and the Centre would be held here tomorrow. Besides others, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil will attend the meeting. Another meeting between the NSCN (IM) and government negotiators, led by Union Minister Oscar Fernandes, would be held at the Netherlands city the Hague tomorrow.
The NESO leaders also demanded urgent steps to solve the vexed illegal immigration problem of the region and special economic package for North East.
Plan to build dams stirs critics in NE Nagaland Post
GANGTOK, JUNE 21 (REUTERS): Ambitious plans to build dams and hydropower projects throughout the hills of India's remote northeast have trodden on some sensitive toes in the troubled region.
The Indian government and the World Bank say there is enormous - and so far unrealised - potential to tap rivers throughout the eight northeastern states.
The projects could generate around 60,000 MW of power - which is double India's current hydro output and more than half of today's total generating capacity - while the country's demand for energy is growing rapidly.
Project revenues could potentially double the region's net domestic product and even curb flooding, experts say.
But locals fear that tens of thousands of people will be forcibly evicted from their homes, the environment irrevocably damaged and ancient ways of life imperilled.
In a region where dozens of insurgent groups are already battling Indian rule, the government knows it needs to tread carefully. It acknowledges the need to improve accountability and transparency, as well as involve local communities, and will hold a "workshop" in New Delhi on June 25-26 to finalise its plans. But trust is in short supply. Many people here equate government with corruption and misrule, and have little faith in the authorities' ability to behave responsibly and sensitively.
"For whose benefits are these projects planned," asked Himanshu Thakkar of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People. "All the social and environmental costs would be borne by the people of the region. And if past experience is any guide, these costs are going to be heavy and mostly paid by the poorest, who depend on the natural resources around them."
Fast-flowing rivers running through the Himalayan mountains of Arunachal Pradesh have developers licking their lips. The state government plans to build 89 dams and hydro projects but locals say they have not been properly consulted. "The state is auctioning off Arunachal Pradesh without the consult of its people," said Bamang Anthony of Arunachal Citizens Rights. "Promoters are talking development. We also want development but we want to know what kind of development they want in our land. There is no transparency."
Anthony says the dams will submerge thousands of hectares of land, including some towns, and displace more than 30,000 people. India's track record in rehousing the displaced from major development projects leaves little room for confidence.
Dam construction could also disturb the fragile ecology of the eastern Himalayas, home to thousands of plant species. A dam on the Subansiri river threatens one of the last remaining habitats of the endangered Gangetic dolphin, environmentalists say. Dam construction also poses a special risk in one of the most earthquake-prone regions of the world.
Crucial talks on NE militancy today
New Delhi, June 21 : Continuing its efforts to resolve the insurgency problem in the North East, the Government will hold separate parleys tomorrow with negotiators from Assam and Nagaland.
The 11-member People’s Consultative Group nominated by the ULFA will meet here with a Government team including Home Minister Shivraj Patil with an aim to facilitate “direct talks” between the banned group and the Centre.
A team of top leaders of the NSCN-IM will hold discussions with the Centre’s representatives including Union Minister Oscar Fernandes at the Hague on the Naga rebel group’s 30-point “charter of demands” and extension of the ceasefire in Nagaland beyond July 31.
The talks with the PCG are likely to center around the ULFA’s key demand to release five jailed leaders as a pre-condition for direct talks as well as a recent spurt of violence in Assam that was blamed on the group.
“We are moving in the right direction and marching forward positively. We hope the Government will invite the ULFA for direct talks very soon and all issues raised by the PCG will be settled,” PCG member Lachit Bordoloi said here today.
In the talks in the Netherlands, the NSCN-IM is likely to put pressure to get “some kind of concession” from New Delhi on its charter of demands, including autonomy for Nagaland, official sources said.
The NSCN-IM, which began talks with the Government in 1997 after the two sides agreed to a ceasefire, is likely to submit a fresh proposal on the kind of autonomy it wants for evaluation by the Centre, they said.
An Assam Government team led by Chief Secretary S Kabilan is understood to have briefed Union Home Ministry officials here today about the situation in the State, especially in the wake of a series of blasts this month that killed seven people and injured 25.
The State Government team reportedly suggested that only three of the five jailed ULFA leaders could be released.
The Assam officials said ULFA ideologue Bhimakanta Buragohain, vice chairman Pradip Gogoi and cultural secretary Pranati Deka could be set free.
This issue was also reportedly brought to the notice of National Security Advisor M K Narayan, who is expected to attend tomorrow’s talks.
Another PCG member, noted writer Indira Goswami, said the group will attend tomorrow’s meeting with a positive attitude.
“We hope the Government will discuss all relevant issues, including the release of prisoners, and pave the way for direct talks with the ULFA,” Goswami told PTI.
The NSCN-IM is expected to focus on “greater autonomy” for Nagaland since the Government is reluctant to concede its key demand for unifying all Naga-inhabitated areas in the North East. PTI
Decks cleared for Centre's direct talks with ULFA By Sanjay Kumar
New Delhi, June 22 (ANI): The third round of talks between the Central Government and the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA)-nominated People's Consultative Group (PCG) ended here on Thursday with a substantive breakthrough. Talking to reporters after the almost three-hour-long talks, Home Secretary V.K. Duggal said that the ministry would consider the ULFA's demand for the release of five of its cadres favourably in consultation with the Government of Asom. The persons who are likely to be released are Pradeep Gogoi, Bhimkanti Bogawai, Mithinga Daimari, Pronoti Deka and Ramu Mech. The PCG spokesperson, Arup Borbora, also expressed satisfaction with the talks, saying that they would appeal to the ULFA to create and maintain a peaceful atmosphere in Asom, " which will be conducive for holding direct talks".
Borbora also expressed satisfaction over Home Minister Shivraj Patil's approach to the negotiation process. One significant outcome of Thursday's dialogue was that both sides agreed to maintain restraint in the region in so far as insurgency and counter-offensives were concerned. When asked to elaborate on the word restraint, Duggal refused to identify it as a formal cease-fire. When asked whether the next round of talks would be with the leadership of the ULFA, Duggal said "Yes".
Both sides described the talks as cordial and constructive aimed at ensuring a lasting peace in Assam. Simultaneously, Patil urged the PCG to impress upon the ULFA to ensure a peaceful and conducive environment so that direct talks with the Government of India are held at the earliest. Further modalities for holding these talks between the ULFA and the Government of India in a fixed timeframe, would be worked out through mutual consultations.
Apart from Patil and Duggal, National Security Adviser M.K.Narayanan, Chief Secretary of Assam S.Kabilan, Intelligence Bureau Director V.L.Narisimhan and other senior Home Ministry officials represented the government at today's talks. The PCG delegation was represented by 11 members, including noted Assamese author Indira Goswami, who has been the key interlocutor between the two sides in the talks that first began in October 2005. (ANI)
Crucial Centre, PCG talks in Delhi today By A Staff Reporter Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, June 21 – The crucial third round of talks between the Government of India and the People’s Consultative Group (PCG), formed by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to pave the way for talks with the Government, will be held in New Delhi tomorrow. The Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, is scheduled to chair the talks, while the State Government will be represented by a high-level team headed by the Chief Secretary. The meeting assumes significance as several key issues, which are vital for bringing the ULFA to the negotiation table, are to be decided in the discussions. The ULFA is demanding that its jailed central committee members should be released to enable the outfit to take vital decisions regarding talks with the Government, while the State Government has reportedly recommended the release of only three of the five central committee members of the outfit and after the recent spate of violence, the Union Home Ministry is reluctant to accept the demand. It remains to be seen whether the third round of talks between the Government and the PCG manages to break the deadlock.

The second issue that is to come in the talks is the issue of suspension of operations. In the second round of meeting on February 7, the Government of India assured to take up confidence building measures to create a congenial atmosphere for talks and the PCG is likely to demand suspension of Army operations. However, the recent spate of violence by the ULFA raised question marks on whether the Government would go for suspension of operations and during the period from June 8 to 11, the ULFA militants let loose a reign of terror all over the State and triggered off as many as 29 explosions and official sources revealed that the members of the PCG may face uncomfortable questions on the issue tomorrow.

The third issue that is to come tomorrow is the whereabouts of the ULFA members missing since the operations against the ULFA by the Government of Bhutan in December,2003. The family members of the missing leaders of the ULFA submitted memorandum to the President of India and the Prime Minister and a copy of the same to the PCG with the request to take up the issue in tomorrow’s meeting and the PCG will ask the Government to make its stand clear on the whereabouts of the missing members of the ULFA. Another major point to be decided is the issues to be discussed in the talks with the ULFA. The militant outfit is insisting that sovereignty of Asom should be the core issue for talks, while, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, who chaired the first meeting with the PCG, assured that the Government was ready to discuss “all issues” without specifying any particular issue.
The PCG members met the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi yesterday and sought his cooperation for the success of the peace process. They also requested Gogoi to attend the meeting tomorrow. Gogoi assured all cooperation of the State Government for the success of the peace process, but expressed his inability to attend the meeting due to his illness.
Police commandos gun down two more suspected UGs The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 20: Imphal west police commandos shot dead two more suspected UG cadres today at Lainingkhul Lairenchingjel, under Lamshang police station, a day after eliminating two PLA activists in the Samurou area.
Police recovered two handguns from the slain cadres, whose identities are yet to be established.

Police said the two cadres were killed by the commandos in an exchange of fire that occurred in the course of a search operation launched in the area on the basis of specific information of the presence of the UGs. Giving details, police sources said the police were searching the area in the vicinity of Lairenchingjel this morning around 11:30 am, when some unidentified youths suddenly opened fire on them from the undergrowth, leading to an exchange of fire.

The youths while firing continuously attempted to escape by crossing the nearby hill, but were finally hit by the police bullets, the sources said. The police team recovered a 9 mm pistol with two live rounds and a .38 revolver along with several empty cases from the site of the encounter, the sources added. A senior police officer meanwhile said two other youths are believed to have escaped. A reliable report said the two killed may be PLA cadres but the report could not be immediately confirmed.
Lamshang police collected the dead bodies and kept at the RIMS morgue for official identification. Both youths appear to be Meitei, and between 25-30 years of age.

In the meantime the UG cadres who were slain yesterday have been identified as Khundrakpam Brojen, 38, son of late Kh Phullamani Singh of Leimapokpam Awang Leikai and Brahmachariyum Rameshwor, 25 son of late Iboyaima of Sagolband Tera Amudon Leirak. The respective families received their bodies after post mortem at RIMS mortuary today.

Rameshwor`s family said he once belonged to an UG outfit, but had married and had been staying at home for the last few years, working as a cook and a distributor of evening newspapers. He left home yesterday afternoon at around 1 pm, his wife said.

Frans on 06.22.06 @ 03:39 PM CST [link]


Wednesday, June 21st

Nagas' rally on the eve of next round of talks


Nagas' rally on the eve of next round of talks By Sanjay Kumar
New Delhi, Jun 20 (ANI): The Naga Students' Union today organized a "Rally for Peace and Justice" here. More than thousand students attended the three kilometres long rally from Mandi House to Parliament Street. The main aim of the march was to urge the Centre to expedite its peace process with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, NSCN (IM) and concede the demand for Greater Nagaland or the Nagalim.
The rally comes just days before the next round of talks starting in Amsterdam from June 22-24.Addressing the rally, Naga Student Union of Delhi President, Chitho Nyusou said: "The Government of India needs to expedite the peace process by respecting the genuine aspiration of the Nagas to live in a single unit. The government should take new initiatives by integrating the Naga areas without which it would be a futile exercise for both negotiating parties to keep on extending the ceasefire".
"The Government of India has a moral and political responsibility to demonstrate its commitment and maturity to the substantive points put forward by the Naga people for bringing lasting and honourable political solution, " Nyusou added.
The rally was attended by all the students union of the North East besides the Naga Students' Federation, United Naga Council,All Naga Students' Association, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights and the Naga Women's Union.
In 1997 the Centre and the NSCN (IM) signed a ceasefire agreement and since then both sides have been engaged in talks to find a political solution to six decades old Naga problem. (ANI)

Expedite peace process: students Respect our aspirations to live as a single political unit: Naga students Staff Reporter
• Centre must integrate Naga areas or ceasefire talks will be futile
• Onus on India to provide a lasting political solution to Naga insurgency

Photo: S. Subramanium

STUDENTS' VOICE: Members of the Naga Students' Union stage a rally for peace and justice in New Delhi on Tuesday. Peace talks are to be held between the Centre and NSCN-IM in Amsterdam on June 22.
NEW DELHI: Ahead of the crucial talks between the Centre and the NSCN(IM) due to begin in Amsterdam on Thursday, scores of Naga students, dressed in their traditional costumes, took out a march here on Tuesday, demanding that the Union Government expedite the ongoing Naga peace process for a durable and lasting political solution.
The `Rally for Peace and Justice' was organised by the Naga Students Union, Delhi (NSUD) to exhort the public at large and the Centre in particular to honour their aspiration for a lasting political solution in the State.
The rally from the Mandi House to Parliament Street saw the participation of representatives of several students' unions and associations from Nagaland and the north-east.
NSUD president Chitho Nyuso said the Centre should respect the aspirations of the Nagas to live as a "single political unit." He urged the Central Government to integrate Naga areas, without which the ceasefire talks would be rendered futile .
"The Indian Government has the moral and political responsibility to show its commitment to the substantive points put forward by the Naga people for a lasting political solution," Mr. Nyuso said.
The students staged a play on the Naga resistance movement against "occupational forces in Nagalim."
The rally organisers said while they appreciated the Government's official recognition of the "unique history and situation of the Nagas," they failed to understand why it had not taken any concrete step to resolve the six-decade-long insurgency problem in the country.
NSCN (K) serves ‘ultimatum’ to Ibobi: Nagaland paper The North East Herald

Kohima : The NSCN (K) has warned to react with dire consequences if the Ibobi Singh government of Manipur does not, within the coming seven days, repay Rs. 100 million, which it claimed Ibobi borrowed in 2000 for his election expenses.

NSCN (K) revenue kilonser, Kughalu Mulatonu today warned that, "If Rs. 100 million fails to reach the NSCN's treasurer, leaving aside two gypsies, reaction will be expensive." Mulatonu, early this month, had disclosed about the amount borrowed by Ibobi Singh through his emissary Bijoy Koijam in 2000 at Kohima.

However, regretting that thus far neither Ibobi nor Bijoy has contacted the NSCN (K), he said any problem after the expiry of seven days would be self-invited by Ibobi.

He also declared that if the money can not be refunded to the NSCN (K), Ibobi must make his stand very clear to the Nagas concerning Chandel, Tamenlong and Senapati while also adding that "Ibobi must also declare to the Meiteis (Manipuris) that NSCN has already paid for the three Naga inhabited districts under Manipur.

The NSCN's reaction on the issue would begin from June 26, he warned, adding that Ibobi could contact the Supervisor, Cease-fire Supervisory Board, NSCN (GPRN) through mobile no. 9436423173 if at all he wants to change his stand.

This report appeared in today’s edition of the Dimapur-based North East Herald. We are reproducing it as it is certain to be a matter of interest to our readers.
(Courtesy: The North East Herald)

NSCN(IM) brings to table J-K model for autonomy
The Imphal Free Press

NEW DELHI, Jun 20 : Examining the feasibility of a Jammu and Kashmir type of autonomy for Nagaland will be the focus of talks between the government and NSCN(I-M) to be held at The Hague in Netherlands between June 22 and 24.

The NSCN(I-M)`s call for greater autonomy is included in the charter of demands, also called ``substantive`` issues, that has been placed before the government. This encompasses a wide range of issues ranging from greater rights over natural resources to having a separate constitution for the state.

Nagaland already enjoys a special status in the Constitution under Art 371 A like some other states of the North-east but the NSCN(IM) is the of the view that the autonomy enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir is greater in scope since the state has its own constitution and flag.

Sources said the issue came up for discussion during the previous round held last month in Amsterdam. ``They (Nagas) are expected to submit their opinion on the kind of autonomy they want which would then be evaluated by the government since it might entail a change in the nature of relations between the Union and the state,`` sources said.

The NSCN(IM) has made a case for a federal relationship with the Indian Union. It has argued that the nature of the relationship should be incorporated in both Constitutions (including in Nagaland`s if it is granted) since only then would there be a long-lasting settlement.

The NSCN(I-M) has enlisted the services of renowned constitutional expert Yash Ghai as an adviser. Ghai currently holds the Sir YK Pao chair in public law at the University of Hong Kong. He is believed to have discussed the issue of autonomy during the last round of talks with Oscar Fernandes.

The government delegation will be led by Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation GK Vasan and include interlocutor K Padmanabhiah and Home Ministry officials.

The NSCN(I-M) will be represented by general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and senior functionaries from Nagaland.
Expedite peace process, students tell GoI The Morung Express

Activists from various Naga students and human rights organizations participate in a peace rally in New Delhi, Tuesday, June 20. The rally, organized on the eve of the Indo-Naga political talks to be held in Amsterdam from June 22 to 24, was held to demand the integration of Naga areas in the four Indian states of Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. (AP Photo)
DIMAPUR, JUNE 20 (MExN): The ‘Rally for Peace and Justice’, organized by the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi today on the eve of the crucial Indo-Naga political talks to be held in Amsterdam from June 22 to the 24th sent a strong message asking the Government of India to expedite the peace process by respecting the genuine aspiration of the Nagas to live under a single political unit. “We strongly urge the GoI to start taking new initiatives by integrating the Naga areas without which it would be a futile exercise for both the negotiating parties to keep on extending the ceasefire”, NSUD President, Chitho Nyusou said in his speech during the rally in Delhi today.
While appreciating the GoI’s official recognition of the “Unique History and Situation of the Nagas” the NSUD failed to understand as to why the GoI has not taken any concrete step on the substantive points and issues even after over 50 rounds of talks. This rally, which has been described as one of the biggest to be organised by the Naga students in Delhi in the current ceasefire period, demanded of the GoI to come out with clear and concrete proposals within the shortest possible time.
“The Naga students are of the firm opinion that both the GoI and the Nagas should not miss this golden chance, where highest positive thinking is possible for political solution”, stated a press communiqué issued by NSUD President Chitho Nyusou and General Secretary Khyothungo Jami.
The NSUD also stated that they were confident and hopeful that the negotiating parties shall begin taking serious initiatives in the upcoming talks in Amsterdam. “We would like to reaffirm and reiterate our genuine stand that political solution is the best option as against resumption of bloody war where civilians are victims of grave human rights violations by the Indian security forces”, the students stated.
“The GoI has moral and political responsibility to demonstrate its commitment and maturity to the substantive points forwarded by the Naga people for bringing lasting and honourable political solution.”
Apart from the several people who spoke, the public spirit for the Nagas’ enduring struggle for their rights were enlivened by a theatrical play presented by the students depicting the Naga resistance movement against the “occupational forces in Nagalim”. “The rally was more meaningful in the sense that students dressed up in their respective cultural attires marched in front to show the world that the Nagas are determined to make Nagalim a reality”,
Delegations from the Naga Students’ Federation, United Naga Council, All Naga Students’ Association, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights and Naga Women’s Union exhorted the public at Parliament Street and strongly urged the Indian Government to honour the aspiration of the Nagas to live in a single political unit, which will pave the way for a final and lasting political solution, it was informed.
Apart from the Nagas, many other peace-loving sections in India, including North East Students’ Organisation and many other student unions and associations participated in the rally in large numbers to extend their support to the peace process showing their solidarity with the Naga people’s movement for their right to self-determination, it was stated.
NSCN-IM to focus on autonomy Nagaland Post
New Delhi, June 20 (Agencies): With the government reluctant to concede the NSCN-IM's key demand for unifying all Naga-inhabited areas in the Northeast, the rebel group is expected to focus on "greater autonomy" for Nagaland during crucial talks with the Centre's negotiators at the Hague on June 22-24, sources said.
Autonomy is part of the 30-point "charter of demands" submitted by the NSCN-IM, and this includes a greater say in the utilisation of natural resources, a separate constitution, a separate flag and control in areas like finance, defence and policing, they said.
In the talks, the Naga side is likely to put pressure to get "some kind of concession" from New Delhi on its charter of demands to "please the domestic constituencies" that have become desperate due to the "delay" in the peace process, the sources said. The NSCN-IM, which began talks with the government in 1997 after the two sides agreed to a ceasefire, is also likely to submit a fresh proposal on the kind of autonomy it wants for evaluation by the Centre, they said.
The Naga outfit has made a case for a "federal relationship" with the Indian Union. It has argued that the nature of this relationship should be incorporated in the country's Constitution as well as the separate one for Nagaland, if it is granted, since this alone can ensure a lasting settlement to the nation's oldest insurgency problem, the sources said. The emissary for the collective leadership of the NSCN (I-M) V.S. Atem, Kilo Kilonser Rev. Puni Mao, Education Kilonser Tongmeth Wangnao, Angelous Shimrah, Khayo Huray, Zarsie, Q. Tuccu and another leader of the faction Imcha have already left Dimapur for Amsterdam to take part in the talks.
Amsterdam peace talks to focus on ‘federal relationship’ The Morung Express
New Delhi, June 20 (Agencies): With the government reluctant to concede the NSCN-IM’s key demand for unifying all Naga- inhabited areas in the north east, the rebel group is expected to focus on “greater autonomy” for Nagaland during crucial talks with the Centre’s negotiators at the Hague on June 22-24, sources said.
Autonomy is part of the 30-point “charter of demands” submitted by the NSCN-IM, and this includes a greater say in the utilization of natural resources, a separate constitution, a separate flag and control in areas like finance, defence and policing, they said.
In the talks, the Naga side is likely to put pressure to get “some kind of concession” from New Delhi on its charter of demands to “please the domestic constituencies” that have become desperate due to the “delay” in the peace process, the sources said.
The NSCN-IM, which began talks with the government in 1997 after the two sides agreed to a ceasefire, is also likely to submit a fresh proposal on the kind of autonomy it wants for evaluation by the Centre, they said.
The Naga outfit has made a case for a “federal relationship” with the Indian Union. It has argued that the nature of this relationship should be incorporated in the country’s Constitution as well as the separate one for Nagaland, if it is granted, since this alone can ensure a lasting settlement to the nation’s oldest insurgency problem, the sources said. Meanwhile, according to other reports the issue of autonomy came up for discussion during the previous round held last month in Amsterdam. ‘‘They (Nagas) are expected to submit their opinion on the kind of autonomy they want which would then be evaluated by the government since it might entail a change in the nature of relations between the Union and the state,’’ sources said.
The NSCN (I-M) has made a case for a federal relationship with the Indian Union. It has argued that the nature of the relationship should be incorporated in both Constitutions (including in Nagaland’s if it is granted) since only then would there be a long-lasting settlement.
The NSCN (I-M) has enlisted the services of renowned constitutional expert Yash Ghai as an adviser. Ghai currently holds the Sir YK Pao chair in public law at the University of Hong Kong. He is believed to have discussed the issue of autonomy during the last round of talks with Oscar Fernandes. The government delegation will be led by Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation GK Vasan and includes interlocutor K Padmanabhiah and Home Ministry officials.
Naga students rally for peace in Delhi Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JUNE 20 (NPN): On the eve of the scheduled peace talks in Amsterdam (June 22-24), the Naga Students' Union Delhi (NSUD) Tuesday organized a 'Rally for peace and justice' demanding the Centre to come out with clear and concrete proposal within the shortest possible time.
NSUD in a press release said delegations including NSF, UNC, All Naga Students' Association, NPMHR and Naga Women's Union, exhorted the public at Parliament Street and urged the Centre to honour the aspiration of the Nagas to live in a single political unit. Apart from the Nagas, peace-loving sections in India and other student unions participated in the rally to extend support to the peace process and express solidarity with the Naga people's movement for their right to self-determination, NSUD said. In traditional Naga attire, the participants of the march also shouted slogans like "expedite peace process", "no integration (of Naga areas), no solution", "no more extension without concrete solution".
Speaking on the occasion, former NSF president and general secretary of NESO, N S N Lotha said the Centre should "respect and honour" the historical and political rights of the Nagas. NSUD president Chitho Nyusou urged the Government of India to start taking new initiatives by integrating the Naga areas, without which it would be a futile exercise for both the negotiating parties to keep on extending the ceasefire.President of NESO Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya said that people of the North East must get social justice and economic development.
Meanwhile, NSUD has reiterated integration of Naga contiguous areas is the foundation for any political solution and that solution cannot be found through fragmentation formulae.
The union in separate memorandums submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi said nothing could be more unfortunate than the collapse of the current political talks because of the GoI's indecisiveness and short-sightedness on the substantive issues put forwarded by the Nagas. The memorandums also stated that that peace without justice to the people contradicts the very essence of the political talks.
NAGA STUDENTS’ UNION,DELHI
Date: 20/06/06
To, Dr. Manmohan Singh
The Honourable Prime Minister of India
7, Race Course Road
New Delhi- 110 001. MEMORANDUM

Respected Sir,

On the eve of the crucial Indo-Naga political talks to be held from 22-24 June in Amsterdam, we would like to draw your kind attention to certain important issues relating to snail pace progress in the negotiations since August 1, 1997, on behalf of the Naga students and the Nagas living in and around Delhi. The NAGA STUDENTS’ UNION, DELHI, with the support and solidarity from various Naga civil societies, organises a RALLY FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE today, the 20th of June, 2006 from Mandi House to Parliament Street, with a view to express our genuine support of expediting the political talks,

We are deeply discouraged and anguished by the Government of India’s indecisive position and stand on the substantive issues and points put forwarded by the Nagas in the earlier political engagements. We earnestly feel that Government of India’s lackadaisical approach to these substantive proposals do not only have high potential of jeopardising the peace process but has made the people restive and impatient. We would like you to note that the Nagas especially the youth are beginning to get apprehensive with the dilly-dallying policy, which if it continues may bring about a situation where restraint upon them could well-nigh be impossible.

We are of the opinion that there is no time to hide the reality when many of the Indian constitutional authorities, including the present incumbent has admitted that the Indo-Naga conflict is a political issue and it has to be resolved politically. It would be rudely unjust and ungraceful to leave the issues unsolved when the negotiating parties are fully aware of the need to find a mutually agreeable solution. This defining moment of the history should turn to an epoch-making. The coming generations will not easily forget to those who ignore this ideal moment for reaching a durable solution. We call upon the wisdom and understanding of the honourable Prime Minister, Government of India, to take stock of the situation for early and lasting solution.

We want to reiterate the non-negotiable fact that the integration of Naga contiguous areas is the foundation for any political solution. Solution cannot be found through non-territorial and fragmentation formulae. We honestly feel that the Indian Government needs to initiate concrete steps at the earliest for the removal of the imposed boundaries across the Naga territory. Nothing could be more unfortunate than the collapse of the current political talks because of the GoI’s indecisiveness and short-sightedness on the substantive issues put forwarded by the Nagas. These issues are genuine aspiration and desire, the dishonouring of which, could gravely tantamount to dismissing their whole history and national identity. However, to make this a trend setting the GoI should come above political compulsion and internal dynamism through demonstration of political maturity and sincere commitment to solve the Indo-Naga political issue. The Nagas have, time and again, made their position clear that there is no political solution and peace devoid of justice to the genuine aspiration of the Naga people to uphold and nurture dignified lives in their own homeland.
Sir, we would like you to seriously consider the following points which are as under:

1. That, it is hopeful and expected that the peace process need to be expedited both in spirit and in letter;
2. That, there can be no solution through non-territorial and fragmentation formulae. Integration of all Naga areas is inevitable for peaceful political solution in South East Asia;
3. That, the Government of India should, as a responsible entity, honour the 31st January 2006 “Joint Statement” in Bangkok of ‘taking new initiatives’ to fructify the political negotiations;
4. That, peace without justice to the people contradicts the very essence of the political talks; and,
5. That, violence cannot not be the basis of the future relation between the Government of India and the Nagas.

The Naga Students’ Union, Delhi is confident and hopeful that you will definitely consider the aforementioned facts and points as early as possible to uphold the values of democracy and freedom.

Thanking you in anticipation.
(CHITHO NYUSOU) (KHYOTHUNGO JAMI)
President General Secretary

NSUD NSUD Naga issue has to be resolved as a package: Centre Zeenews Bureau Report
New Delhi, Days before talks with the NSCN (IM), the Centre today said the Naga issue has to be resolved as a "package" and it would respond point by point to the outfit's charter of demands which seeks among other things "unification of Naga-inhabited areas" of North East.

In the charter, the NSCN (IM) has sought unification of Naga-inhabited areas, greater rights over natural resources, symbols of sovereignty, separate representation at the UN, joint defence of the State comprising Indian and Naga Army besides others.

"Talks are a continuous process. These have to be held in many stages before things can evolve in concrete shape," Centre's pointsman for the Naga talks and Union Minister Oscar Fernandes told mediapersons here.
Fernandes, who will be holding the second round of parleys with the Naga group in Amsterdam on May 19-20, said the talks were proceeding in the right direction.
On the charter of demands put forward by the NSCN (IM), he said the government would respond point by point to it.

"We are not ruling out anything, unless something concrete emerges," he said, adding a solution had to be found as a "package" and it would not be possible in one go. Asked about the NSCN (IM)'s threat not to extend the ongoing ceasefire beyond July 31 if assurance was not given on the unification issue, Fernandes said the government will have to talk to the concerned states - Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam - before taking a final decision on it.

"We have not talked to them (the states) officially. Unless we talk to them and take their opinion it is difficult for me to make any comment on the subject," Fernandes said.

The issue of unification of Naga-inhabited areas under a single political umbrella or "Greater Nagalim" has been a very sensitive issue in the North East, particularly in Manipur, which saw violence in the past. Besides, it has greater political ramifications for the Congress party since it is the ruling party in all the three affected states. When asked whether there was any timeframe for the ongoing peace talks, the Union Minister said discussions are a continuous process and there cannot be a particular timeframe.
At the two-days parleys, the Centre would be represented by Fernandes and interlocutor for Naga talks K Padmanabhaiah while the NSCN (IM) team would be led by chairman Isaac Chishi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah. NSCN (I-M) and the security forces in Nagaland have been holding fire since 1997 when the ceasefire accord was reached. The accord has been extended every year since then except last year when it was renewed for just six months on the insistence of the Naga outfit and further extended by another six months in February this year.
NSCN-IM unhappy with Imphal based newspapers Newmai News Network
Dimapur: Expressing unhappiness over some Imphal based newspapers on certain reports; NSCN-IM’s MIP Deputy Kilonser Kraibo Chawang said that media should know the ground reality first before they publish news items.
He said that media organizations should not be communal and biased in their reports but do the fact stories. Kraibo Chawang stated that some Imphal based newspapers are quite unethical with regard to journalism and that anything which serves against the interest of the Nagas has been prominently and distinctly published in their newspapers. Kraibo Chawang while issuing statement today said that false reporting and promoting fake agents is crime.
On the NSCN-K matter, the Deputy Kilonser of the NSCN-IM said that there are no such occasions where his outfit had harassed the general public. He said that the NSCN-K has no issues to work but merely a happy gang on the extorting spree. “How can they (NSCN-K) claim that they are working for the Nagas or for that matter, for the nation,” questioned Kraibo Chawang. However, Kraibo Chawang said that the NSCN-IM will continue to take up security measures wherever necessary.
Stating that the NSCN-K will lead itself to nowhere, Kraibo stated that the NSCN-K since has no agenda, no foreign policies, they do not talk with the government and no issues to deal with the outfit will be doomed as the general public are fed up with the activities of outfit.
On the Tamenglong factional clashes Kraibo Chawang said that the NSCN-K was not welcomed by the local people there but they (NSCN-K cadres) forcibly entered in the church of Makoi village near Zeilad Lake in Tamenglong district and stayed. And that was how the NSCN-IM cadres came to attack the rival faction, stated the NSCN-IM leader.
AR Act will add teeth to SF: DGAR Nagaland Post
Agartala, June 20 (Agencies): The proposed Assam Rifles Act, awaiting approval from the parliament, will give more teeth to the force to perform duties and specially fight against the insurgents in the northeast.
Lt Gen Bhupinder Singh, the outgoing Director General of Assam Rifles, said if the bill is passed it would enable them to launch search operations independently like other para-military forces such as BSF and CRPF. In addition to that, it would protect the personnel from being tried under Cc.PC in case of any allegation as the Act has a provision for setting up of their own court. The bill has already been passed by the Lok Sabha and now awaiting nod from the Rajya Sabha.
Singh, who is retiring from service on June 30 next, claimed that making way for passing the bill is the biggest achievement of his two year tenure in the force. During his farewell visit here Singh also met the Governor D.N. Sahaya and discussed the law and order of the region in general and insurgency situation in particular. Assam Rifles is thickly involved in anti-insurgency operation in the region and often being accused of violating human rights. The force was persuading for a new act to protect them from civilian laws considering the vulnerability of their job.
Talking to reporters, Singh claimed that the insurgency problem has subsided considerably in the region in last two years and said if the new act is passed it would make Assam Rifles more affective in performing their duties.
Talks with ULFA, NSCN-IM raises hope India E News Wednesday, June 21st, 2006
Guwahati - The Indian government will hold separate peace talks with representatives of two powerful northeastern rebel groups Thursday aimed at ending decades of bloodshed in the region.
A union home ministry official said government negotiators will holds talks with the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) separately.
‘Talks with the NSCN-IM leadership will take place in Amsterdam while ULFA representatives will meet emissaries led by Home Minister Shivraj Patil in New Delhi,’ the official told IANS over telephone.
He said central minister Oscar Fernandes and New Delhi’s chief peace interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah will lead the government team in talks with the NSCN-IM, led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, in Amsterdam.
‘Muivah and seven to eight senior functionaries will attend the talks,’ NSCN-IM leader Karibo Chawang told IANS from Nagaland’s commercial hub Dimapur. The NSCN-IM has been struggling for nearly six decades to integrate Naga-inhabited areas by slicing off parts of three neighbouring states to add to the mountainous Nagaland state. The demand for merger that would unite 1.2 million Nagas has been strongly opposed by the surrounding states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. ‘There has been some forward movement in the talks but we want the Indian government to speed up and solve our problems at the earliest,’ Chawang said.
The NSCN-IM and New Delhi entered into a ceasefire in August 1997. This has been renewed regularly. The latest truce expires July 31. The rebels and the government have held at least 50 rounds of peace talks in the past nine years to end one of South Asia’s longest running insurgencies. The third round of talks with the ULFA representatives assumes significance as the rebel group was blamed by police in Assam state for triggering a string of explosions that killed eight people and wounded close to 100 earlier June.
The ULFA, a rebel group fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979, in October nominated an 11-member People’s Consultative Group (PCG), a team of prominent civil society members. Two rounds of talks were held between the ULFA-chosen PCG and the government.
‘We would be raising several important issues like releasing some ULFA leaders from jail so that it could pave the way for direct negotiations between the ULFA leadership and the government and a possible bilateral ceasefire,’ said Assamese writer Indira Goswami, a PCG member.
The rebels are demanding the release of at least five senior jailed ULFA leaders before beginning direct talks with New Delhi. ‘We have no problems in releasing some of the jailed ULFA leaders if that helps in bringing peace,’ Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said.
Now, India Inc targets North-East to fuel hiring boom Kuknalim.com - The Financial Express
MUMBAI/GUWAHATI, June 20: As Corporate India continues its frenetic search for people to fuel a booming economy, North East India is no longer isolated from the mainland, at least in terms of employment generation. Companies in services sectors like telecom, insurance, FMCG, hospitality, retail and banking are hiring extensively in the region. According to industry body CII, the region has witnessed a major boom in corporate hiring in finance and telecom sectors over the past few years.

Says CII Assam Head Nandinee Kalita: ‘‘Recruitment across sectors has gone up. This trend would continue over the next few years as North East has proved to be a very lucrative and emerging market. All established organisations are opening shop here. Manufacturing sector is also growing and trends indicate that with favorable government policies, more investments would follow creating more jobs.’’

Take one instance: Bharti Enterprises employs 12,000-odd people, both directly and indirectly, in its North East operations, barring Arunachal Pradesh. Set up its base in April 2005, the telecom major has been constantly hiring people, says the company spokesperson.

Sops extended by Central and state governments are luring corporates to flock to the North East and, in turn, generate jobs. The entry of mega projects like Assam Gas Cracker Project and Reliance Energy’s power projects in Arunachal Pradesh are other examples of opportunities in organisations, as well as in ancillary and downstream industries.

‘‘Companies are setting up units in North East for tax benefits which require lot of manpower. As companies are growing fast throughout the country, numbers are also picking up in sales and marketing,’’ says Pankaj Bhargava, HR head, Marico Industries. Some like Mafoi’s MD K Pandyarajan give the credit to easing of political volatility and the growth in economy. ‘‘For long periods, North East suffered from limited local job options and outsiders were wary to come in due to volatile political condition. We see this scenario changing with more local jobs getting created and the volatility reducing which will give impetus to the economy,’’ he said.

As an indication of the maturity of the market, the poaching phenomenon has not left the region untouched. ‘‘Sales skills in FMCG and consumer durables are ideal fitment to other industries, resulting in the traditional employers losing talent. Hence they are also hiring, though for a different reason, which is attrition,’’ says a leading HR consultant based in Guwahati.

‘‘There is a brain drain happening here. Most of the competent people look for options in either Kolkata or Delhi, or even in other parts of North India, which creates shortage of manpower here,’’ he adds.

Interestingly, online recruitment is also on full swing. HR experts say it’s not only plain-vanilla jobs, but recruitment is taking place for specialised hands. ‘‘Firstly, people are targetted from areas like Guwahati, Agartala, Imphal to work in places like Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad. And most importantly, there are hundreds of refinery-based jobs like geophysicists, geologists, petrophysicists and engineers coming up,’’ says Monster India vice-president Dhruv Shenoy.

Of course, compared to the South and West, the job market here is small. But the market increasingly sees it as a qualitative one, which can only grow.



Frans on 06.21.06 @ 03:55 PM CST [link]


Tuesday, June 20th

NSCN(IM) brings to table J-K model for autonomy


NSCN(IM) brings to table J-K model for autonomy Kuknalim.com
NEW DELHI, June 19: Examining the feasibility of a Jammu and Kashmir type of autonomy for Nagaland will be the focus of talks between the government and NSCN(I-M) to be held at The Hague in Netherlands between June 22 and 24. The NSCN(I-M)’s call for greater autonomy is included in the charter of demands, also called ‘‘substantive’’ issues, that has been placed before the government. This encompasses a wide range of issues ranging from greater rights over natural resources to having a separate constitution for the state.

Nagaland already enjoys a special status in the Constitution under Art 371 A like some other states of the North-east but the NSCN(IM) is the of the view that the autonomy enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir is greater in scope since the state has its own constitution and flag.

Sources said the issue came up for discussion during the previous round held last month in Amsterdam. ‘‘They (Nagas) are expected to submit their opinion on the kind of autonomy they want which would then be evaluated by the government since it might entail a change in the nature of relations between the Union and the state,’’ sources said.

The NSCN(I-M) has made a case for a federal relationship with the Indian Union. It has argued that the nature of the relationship should be incorporated in both Constitutions (including in Nagaland’s if it is granted) since only then would there be a long-lasting settlement.

The NSCN(I-M) has enlisted the services of renowned constitutional expert Yash Ghai as an adviser. Ghai currently holds the Sir YK Pao chair in public law at the University of Hong Kong. He is believed to have discussed the issue of autonomy during the last round of talks with Oscar Fernandes. The government delegation will be led by Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation GK Vasan and include interlocutor K Padmanabhiah and Home Ministry officials. The NSCN(I-M) will be represented by general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and senior functionaries from Nagaland. (Indian Express)
NSCN(I-M), Centre talks on June 22 From Our Staff Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, June 19 – Negotiations with the NSCN (I-M) has entered a crucial stage with the Naga militant outfit expected to submit a proposal for a separate constitution on the lines of Jammu and Kashmir when it meets Government of India officials at The Hague. The three-day talk gets underway on June 22-24. But the two sides are expected to meet informally a day earlier on June 21. Chairman of the Group of Ministers and Union Minister of State, Oscar Fernandes besides, interlocutor, K.Padmanabhaiah and top Home Ministry officials is leading the Union Government team. General Secretary Th. Muivah is leading the NSCN (I-M).

According to sources, the talks this time assumes significance because the Nagas are likely to submit their proposal for a separate constitution. The I-M had recently broached the issue calling for a special status for Nagaland along the lines enjoyed by J&K. The Central team requested them to submit the proposal in writing, sources said. With various strife plaguing the region, the Centre seems to have been flooded with pleas for special constitutional provisions for the North-East. If the Nagas want it for their State, the North East Students Organisation (NESO) has also pleaded for special status for the entire region with special rights over land and natural resources.

The special status of J&K is guaranteed by the Constitution under Article 370 Significantly, the NSCN (I-M) has engaged a top-notch constitutional lawyer, Prof Yash Ghai to help them in drafting the proposal. Ghai is a distinguished academic currently holds Sir YK Pao Professor of Public Law at the University of Hong Kong, where he teaches human rights and public law. The Professor had a meeting with Oscar Fernandes in Amsterdam on the sidelines of the talks last May. The dialogue process to resolve the Naga problem has gathered momentum with the two sides agreeing to hold negotiations every month. The issue of integration of Naga inhabited areas spread across Manipur, Asom and Arunachal Pradesh, however, to be the hurdle in resolution of the vexed problem.

Though the NSCN (I-M) has been pressurising the Central Government to open negotiations with the adjoining three States, the Centre has apparently developed cold feet and is dragging its feet. That all the three States are Congress-ruled has also added to the UPA Government’s discomfiture. Meanwhile, sources said that both sides have agreed to take up one issue at a time instead of discussing the whole gamut of issues at one go.
Singh rebuts Rio theory Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, June 19: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has indirectly told the Nagaland government that conflict between the Naga factions is a law and order problem which the state home department has to solve on its own instead of blaming Delhi for it. Singh chose to convey the message through a seven-member Congress team that called on him in New Delhi last week.

The Prime Minister’s statement was apparently meant to silence chief minister Neiphiu Rio, who has said in the Assembly that the ceaseless conflict between the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) and the S.S. Khaplang faction is the fallout of a “political problem” and should not be viewed as a law and order issue.

The state Congress delegation called on party president Sonia Gandhi and home minister Shivraj Patil, too. The team submitted a list of incidents in May, all involving the two militant groups, and specifically intimated the Prime Minister about the threat by the NSCN (I-M) to superintendents of police after notifications were issued to the outfit’s cadre to adhere to the ground rules of the ceasefire. Adherence to the ground rules of the truce is monitored by the Ceasefire Monitoring Group and the Ceasefire Supervisory Board. The Congress said the ceasefire ground rules were “toothless” and the monitoring groups were only expected to ask rebel outfits to adhere to the rules.

“The implementing agency is neither the monitoring mechanism nor the Centre. The security forces cannot act because of the ceasefire; so, maintenance of law and order is the responsibility of the state, but it is not handling it well,” state Congress president Hokheto Sumi told the media today on arriving here from New Delhi.

“Unless various groups come together, there can never be a solution. There can be a settlement, but not a solution,” he added. Talks between the NSCN (I-M) and the Centre will resume in Amsterdam in two days. (The Telegraph)
NSCN-IM to focus on autonomy at talks with Centre
Press Trust of India Hindustan Times New Delhi, June 20, 2006
With the government reluctant to concede the NSCN-IM's key demand for unifying all Naga-inhabitated areas in the Northeast, the rebel group is expected to focus on "greater autonomy" for Nagaland during crucial talks with the Centre's negotiators at the Hague on June 22-24, sources said.
Autonomy is part of the 30-point "charter of demands" submitted by the NSCN-IM, and this includes a greater say in the utilisation of natural resources, a separate constitution, a separate flag and control in areas like finance, defence and policing, they said.
In the talks, the Naga side is likely to put pressure to get "some kind of concession" from New Delhi on its charter of demands to "please the domestic constituencies" that have become desperate due to the "delay" in the peace process, the sources said.
The NSCN-IM, which began talks with the government in 1997 after the two sides agreed to a ceasefire, is also likely to submit a fresh proposal on the kind of autonomy it wants for evaluation by the Centre, they said. The Naga outfit has made a case for a "federal relationship" with the Indian Union. It has argued that the nature of this relationship should be incorporated in the country's Constitution as well as the separate one for Nagaland, if it is granted, since this alone can ensure a lasting settlement to the nation's oldest insurgency problem, the sources said.
Another round of Naga talks in Amsterdam from Thursday The Imphal Free Press

Dimapur, Jun 19 : Another crucial round of peace talks between the government of India and the NSCN-IM will begin within three days time. The talks is considered very crucial by the NSCN-IM leaders in Dimapur.

Informing this development to Newmai News Network tonight in Dimapur, NSCN-IM`s deputy kilonser for Information and Publicity said that the crucial round of talks will be held in the Netherlands on Thursday in which NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chisi Swu will lead the outfit`s team of negotiators.

The MIP deputy kilonser disclosed that emissary for the collective leadership of the NSCN-IM V.S. Atem, Home Minister of the outfit Puni, Angelous Shimrah, Kilonser Tongmeth, Khayo Huray, defence Kilonser Zarsie, Q.Tuccu and another leader of the outfit Imcha have left Dimapur for Amsterdam to participate the talks.

The talks will cotinue till June 24 and some core issues will be the agenda of the talks, according to a separate source. The June 22 talk is expected to be crucial as the current ceasfire terms ends next month and is the source of great speculation among the Naga populace who are eagerly curious to know the outcome of the talk.
NSCN talks, but what of extortion? Open Forum By Anil Bhat The Statesman
A few weeks after an Indian negotiating team, led by Oscar Fernandes, met with Th. Muivah of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim in Amsterdam, there are credible accounts of a surge in extortion and intimidation in Nagaland and Assam by the organisation, despite the so-called peace process, now in its ninth year.
There are accounts about extortion demands received last month by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), India’s largest oil producer, from the NSCN(I-M). ONGC’s Nazira office in Assam received the letters signed by a “Lt Col” Angpa, who described himself as secretary, Konyak Region, NSCN(I-M), demanding Rs 3 crore. The extortion demand made by NSCN(IM) came within days of ONGC getting an exploration license from the state government for two blocks it had won under the Centre’s New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP). The extortion demand, apparently on the letterhead of Office of the Chairman, Konyak Region, NSCN, stated that the ONGC may begin work only after “fulfillment of our demand”.
ONGC had received an extortion demand of Rs 500 crore in January this year from the United Liberation Front of Asom. It may be recalled that the state-owned Oil India Ltd had shut operations in 2001 in Arunachal Pradesh after extortion demands from NSCN(I-M). ONGC says it is unfazed by the threat and plans to go ahead with exploring in blocks in Nagaland.
ONGC has proposed an MoU with the state government spelling out the local area development activities including payment of additional royalty to Nagaland, offering a minority stake in the blocks to state government companies, recruitment of local residents and scholarships to Naga students. ONGC has already paid a royalty of Rs 33.83 crore against the crude oil extracted from Changpang field in Nagaland. In addition, it proposes a goodwill grant of another Rs 67 lakh and a special royalty (calculated at two per cent over the applicable royalty rate) to Nagaland on crude oil produced from the state. But there is a legal snag: under Article 371A of the Constitution, which gives Nagaland special status and powers over its natural resources, unlike other states, ONGC will need special permission to take oil out of the state.
The extortions, however, continue merrily. In what security officials describe as the tip of the iceberg, a senior NSCN official with two aides was recently arrested and a large amount of cash and a pistol as well as ammunition recovered from their car. The men were identified as Azheto Sumi, a deputy kilonser (minister), Semaho Sema and Hivishe Sema. Later they were released and the NSCN went to town attacking security forces for allegedly kidnapping their men and saying this would harm the peace process. The security forces, on the other hand, proclaim that extortion and intimidation is at a peak in Nagaland. This was also the core of a complaint by a group of Naga Congress leaders who met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh this week, alleging that inter-factional clashes were also surging, especially with a newly strengthened Federal Government of Nagaland (which owes allegiance to the Adinno Phizo group of the Naga National Council) and the NSCN (Khaplang) taking on the NSCN(I-M) and hitting the latter hard.
Partly as a consequence, tribal councils are organising peace rallies in several parts of Nagaland denouncing the violent activities of the underground. But the general public is still confused, unsure and uninformed of the conduct of the peace process, now in its ninth year with both security forces and the NSCN(I-M) continuing their mutual mud-slinging. There is little on record about the talks barring brief, bland official statement which say nothing except that the two sides met and discussed issues of mutual interest. There are occasional articles in one section of the media reflecting the NSCN viewpoint which becomes even more confusing for the Nagas because this group is not seen as representative of all Naga groups or communities, even though its leadership role is acknowledged. In fact, Naga groups supporting the NSCN(I-M), which is conducting talks with the Government of India on an eventual settlement of the Naga imbroglio, have tried to mobilise Nagas in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh in a dramatic anti-government gesture: village chiefs are being asked to return their red shawls, given by state governments as acknowledgement of their authority. The United Naga Council (UNC) of Manipur, which wants a united Naga homeland, including parts of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh merged with Nagaland, had spoken of a non-cooperation and civil disobedience movement in Manipur’s four Naga inhabited districts to support the aim of such a “Nagalim”.
The UNC fixed 15 March 2006 as the deadline by which the shawls were to be returned and payment of taxes to the state stopped and instead be paid to UNC. At the same time, the NSCN(I-M) made similar demands on Naga leaders in Arunachal Pradesh but with a slight change: the taxes were to be paid to the organisation!
Apart from Senapati district of Manipur bordering Nagaland, the response to the non-cooperation demand has been limited. In Senapati, out of the 69 red shawls returned to the district administration, 46 are from Maram tribe and 23 from Poumai tribe. The district administration has also been approached to change its name from Senapati to Tahamzang. However, the UNC’s directives about hill house tax and non-association of Nagas with Meiteis have not been followed.
The Naga inhabited districts of Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel have not responded well to the UNC call. This is despite appeals by tribal bodies in Tamenglong district and an earlier call that development schemes and plans initiated by the Manipur government for the district should not be accepted or implemented from April 2006.
(The author, a security analyst, is Editor, WordSword Features & Media.)
Consensus reached for Naga Traditional Court The Morung Express
Meeting of all the Deputy Commissioners, GBs and DBs held last week, has agreed in principle to set up a Naga customary court, while implementing the exercise of separation of judiciary from executive. However, such court will directly come under the Deputy Commissioner, said Nagaland Commissioner T.N Mannen. The objective is to ensure the effective implementation of Article 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution, under which the Nagas are allowed to keep their own customary laws and practices. Mannen also said that the established court system presently in place had many procedures to be adhered to, and because of which many a time justice is delayed.
“Justice delayed is justice denied”, Mannen said, while adding that under Naga customary law the dispensation of justice will be much faster without much procedure involved as is proven from the past practices. “However, if a person is not satisfied he or she can seek redressal from other courts”, Mannen further said.
Amsterdam talks from June 22 The Morung Express

Dimapur, June 19 (NNN): Highly crucial round of peace talks between the government of India and the NSCN-IM will begin June 22. The talks have been considered very crucial by the NSCN-IM leaders in Dimapur. Informing this development to Newmai News Network tonight in Dimapur, NSCN-IM’s Deputy Kilonser for Information and Publicity said that the crucial round of talks will be held in the Netherlands on Thursday in which NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Chisi Swu will be leading the outfit in the talk. Emissary for the Collective Leadership of the NSCN-IM V.S. Atem, Home Minister of the outfit Puni, Angelous Shimrah, Tongmeth, Khayo Huray, Zarsie, Q.Tuccu and another leaders of the outfit, Imcha, have left Dimapur for Amsterdam to participate in the talks.
Suu Kyi spends another birthday under house arrest The Morung Express

Dancers in traditional attire pose for photographs at an event to mark the 61st birthday of Myanmar’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in New Delhi, June 19. (AP Photo)
YANGON (Myanmar), June 19 (AP): A lone man who staged a protest in Myanmar’s main city was detained by police Monday as pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi marked her 61st birthday, alone and under house arrest by the military government.
The military beefed up security outside the barricaded home of Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy and the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She has spent 10 of the last 17 years in confinement, making her one of the world’s most prominent political prisoners.
Her birthday was marked around the world by supporters, who oppose the ruling junta for its human rights abuses and failure to hand over power to a democratically elected government.
In neighboring Thailand, Myanmar exiles held a small Buddhist religious ceremony in Bangkok, while in the Philippines, activists wearing chains and carrying a replica of a giant cake marched to the Myanmar Embassy to demand Suu Kyi’s release. Similar activities took place in India, Bangladesh and Italy, as well as elsewhere.
“I’m bitterly disappointed that today Aung San Suu Kyi will spend her 61st birthday under house arrest, cut off from her family and friends, having had her house arrest extended yet again,” British Prime Minister Tony Blair said in a statement. “This is utterly unacceptable.” In her homeland, Suu Kyi’s political party celebrated her birthday at its headquarters, several kilometers from her home. They released nine doves into the sky along with hundreds of colored balloons with letters attached calling for her freedom.
About 200 supporters then held a daytime candlelight vigil and chanted “Free Aung San Suu Kyi!” nonstop for 10 minutes. About two dozen plainclothes security officers filmed the event with video cameras from across the street. Separately, a male protester was detained by police after staging a solo protest near Sule Pagoda, near City Hall in downtown Yangon.
Witnesses and supporters said he wore a white T-shirt with Suu Kyi’s picture and shouted slogans urging her release as police took him away.
Suu Kyi is allowed virtually no contact with the outside world, although last month a senior U.N. official was allowed a rare visit to her home. The meeting stirred hopes that the regime was considering releasing her. But hopes were dashed when the government extended her house arrest on May 27 for another year.
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and world leaders, including U.S. President George W. Bush, have called for her freedom. Suu Kyi’s father was the country’s martyred independence hero, Gen. Aung San, a legacy that adds to her popularity.
Sumi Hoho clarifies on NSCN ceasefire The Morung Express

Dimapur, June 19 (MExN): The Sumi Hoho has clarified that the signed agreement between the representatives of the two NSCN factions on June 14 clearly mentioned entire Sumi areas and not Zunheboto district alone, stated H.S Rotokha and Aheto V. Yepthomi President and General Secretary respectively of the Sumi Hoho. “Therefore, it is reminded to the concern parties not to create further confusion, rather request them to sincerely uphold the same in letter and in spirit”, the Sumi Hoho stated. The clarification of the Sumi Hoho comes in the wake of an earlier clarification issued by the CAO, Sumi region of the NSCN (IM) stating that the area of ceasefire agreed was for Zunheboto district alone.
NESO demand rejected Nagaland Post
Aizawl, June 19 (Agencies): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has rejected a demand of the North East Students' Organisation (NESO) to announce the Northeast as a special economic zone on the ground the region is more or less like a special economic zone due to NEC's functioning as a mini-planning commission. A delegation of the NESO made the demand before Dr. Singh during their meeting held in New Delhi recently.
The other demands of the apex student body of region included the need to establish an administrative centre in the region in view of India's Look East policy re-opening of the Stillwell Road in Arunachal Pradesh, which can provide easy road connection to China etc.
NESO vice president Lalmuanpuia Punte while speaking from Delhi on Monday said taking into consideration the country's Look East policy, it was mandatory for the Centre to establish an administrative centre in the Northeast and re-open the Stillwell Road. The Stillwell Road was built during the Second World War to provide a supply line to China by the British.
Dr. Singh was reportedly astonished to learn that pre-paid cellular mobile connections did not have roaming facilities in the region. "He was so surprised that he called in his private secretary to verify our report. When he was informed that pre-paid CellOne mobiles did not have roaming facilities in the Northeast, he said he would take necessary action to see that roaming service is provided," Laltlansanga said. On the plea to give the region the same status as J&K, the prime minister reportedly said this was a matter that needed to be taken up by the Parliament and that he also would be required to consult the Home Ministry. Members of the NESO delegation were scheduled to meet Home Minister Shivraj Patil, AICC president Sonia Gandhi and DONER Minister P.R. Kyndiah on Monday.
Port in Myanmar to connect NE Nagaland Post
Petrapole (WB), June 19 (PTI): India has decided to build a port at Settwe on the Myanmar coast to give connectivity to the northeastern state of Mizoram, Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh said today. India, he said, would invest 103 million dollars to develop the port which would be an alternative route to the north eastern region. It would provide direct link to Myanmar and Visakhapatnam through the Kaladan river. The project would be implemented by RITES and was expected to be completed in three years' time.
Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran was now in Yangon to discuss the matter, he said. The minister also said that a USD 3 million Tata project in Bangladesh was delayed. "For the time being now it is in pause mode," he said. Meanwhile, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Veena Sikri said that the neighbouring country has agreed in principle for double entry of cargo and passengers from the Northeast to Kolkata via Bangladesh.
"But, in practice it has not been working properly," she added. Talks were also in progress for the Guwahati-Dhaka bus and rail connectivity with Bangladesh would improve.
Assam Rifles to become a full-fledged army unit By Pinaki Das
Agartala, June 19 (ANI): The outgoing director-general of Assam Rifles, Lt. General Bhopinder Singh, has described the passing of the Assam Rifles Bill in Parliament as the "biggest achievement" of his career.
Talking to reporters here, Lt General Bhopinder Singh said that with the passage of the bill, the country's oldest paramilitary force would become a full-fledged unit of the Indian Army and could visualise doing deployment duty in other areas apart from the restrictive border areas.
With more than 45 battalions, the force has a total strength of about 65,000. Addressing Assam Rifles officers and soldiers at their headquarters, Lt.General Singh urged them to continue the "good work" done by them for the country and its people. He also said that militancy was on the decline with the active support of the people and the counter-insurgency operations. Asked about the progress made by the army court of inquiry into the Thangjam Manroama case, he said he did not wish to comment. It would besub-judice" as the matter is pending in court, he added.
He also hesitated to react on the necessity for the removal of of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 as a high-powered committee was set up by the Centre to review Act.
Lt.General Singh has served as DG AR for more than two years. He will retire from service on June 30. His troops gave him a farewell at the 21 Sector Headquarters of AR at a simple function here. Lt.General Singh has since left for Shillong. (ANI)
No unilateral offer to ULFA: Cong By A Staff Reporter Asam Tribune
GUWAHATI, June 19 – The Congress today claimed credit for taking the initiative for ‘in-depth’ discussions with the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) but said the party, or the UPA government that it leads in the Centre, would not make any ‘unilateral offer’ to bring the outfit to the negotiating table. Congress spokesman and Supreme Court lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who arrived here to plead before the Guwahati High Court in a government case tomorrow, said during a press conference this afternoon that the talks process has progressed well so far and “we should have a positive result. But there cannot be any unilateral offer by the UPA,” he said.

Singhvi said it is the UPA government that has taken ‘historic initiatives’ to bring extremist elements across the country to the talks process. The Congress believes in participatory democracy, he said. Asked by newspersons about demands within the party to build bridges with the nascent Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF), Singhvi almost dubbed the Badruddin Ajmal-led front as communal by stating that the Congress had never sided with religion-based parties. “Of course in politics nothing can be ruled out,” he added.

The Congress spokesman said development and security of the minorities have always been given top priority by his party. “It is in the party constitution.”

Commenting on the demand for an Upper House in the state Assembly, Singhvi acknowledged that there are similar demands being made elsewhere also but said there is noting under active consideration now. He said the Congress-led government in the state has tried to ensure proper representation of all sections of the people within limitations.

Singhvi claimed that Asom is poised for resurgence with both the state and the Central government taking measures ensure its development. “It is on the threshold of a take off,” he said while mentioning that the state figures in the scheme of things of all Central development initiatives. “There is not a single major programme where Asom is missing,” he claimed.
“It is the heart and soul of all economic development projects of the UPA government,” said the Congress spokesman. It is the result of the initiative by the Congress party. “Asom is as much in focus of the Congress as it is in the UPA government.” The Tarun Gogoi government in the state has the opportunity to take Asom to the top, he stated.

Speaking on the flood situation in the state, the Congress spokesman said a flood-free state could not be promised. “What we can promise is necessary relief.” Every possible distribution measure to reach out to the flood-affected people is underway, he said. Meanwhile, state Congress president Bhubaneswar Kalita visited the three flood affected districts in the Barak Valley last week for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. He met the officials as well as party workers and appealed to them to ensure proper distribution of relief, a party press release said. Kalita also met Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and apprised him of the situation in the three districts.

Transporters strike disrupts Indo-Myanmar trade Sobhapati Samom Assam tribune
IMPHAL, June 19 – As the ongoing transporters strike entered the eighth day today, the Indo-Myanmar border trade in North East India through Moreh has been severely affected. The joint action committee of the Imphal-Moreh road transporters launched the strike on June 13 in protest against the frequent confiscation of goods from the transporters and subsequent restriction on goods transportation by the Assam Rifles posted at Lokchao on the Imphal-Moreh route.

The committee is demanding removal of the Assam Rifles post from Lokchao. Moreh, had been disconnected with the rest of the country since then. Till date none of the transporters has agreed to ply vehicles along the Indo-Myanmar route as the Assam Rifles authority failed to give any prompt response to their demand. The general public are suffering a lot as forty per cent of Manipur’s population depend on the border trade which was opened way back in April 1995. Imphal-Moreh road has become one of the most important road in the region after authorities of both India and Myanmar started business through Moreh and Tamu under the Indo-Myanmar border trade agreement. But the route have been witnessing frequent bandhs, strikes and blockades which have disturbed the business activities from time to time.

NESO’s demands Assam Tribune editorial
The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), the umbrella organisation of the students’ bodies of the North Eastern States, has demanded special constitutional status to the region with right over land and natural resources for the indigenous people of the region. The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has been demanding special status for the State for a long time and for the first time, the NESO put forward the demand before the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on June 17. Though the NESO did not spell out the kind of constitutional protection required for the overall development of the region, if the indigenous people of the region get the right over land, it may help in checking infiltration of foreigners as no outsider will be able to procure land. However, identification of the indigenous people may pose serious problems even if the Government of India accepts the demand of the NESO as over the years, the State and the Central Governments have not been able to formulate policies for identification of the indigenous people of Asom to give them special constitutional protection under the provisions of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord and identification of the indigenous people of the entire region will definitely lead to controversies in the days to come. Under the provisions of Clause 6 of the Accord, the AASU has been demanding reservation of seats in Assembly, Parliament and local bodies for the indigenous people of the State, but even after more than 20 years of signing of the Assam Accord, the State Government has not been able to formulate the definition of indigenous people.

The NESO, in the meeting with the Prime Minister, pointed out the grave threat posed to the identity of the indigenous people of the region by unabated infiltration of foreign nationals into the region and called for a comprehensive policy to deal with the problem. Of course, the infiltration of foreigners even changed the demographic pattern of some of the districts of Asom and the other States of the region have also started to face the problem and if the infiltration is not checked, it will go on to pose a threat to the security of the entire nation. The Central Government should take immediate steps to complete the fencing along the Indo-Bangla border as soon as possible and deployment of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel along the border should be increased to check infiltration. Of course, it may be difficult for the Government to detect and deport the foreigners who had already sneaked into India, but it should not be too difficult to check further influx if the Government makes sincere efforts in this regard. The quality of the fencing should also be improved to bring it at par with the fencing constructed along the Indo-Pak border and immediate steps should be taken to install floodlights all along the border to improve visibility at night.

The NESO further raised some pertinent demands before the Prime Minister for the solution of the problems facing the youths and called for constituting a special commission for revitalisation of the educational institutions and to introduce new courses. At present thousands of students from the region are forced to go outside for higher studies and it is also a fact that a number of students cannot afford to go outside for higher studies. Improvement of the condition of the educational institutions and establishment of new technical institutions is an answer to the problem. But only opening of new educational institutions will not bring smiles to the faces of the youths of the region and immediate steps should be taken by the Government to deal with the growing problem of unemployment and the NESO has demanded constitution of a national commission to study the problem of unemployment and to suggest measures to deal with the problem. One hopes that the Prime Minister, who started his political career as a Rajya Sabha member from Asom, will take keen interest in solving the burning problems facing not only Asom, but also the other States of the region.

Colonial attitude
Cloud over NRC update A year after tripartite talks, New Delhi yet to fix legal guidelines, tallying modality By a Staff Reporter The Sentinel
GUWAHATI, June 19: When representatives of the Government of India, Asom Government and the All Assam Students’ Union, with an eye on resolving the vexed infiltration problem, agreed ‘in principle’ on May 5 last year to update the NRC, the State had heaved a sigh of relief. But with New Delhi, as of now, softpeddling the matter, a solution to the decades-old problem within two years — as had been pledged by the government in the tripartite talks — appears to be a distant dream.
Ignoring persistent clamour of the masses for an early solution to the grave problem, New Delhi is still to lay down the legal guidelines under which the process of updating the NRC would proceed. A number of reminders from the State Government have failed to evoke any response from the Centre.
As had been resolved in the tripartite talks, New Delhi had instructed the setting up of a directorate last year for updating the NRC of 1951. Seven months after the setting up of the directorate, lack of clear guidelines for updating the NRC has placed a dark cloud over the whole process. In the eventuality, legal loopholes involved in the process have come to the fore seemingly threatening to sabotage the exercise even as the snail’s pace progress of the work is already raising concerns.
How serious or sincere New Delhi is on the matter is open to question, but there are no second thoughts that the AASU needs a more comprehensive knowledge of the whole exercise.
Worse, a modality for tallying the voters’ list of 1971 and 1951 is yet to be fixed by the government. Even though the AASU had apprised the government of its opinion on the would-be modality, the latter is conspicuously treading slow on the matter. This is notwithstanding that scanning of the voters’ lists has reached the final stage and next comes the tallying.


Frans on 06.20.06 @ 04:18 PM CST [link]


Monday, June 19th

Gun battle between NSCNs marks the breaking of dawn in Tamenglong


Gun battle between NSCNs marks the breaking of dawn in Tamenglong Newmai News Network June 18
Imphal: There was a fierce gun battle today between the NSCN-K cadres and that of NSCN-IM in Tamenglong district. Reports received from both the NSCN factions said that the clashes occurred early this morning but there was no confirmation whether there were any casualties.
NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region Publicity Wing Secretary Felix said that the gun battle lasted for about three hours starting early in the morning but admitted that he was not sure whether there was any injury on the NSCN-IM side while NSCN-IM’s Deputy Kilonser for Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) Kraibo Chawang informed Newmai News Network that about two/three cadres from his outfit got minor injuries from the morning’s clashes. The gun battle took place in the Zeilad lake area of Tamenglong district.
Kraibo Chawang stated that cadres from his outfit came to attack the place where the NSCN-K cadres were staying and that was how the clashes occurred. The NSCN-IM Deputy Kilonser said that re-enforcement of forces had been done and that within two to three days either the NSCN-K cadres would capture the place or drive the rival cadres away from the area.
On the other hand, NSCN-K’s Felix stated that about 30 cadres of the NSCN-IM came and attacked their place this morning but the attempt of the rival group was not successful. Felix stated that one AK-47 magazine, one SLR magazine with 76 bullets, four caps and two spare uniforms from the NSCN-IM were recovered by his outfit consequent to this morning’s clashes.
Meanwhile, NSCN-K’s Felix accused the NSCN-IM of meting out atrocities to the parents of those cadres of the NSCN-IM. Felix also stated that the NSCN-IM earlier accused the NSCN-K that the latter was collaborating with the KNF and the UNLF but today the NSCN-IM is “accusing us saying that we are collaborating with the Assam Rifles.” Felix said that the NSCN-IM should not keep on creating problems with other outfits or any other organizations. Felix also said that since his outfit is maintaining ceasefire with the Indian security forces it has no bad blood with the latter but “we do not collaborate with the India security forces.”
NSCN-IM MIP Deputy Kilonser, Kraibo Chawang reiterated that more forces from his side had been sent in the Zeilad lake area where the NSCN-K cadres are camping at present and assured that it’s the matter of time that no rival faction would be in the area.
Manipuris observe `Great June Uprising'


UNITY DAY: Manipuris paying tribute to those killed in the June 2001 firing, at Kekrupat on Sunday. — Photo: PTI Thousands pay tribute to those who died fighting for protection of Manipur territory
IMPHAL : On Sunday all roads led to Kekrupat, where 18 persons were cremated in June 2001. Thousands of people, wearing traditional dresses, paid floral tributes to those who died fighting for protection of territorial integrity of Manipur. The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has been observing the day as the "Great June Uprising."
In the aftermath of extension of ceasefire "beyond territorial limits" between the Centre and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (I-M) in June 2001, Manipur people strongly opposed the move and in the protests, people burnt the offices of all political parties and residences of the Chief Minister and MLAs.
The Manipur Assembly had resolved several times to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur and the Central Government had time and again announced that it would not extend the ceasefire beyond Nagaland. The All-Manipur United Clubs Organisation observed the day as the 5th Unity Day at the Gandhi Memorial Hall here.
Family members of the 18, including a woman, who died in CRPF firing, were also honoured. Leaders of various communities and social organisations attended both the functions and most speakers were unanimous in their demand that the Government should not to yield to the annexationist policy of the NSCN (I-M). The speakers said people were living happily for a long time and the NSCN (I-M) demand of seeking huge portions of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring Myanmar had caused tension among different communities of the region. The speakers demanded an amendment to the Constitution so as to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur. — UNI
Manipur Kukis against peace talks Nagaland Post
Imphal, June 18 (UNI): The Kuki tribes of Manipur have strongly opposed the ongoing talks between the NSCN (IM) and the Centre. The NSCN (IM) has been demanding that four districts of Manipur be integrated with Nagaland to form a ''Greater Nagaland''. Meitei, Kuki, Nepali, Muslims and other tribes are settled in the areas demanded exclusively for them by the Nagas.
A high-powered convention of all principal Kuki chiefs, social and political leaders held in Imphal resolved that the government and NSCN (I-M) political talks, termed positive in certain media, had been nothing but grabbing land at the expense of other communities for settlement.
The move will be rejected and was non-compromisable under any circumstances, the resolution said.
Militants nabbed
Assam Rifles troops and Manipur police have arrested six hardcore militants during the past 24 hours in separate incidents in the state.Assam Rifles authorities said the personnel held one militant from Imphal on information received from another detained People's Liberated Army (PLA) cadre. In yet another operation, troops of 22 Maratha Light Infantry with team of Nambol PS nabbed a member of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL).
SP, Imphal West, said following search operation at Canchipur and Langthabal Kunja Awang Leikai, Imphal, 17 youths were detained for verification.
Two of them were later identified as cadres of KYKL and one each of PLA and PREPAK (Peoples' Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak). In another incident, troops of 34 AR today detected and defused an IED on the NH 39.
People have spoken Nagaland Post Editorial
When public of Zunheboto and the NGOs came together under the aegis of the Peace Monitoring Cell in the wake of resurgence of factional violence and killings in the district, they were clear about one issue -urging that the cease fire ground rules be enforced by the authorities and adhered to by the armed factions. It may be recalled that the public of Phek district too had earlier vehemently protested against the activities of the armed factions living within civilian populated areas. The Chakhesangs were in one accord in urging the factions to leave civilian populated areas and also to stop blood letting so as to create a conducive climate for peaceful negotiations to the Naga political issue .While state Government was trying to grapple with the chorus of demands on tackling the resurgence of factional violence, its appeals for halting bloodshed were ignored. The incidents were not lost on the Central Government which reportedly took notice and asking the state Government to ensure that the lives and properties of civilians were not at risk. As a consequence of the Central Government's initiative, the SPs of various districts were directed to issue notices through media to all underground factions to withdraw their armed cadres stationed in civilian populated areas within ten days failing which the police and law enforcement agencies would arrest any found after the expiry of the deadline. The notices were not received well by certain faction took umbrage to the directive that asked all armed cadres to move away from civilian populated areas. The notice, it may be pointed out, seeks to impress upon the cadres not to move with arms or reside in civilian populated areas. Seen in this light, the notice is a reaffirmation of the cease fire ground rules that prohibit movement of cadres with arms and in uniform beyond the designated camps. What the notice did was to remind the armed cadres of all factions to adhere to the cease fire ground rules and in response to the appeals of people of various districts. The Naga public have been numbed by the free movement of armed cadres in civilian populated areas where factional clashes have taken. It may be also pointed out that several civilians were either killed or injured by cross fire during factional clashes in several parts of the state. The strong appeals made by the public of Zunheboto and Phek districts against factional violence and killings are pointers to the ground reality of the non adherence to the cease fire ground rules. Unless the killings stop, real peace will be very difficult to come by and worse, it would only reopen old wounds.
Outlawing a law Nagaland Post Editorial
The committee set up by the Government of India to look into the provisions of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958 (AFSPA) and make known its recommendations has urged the replacement with a similar Act but without the draconian clauses. The AFSPA is one of the more draconian legislations that the Indian Parliament has passed in its 45 years of Parliamentary history. Under this Act, all security forces are given unrestricted and unaccounted power to carry out their operations, once an area is declared disturbed. Any a non-commissioned officer except a jawan, is granted the right to shoot to kill based on mere suspicion that it is necessary to do so in order to "maintain the public order". This Act has been invoked in the north east states through the declaration of the Disturbed Areas Act. Once an area is brought under the provisions of being the Disturbed Area Act, the army can be pressed into service through the AFSPA. Without the AFSPA the army cannot legally operate within the areas that come under the constitutional control of the state government. The debate over the repeal of the AFSPA has continued for sometime and in the light of the Manorama Devi case in Manipur, the AFSPA came into sharp focus which resulted in the constitution of a Committee to look into whether the Act should be repealed or major changes made to do away with some draconian measures. The north east region is still considered a disturbed area due to the continuance of militancy. However the application of the AFSPA depends largely on the wisdom in applying it. In Assam though violence continues , the army has been quite restrained in its actions. This does not seem to be the case in the other north eastern states like Manipur or even Nagaland. However, the uniformed personnel have over the past few years been sensitized to the need of treating the civilians with due regard and not override their constitutional rights which the AFSPA practically does. The debate is whether the army has to be deployed to tackle the problems in the north east, since a similar situation exists even in the southern and few states where Naxalite violence has caused serious problems for the afflicted states. If the north east can be declared disturbed due to militant violence then surely states like Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,Tamil Nadu etc that are plagued with Naxalite violence should also be declared disturbed areas and the AFSPA be invoked.Of course, the problem is that the AFSPA has come to mean internal security of the north east against the conspiracy of Pakistani trained subversives. However, for the civilians, the AFSPA is a draconian law that strips them of all constitutional rights and privileges. The underlying fact is that the civilians are also faced with similar problems created by militants who do not share the same concept of the universal freedom. It is ironic that a draconian law has to "protect" civil law and that the debate over it only hides the real problems faced by the people.
NSCN's factional fight continues By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jun 18: Heavy gun fight is reported between NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) at Makoi village under Tousem sub-division today morning.
The gun fight which broke out at around 4 am continued till 7 am.
Reporting the incident to media persons, Information and Publicity secretary of GPRN/NSCN (Zeliangrong Region) Felix said that about 30 cadres of NSCN (IM) came to Makoi village in the wee hours of today and started beating up the villagers for allegedly providing food and shelter to NSCN (K) cadres.
Concerned with the torture of innocent civilians, a group of NSCN (K) cadres told the IM group through wireless set not to harass the villagers to which the IM cadres challenged them to a gun fight if they dared to do so, Felix claimed.
Responding to the challenge, a group of NSCN (K) cadres numbering about 50 mounted a fierce assault on the IM cadres for three hours, he said.
Following the assault, the IM cadres fled from the village behind a large number of weapons. So far a magazine of AK rifles, 75 live rounds of AK rifles, one magazine of SLR and two camouflage suits have been recovered, said the publicity secretary.
Felix further asserted that there were reports of harassment of villagers by NSCN (IM) cadres 2/3 days back at some places of Loktak Project.
Categorically warning the rival faction that NSCN (K) would not spare them if the IM cadres continue to harass villagers, it cautioned all the sympathisers and supporters of IM group in Zeliangrong region.
Mention may be made here that the spokesman of the NSCN (K)/Zeliangrong region had warned of strong pre-emptive actions in case the NP battalion of NSCN (IM) continues their operation in Tamenglong district beyond this month.
Reacting to the earlier allegations of IM's Information and Publicity deputy kilonser Kraibo Chawang that NSCN (K) cadres made good their escape by taking advantage of the shield provided by Assam Rifles during an encounter AR during an encounter with NSCN (IM) at Naga Ching of Tamenglong dist-rict, Felix clarified before the reporters that NSCN (K) never took aid from AR nor collaborate with any secu-rity force establishment.
On the contrary, he alleged that it is the IM group that collaborates with Assam Rifles. Felix also sub- stantiated his point citing the dead of one Lt Col of AR, Mahavir during a sho-ot out between NSCN (K) and the combined force of NSCN (IM) and AR at Aben village under Tousem sub-divi-sion in 2004.
Following the wrong information provided to 38 Assam Rifles by NSCN (IM) that NSCN (K) cadres were staying together with UNLF cadres, a major battle was fought between NSCN (K) and Assam Rifles at Noney last year during which a subedar of AR was killed, he mentioned.
Taking strong exception to such false propaganda being undertaken by the deputy kilonser himself, Felix maintained that NSCN (IM) should not wage war just for a single community while adding that such a war should be in the larger interest of the ‘nation’ as a whole. NNN reports that NSCN-IM MIP deputy kilonser Kraibo Chawang reiterated that more forces from his side had been sent in the Zeilad lake area where the NSCN-K cadres are camping at present and assured that its the matter of time that no rival faction would be in the area.
Manipur Kukis against peace talks Nagarealm
Imphal, June18 [UNI] : The Kuki tribes of Manipur have strongly opposed the ongoing talks between the NSCN (IM) and the Centre. The NSCN (IM) has been demanding that four districts of Manipur be integrated with Nagaland to form a ''Greater Nagaland''. Meitei, Kuki, Nepali, Muslims and other tribes are settled in the areas demanded exclusively for them by the Nagas.
A high-powered convention of all principal Kuki chiefs, social and political leaders held in Imphal resolved that the government and NSCN (I-M) political talks, termed positive in certain media, had been nothing but grabbing land at the expense of other communities for settlement. The move will be rejected and was non-compromisable under any circumstances, the resolution said.
Militants nabbed
Assam Rifles troops and Manipur police have arrested six hardcore militants during the past 24 hours in separate incidents in the state.

Assam Rifles authorities said the personnel held one militant from Imphal on information received from another detained People's Liberated Army (PLA) cadre. In yet another operation, troops of 22 Maratha Light Infantry with team of Nambol PS nabbed a member of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL). SP, Imphal West, said following search operation at Canchipur and Langthabal Kunja Awang Leikai, Imphal, 17 youths were detained for verification. Two of them were later identified as cadres of KYKL and one each of PLA and PREPAK (Peoples' Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak). In another incident, troops of 34 AR today detected and defused an IED on the NH 39
Centre releases over Rs 2,000 cr to NE Rs 276.95 crores for 18 projects in Nagaland The Morung express
New Delhi, June 18 (AGENCIES): With an aim to boost the development process in the North East, the Centre has sanctioned 224 schemes worth over Rs 2,000 crore for the region during the last four years.
Nagaland received Rs 276.95 crore for 18 projects which included vitalization of referral hospital in Dimapur (Rs 35.62 crore) and improvement of roads in Mon district (Rs 23.74 crore).
The highest amount Rs 736.02 crore has been given to Assam for projects like the construction of a 100-bed hospital in Kokrajhar, development of Assam Medical College hospital in Dibrugarh, construction of a number of RCC bridges and rural roads during 2002-06, official sources said.
Rs 69 crore was the single highest amount that a project in Assam got from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region for construction of the multi-storey secreteriat complex in Dispur. For renovation of the famous Kamakhya temple in Guwahati, the state got Rs 4.89 crore, they said.
In Arunachal Pradesh, which got Rs 175.61 crore during the period, the most significant project was the installation of a 132 KV transmission line from Along to Pasighat at a cost of Rs 29.02 crore.
Anti-erosion works on Kley river in Lower Subansiri district (Rs 7.31) and the Naharlagun (Itanagar) water supply scheme (Rs 11.73 crore) were two other major projects in the state which got the Centre`s assistance.
The Ministry sanctioned Rs 197.26 crore to Manipur for 35 different schemes during 2002-06, the sources said. Waithou Pat water supply scheme (Rs 59.71 crore), installation of sub-station at Thanlon (Rs 5.44 crore) and construction of the government college of technology (Rs 10 crore) were the key projects sanctioned in the state by the Centre.
Meghalaya got Rs 105.16 crore for schemes like the Jowai water supply scheme (Rs 15.41 crore), Tura phase-III water supply scheme (21.58 crore) and the master plan for distribution of power in the entire state, they said.
The Centre has sanctioned Rs 118.44 crore for Mizoram for projects like construction of an OPD block in Aizawl Civil Hospital (Rs 3.71 crore), infrastructure development of Mizoram University (Rs 23.26 crore) and the state capital project (Rs 5.18 crore).
The Ministry sanctioned Rs 172.70 crore for Sikkim that included Rs 22.44 crore for remodelling of transmission and distribution in Gangtok town, Central Load Dispatch Centre (Rs 8.49 crore) and diversion of Ranipool Pakyong road (Rs 2.37 crore), the sources said. Tripura received sanction for 11 projects worth Rs 240.61 crore that included the state level para-medical institute at Agartala (Rs 14.07 crore) and 21 MW gas thermal project at Rokhia (Rs 80.94 crore).
Ceasefire uprising: Thousands pay homage The Morung express
People including Manipur Maharaja Leisemba Sanajaoba and ministers paying floral tribute at Kekrupat in Imphal today where the 18 people who were killed by security forces firing on June 18, 2001 where cremated. (Photo: Newmai News Network) Newmai News Network
Imphal | June 18
Call for unity and safeguarding territorial integrity of Manipur marked the Great June Uprising Day and Unity Day observed by United Committee Manipur (UCM) and All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) separately in Imphal today.
The two organizations have been observing the day every year in memory of the 2001 June 18 uprising against the extension of the NSCN (IM) cease-fire boundary to Manipur. In the uprising 18 people were killed in firing by government forces to quell the rampaging mob, who burnt government buildings including assembly secretariat and chief minister’s office building.
The programmes were held amid tight security at Kekrupat and GM hall respectively in Imphal. A large number of people turned up at Kekrupat, where the bodies of the 18 people were cremated and their memorial constructed. A public meeting was also held at Kekrupat.
Those who turned up for paying floral tributes included food and civil supplies minister, Th. Devendra Singh, works minister, Govoindas Konthoujam, agriculture minister, Ph. Parijat Singh, Speaker Manirudin Shaikh and Lok Sabha MP Th. Meinya Singh. However, chief minister O. Ibobi Singh did not turn up.
Leaders of different communities attended the programme at both the places. Those addressed the Kekrupat function organized by UCM included P. Gangte, president of Kuki Inpi Manipur, Rose Mangsi president Kuki Mothers Association and L. Lambon Kabui, general secretary All Zeliangrong Arts and Culture Organisation.
Accusing the NSCN (IM) of killing innocent Kukis in the nineties conflict the Kuki Impi president said there is no Naga inhabited area in Manipur or for that matter no Kuki inhabited area. He said that Nagas, Kukis and brothers are children of same parents and therefore should live together peacefully. UCM president Konsam Langamba declared that the issue of Manipur’s territorial integrity would never be compromised. UCM leaders who spoke on the occasion cautioned the government of India against any design to break up Manipur.
Similar voices were heard at the AMUCO programme held at GM hall. The strong warning came for Prof N. Sanajaoba Singh, Dean of law of Guwahati University. He warned that the centre should never try to burn Manipur by changing the state’s boundary. The UCM honoured the relatives and victims of the June 18 uprising by presenting gifts.
NSCN rivals clash again in Tamenglong district The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Jun 18: A fierce gunbattle took place between cadres of the NSCN(K) and NSCN(IM) early this morning near Makhoi village, in Tousem subdivision of Tamenglong district.

Reports received from both the NSCN factions said that the clashes occurred early this morning but there was no confirmation whether there was any casualities.

NSCN(K) Zeliangrong Region publicity wing secretary Felix said the armed clash lasted for about three hours starting from 4 am this morning, but admitted that he was not sure whether there were any injuries on the side of their rival group.
Briefing mediapersons in Imphal, he said the clash occurred after some 30 cadres of the NSCN(IM) harassed the villagers of Makhoi for giving shelter to the NSCN(K). A team of the NSCN(K) was sent to the village in response, resulting in a shootout among the rival cadres.

Felix stated that one AK-47 magazine, one SLR magazine with 76 bullets, four caps and two spare uniforms from the NSCN-IM had been recovered by his outfit consequent to this morning`s clashes. In the meantime, the NSCN-IM`s deputy kilonser for Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) Kraibo Chawang informed the Newmai News Network that about two/three cadres from his outfit got minor injuries from the morning`s clashes.

Kraibo Chawang stated that cadres from his outfit came to attack the place where the NSCN-K cadres were staying and that was how the clashes occurred. The NSCN-IM deputy kilonser said that re-enforcement of forces had been done and that within two to three days either the cadres would capture the place or drive the rival cadres away from the area.
Meanwhile, NSCN(K)`s Felix has accused the NSCN(IM) of meting out atrocities to the parents of some cadres in some villages falling within the Loktak project area. Felix also ridiculed the NSCN(IM)`s accusation that the NSCN(K) is collaborating with the Assam Rifles, pointing out that the NSCN-IM had earlier accused the NSCN-K of collaborating with the KNF and the UNLF

He added that since his outfit is maintaining ceasefire with the Indian security forces it has no bad blood with the latter but "we do not collaborate with the India security forces."

NSCN-IM MIP deputy kilonser Kraibo Chawang reiterated that more forces from his side had been sent in the Zeilad lake area where the NSCN-K cadres are camping at present and assured that its only a matter of time before the rival faction is driven out from the area.
(With input from the Newmai News Network)
Jamir denies NSCN (K) charge on funding rival The Morung express
DIMAPUR, JUNE 18 (MExN): Former Chief Minister of Nagaland and incumbent Governor of Goa has clarified to the allegation made by Kughalu Mulatonu of the NSCN (K) who claimed that SC Jamir, while he was the Chief Minister of Nagaland, had given Rs 12 crore to the NSCN (IM).
“This ridiculous allegation had been made earlier too, and His Excellency had made it categorically clear that no such transaction had taken place between himself and Mr VS Atem who was supposed to have taken the money on the eve of the 1998 General Assembly elections”, stated a press communiqué issued by Sebastian Zumvu, Officer on Special Duty to the Governor of Goa.
“To keep the records straight”, the statement pointed out, Jamir had on a number of occasions, gone to the extent of saying that Mr Atem is innocent and completely above board as far as this allegation is concerned.
“It is pertinent to mention here that when His Excellency was the Chief Minister of Nagaland in the period 1998 – 2003, the NDA was in power at the Centre and was not too friendly with the Congress Government in Nagaland. Records available with the Government of Nagaland will show that the then NDA Government kept the Government of Nagaland on a hand to mouth subsistence. There were even instances of the NDA Government rejecting Nagaland Government’s application for loans amounting to not more than Rs 5 crore! Now then, where is the question of the then Chief Minister or Government for that matter, paying any individual or organization Rs 12 crore? And that too, illegally?”, it stated.
Jamir stated that Mulatonu, being a senior functionary and leader of an organization professed to be struggling for the cause of the Naga people should be more cautious and responsible while making statements, it stated.
“He should desist from making ridiculous allegations against any political leader or personality just for the sake of grabbing headlines in the news which would only be the proverbial flash in the pan. Making such allegation devoid of any truth or substance is unbecoming of any leader and demeans the organization he or she belongs to”, it added.
Talks can solve State problems: ULFA By A Staff Reporter Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, June 18 – Even as it made a massive effort to absolve itself of the blame for the recent series of blasts in the State, the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has reiterated its stand that the solution to the problems in the State is still possible through dialogue. In the editorial of its fortnightly newsletter Freedom, the ULFA pointed out that the peace process has been “talks-oriented” rather than “result-oriented”. It said the Centre wants the outfit to abandon the issue of “freedom.” “The ULFA cannot sit idle looking at the atrocities carried on by Indians against the innocent masses,” it insisted.

The outfit termed the linking of its name to the series of blasts to a conspiracy to foil the peace dialogue. It claimed that it had already forewarned the people that certain forces were trying to thwart the process of a political settlement of the ‘Indo-Asom political conflict.’

The ULFA, meanwhile, has termed the government’s decision to take the refined oil produced in the Numaligarh Refinery here to the newly constructed oil terminal at Siliguri through a 660-km pipeline as “part of the ongoing plundering process of the Indian colonial rulers.” This is a sinister design to make the people of Asom “dependent on India”, the outfit claimed.

“The colonial rulers are not only expropriating our people by looting wealth establishing principal offices of tea, oil, railway services, etc., outside Asom, but also depriving our unemployed educated people from getting employment,” it said. It also accused the government of being indifferent to the flood situation in the State.

Sino-Indian talks on Nathula begin Assam tribune
BEIJING, June 18 – India and China today kicked off negotiations in Tibetan capital Lhasa on the modalities for reopening the strategic Nathula border trade point which has remained closed for over 44 years. A seven-member delegation from India is in Lhasa for talks on the issue.

The meeting between the Indian and Chinese trade officials is expected to last two to three days, sources told PTI here.

The Nathula border trade point is expected to be reopened on June 30. The Pass was once part of the thriving Silk Route, connecting ancient China with India, the West Asia and Europe. Border trade through the Himalayan pass in East Sikkim was closed following the 1962 armed conflict.

About 28 items, including agricultural implements, blankets, food grains, agro-chemical products, dry fruits, beverages and canned food have reportedly been approved by the Indian government for trade between the two countries.

The Indian delegation yesterday called on the chairman of Tibet Autonomous Region Qiangba Puncog who expressed China’s keen interest in reopening the mountainous border trade point.

Qiangba said China and India’s friendship has a long history and the economic and trade cooperation between the two nations have been close in recent years.

He said the Chinese government attaches great importance to bilateral economic and trade cooperation and is preparing for reopening the border market at Nathula Pass.

Christy Fernandez, head of the delegation, who is also the Secretary of Department of Commerce of Government of India, said India is expecting more open bilateral trade with China, Xinhua news agency reported from Lhasa. – PTI

No decision on ULFA demand: CM From Our Staff Correspondent Assam tribune
NEW DELHI, June 18 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that ULFA’s demand for release of five of their leaders has not been rejected but neither has the Centre taken a final decision. Talking to newsmen today, Gogoi said that the Asom Government has supported the release of the detained leaders in the larger interest of the peace process. However, he added that the Centre’s permission was needed since the peace talks were on between the Centre and PCG.

“The government of Asom has no objection, but it is upto the Centre to take the final decision,” he said. He further said police vigilance has been intensified in the wake of the recent violence in the State. “No one supports violence and it is only the innocent people who suffer because of such acts,” Gogoi said.

Thousands pay homage to June ’01 martyrs Assam Rribune
IMPHAL, June 18 – Thousands assembled here today to pay tributes to 18 people killed on the same day five years ago during protests against extension of ceasefire between the Centre and NSCN(IM) to Manipur, reports PTI.

People from all parts of the state assembled on the bank of river Imphal at Kekrupat to place floral tributes at monuments erected in memory of the deceased. Police and central paramilitary forces were deployed at various strategic points in Imphal town to prevent any untoward incident during the function, official sources said. A spokesman of the United Committee Manipur (UCM), an apex body of several social organisations which organised the function, said people from border areas had started arriving since yesterday.
A public meeting was held in which the speakers pledged “to protect the territorial integrity of the state” and termed those killed in the firing by the paramilitary forces as “martyrs”.

People from different communities including Kukis, Nagas and other smaller tribes attended the meeting. The ceasefire had been extended to Manipur in June 2001 resulting in a largescale agitation by people who viewed the extension as an initial step to “disintegrate” the State, the UCM spokesman said. The Centre later withdrew it from the state.

`GoI must freeze state boundaries` The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 18: There is every possibility that the boundary issue of Manipur could come up as an international issue if government of India maintained its lackadaisical attitude on the issue of territorial integrity of Manipur.

The boundary of the state of Manipur can be safeguarded once and for all by the government of India if the country amend its own Constitution and include provisions to disallow expansion of boundaries of all the existing state in the country. However, the government of India is unlikely to do a favour which the people of Manipur have been wanting as the country itself is in the process of bringing disunity amongst different communities inhabiting the north east region.

This was stated by Professor N Sanajaoba of the Gauhati University, in his address at the Unity Day which was observed today by the All Manipur United Clubs Organsation (AMUCO) at the GM Hall, Imphal.

Asserting that the seed of unity built up by several communities inhabiting in the state could not be broken, Sanajaoba also observed that the government of India should not play divisive policy nor make any attempt to distort unity of the people of Manipur. It will be a waste to time and unfruitful for the government of India if they dare to break Manipur`s unity, Sanajaoba said.

While observing that people of Manipur should never indulge in chauvinistic designs or make any attempt to distort the state`s integrity, Prof Sanajaoba stressed that government of Manipur should give special attention towards bringing development in the remote areas of the state. Giving his own observation on how the incident of June 18, 2001 occurred, Sanajaoba said each and every section of the Manipur society must unify as one and challenge the wrong and fallacious policies of the government of India.

The incident was also a result of series of agitations by the people against government of India`s wrong policy on Manipur`s territorial issue. Several organisations have been observing functions separately, however all of them have the same goal, he added.

In his address, AMUCO president Yangsorang Koireng said government of Manipur should find out way towards bringing close relation between the people of the hills and the valley, both of whom are victimized politically and economically. The main aim behind observation of the Unity Day is bringing unity amongst all the 33 tribes inhabiting in the state and safeguarding its integrity, the AMUCO president said and maintained that there have been various occasions in which people living in remote corners of the state dare to be citizen of neighboring country owing to lack of attention by Manipur government.

Since early this morning people in large numbers line up at GM Hall and paid rich floral tributes to images of all the martyrs who have laid down their lives for the causes of the state during June 18, 2001 and its aftermath incidents. Apart from Sanajaoba and Yangsorang Koireng, the Unity Day function had leader of several civil society organisations irrespective of caste, creed or religion on the dais.

Amongst them were R Chandra Paomei, chairmen Zeliangrong Student`s Union, R Reisongir, ex-member, Kharam Naga Tribe, Seichan Kipgen, president United Mongoloid Organisation, Khulup Koireng, chief Koireng village, Jaritam Nesta of All Manipur Muslim Women`s Development Organisation, Sanjo Phaomei, president Hao Khunai Inat Thousil Lup, TS Chothe, chairmen Chothe Village Development Union, RT Akhol Aimol, president Taikhong Aimol Youth Club, Y Budhichandra, social worker and Kailkam, ex-general secretary, Komrem Union.

Representatives of the All Jiribam United Clubs Association also took part in the Unity Day observation.


Frans on 06.19.06 @ 12:45 PM CST [link]


Sunday, June 18th

Plea to amend truce rules


Plea to amend truce rules Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, June 16: Expressing concern over violations of ceasefire ground rules by rival underground groups, the state government's Consultative Committee for Peace (CCP)...

sought changes in truce ground rules by both the Centre and the two groups of NSCN to ensure peace in the state.

The CCP meeting held under Chairmanship of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio resolved that the underground groups should reconcile among themselves responding to the people's cry for peace and normalcy. Both the Union Government and the NSCN factions should immediately ''rectify'' the defects'' in the ceasefire grould rules to make them more effective at ground levels, CCP member secreary and special secretary (home) C P Giri said in a release here on Friday. (PTI)
NESO to PM - speed up peace process Nagaland Post
New Delhi, June 17 (PTI): A delegation of the apex students' body of the North East today met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here and requested him to speed up the ongoing peace process initiated by the Centre to solve the vexed insurgency problem in the region.
"We have requested the Prime Minister to take urgent necessary steps to bring all insurgent groups of North East to the negotiating table to bring peace to the region," North East Students Organisation President Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya and general secretary N S N Lotha told reporters.
"We told him that the delay in the peace process was worrying people and it could send wrong message to the people," Lotha said. He said the Prime Minister told the delegation that solution to the insurgency problem remained in the sincerity of both the sides.
Singh told us that the NESO also has a responsibility to the peace process, Lotha said.
Bhattacharya said the delegation apprised the Prime Minister that the continuous illegal immigration from Bangladesh has posed a great threat to the country's security and integrity and government must take some steps to check it. "We have also requested him to grant a special constitutional status for the whole North East with rights over land and resources," he said adding "the NESO demanded that the laws like Armed Forces Special Power Act prevailing in the region should be repealed". The NESO is the apex body of students' organisation of the NE including All Assam Students' Union, Naga Students Federation, All Manipur Students Union and Khasi Students Union besides others.
Zone of Peace editorial the Morung Express
The signing of a ceasefire agreement between the two NSCN groups to be made operative in Sumi inhabited areas should be welcomed as it is the desire of the overwhelming majority of people that peace be maintained among the Naga national groups. The bold initiative of people in Zunheboto district under the aegis of the Sumi Hoho must therefore be lauded and there is no reason why the suitability of similar peace models should not be taken up by people in other regions if a threat to peaceful coexistence arises thereof. At a time when there is increasing evidence of factional clashes and an overt turf war spreading, merely relying on the ceasefire ground rules and its mechanism is insufficient. And given that the government of India appears to be insincere to review the ground rules, the public will have to wake up to the divisive ploy being played out by inimical forces taking advantage of the existence of warring Naga factions. The complete silence on the part of the Government of India has now put serious doubts in the minds of people on whether there is an altogether sinister design to derail the peace and reconciliation process being addressed on various fronts. The ceasefire agreement signed on June 14 at Zunheboto therefore assumes enormous significance not only because it assures peace among the Nagas but strategically more vital is the counterweight to the age old tactic of divide and rule being applied to suppress the Naga people. It is therefore advisable for people themselves to have ownership over the fragile situation. The recent instance of how the public in Zunheboto were able to mobilize under the platform of the Peace Monitoring Cell Zunheboto (PMCZ) and persuade both NSCN factions to agree to cessation of hostilities is extremely encouraging. Managing to bring the two warring groups for talks over one table is truly a remarkable achievement given that several of the much hyped initiatives undertaken earlier has not borne any significant results. It also goes to show that in order to broker peace, it is the simple things that count for much more. And for any meaningful outcome to emerge, it will be more worth the effort to stick to the basics and use some form of ingenuity into peace initiatives. The State government and the civil society groups led by the Naga Hoho should now encourage and support the PMCZ type of micro level initiative centered on local people’s resources, skills, knowledge and their understanding of the situation rather than allowing the process to be stalled in bureaucratic red tape, power struggle and rigid political ideologies. Traditional peacemaking skills has to be fully explored in the context of the Naga reconciliation process. Peace Corps such as the PMCZ involving tribal hohos and grass root organizations must be supported to work in situations of conflict in their respective zones. If every tribal hoho can work on an individual case basis under the supervision of the Naga Hoho that way each community can contribute to the maintenance of several zone of peace and tranquility.
ANSAM warns Manipur Govt against observing June 18 Ministers, MLAs, MPs, warned from attending The Morung Expresas
Dimapur, June 17 (MExN): After keeping low-profile since the suspension of the economic blockade, the All Naga Students Union Manipur (ANSAM), corresponding with Manipur’s 18 June Uprising Day, has strongly warned the Government of Manipur against participating in the said day. Reiterating the day as “unconstitutional”, the students’ body took strong exception to the “deadly” opposition of the Meiteis to the aspiration of the Nagas to be integrated. “ANSAM strongly warns the Government of Manipur against participating in the unconstitutional 18th June Uprising Day; unconstitutional because on June14, 2001, after over five decades of fighting between the Nagas and India, a cease-fire between the two was extended to all Naga inhabited areas which were deadly opposed by the Meiteis” a statement from the ANSAM’s Secretary, Information & Publicity Sounii Khapa made clear.
According to the organization the Meiteis wanted the Nagas and the Indians to continue killing each other which, according to the statement, were expressed in the declarations of Manipur that “there are no Nagas in Manipur” as well as opposing the extension of cease-fire in Manipur. In this regard, the organization reminded that “all the Nagas in Manipur are in the four hill districts of Manipur namely Chamdil (Chandel), Tahamzam (Senapati), Lenglong (Tamenglong) and Hunphun (Ukhrul).”
Relating 2001’s June 18 violent uprising of the Meiteis where 18 rioters were killed by the police in related events which included ransacking of the Manipur Chief Minister’s residence, burning of Manipur State Legislative Assembly and an ‘attempt on the life’ of Manipur’s Governor, the ANSAM upped its non-cooperation-movement tirade against the Manipur government.
“Now the Government of Manipur, last year, had proudly declared those 18 rioters as martyrs and June 18 as Integrity day and state holiday. For this reason the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) had launched economic blockade in protest. Should any Government Machinery, Minister, MLA, MP, attend the said function, it will be taken as an attempt to pollute the sanctity of the Government” it stated while extending support the UNC delegation comprising of Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Naga Women’s Union, Manipur (NWUM), All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Tribe representatives who are meeting the Prime Minister of India to submit the Hill House Tax – 2006.
The ANSAM also extended its fullest support to the call of the UNC for Prayer Day on June 18, in support of the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process, and informed all its units and Subordinate bodies to attend the prayer program.
Nagaland Govt urged to send ultras back to designated camps The Sentinel
KOHIMA, June 16 (UNI): A public protest rally held at Phek town, the district headquarters, has urged Nagaland Government to effectively enforce upon all parties the ground rules and ceasefire agreement between the Centre and NSCN factions.
The mass rally was organized jointly by the Chakhesang Public Organization, Chakhesang Baptist Council, Chakhesang Students’ Union, Chakhesang youth Front and Chakhesang Mothers’ Association at Phek town yesterday, where over seven thousand people participated.
Speaking in the rally, various speakers voiced their strong protest in unison over the factional clashes in the district and observed that all factions had lost their sense of respect for life and property of the innocent and peace loving citizens and due to which villagers, Government employees, students and business communities have lost their freedom.
The rally, chaired by K Shevotso Rakho, chairman, Phek Area Public Organization, later submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Phek and urged the administration to immediately ‘send back those cadres belonging to factions camping in Chakhesang civil inhabited areas, to their respective designated camps while demanding immediate security to public and particularly cultivators, so that normal peak transplantation season is not hampered due to threat intimidation’.
NSCN-K reveals rival’s fund source The Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JUNE 17 (NPN): The NSCN (K) has accused the rival NSCN (I-M) group of perpetrating terrorism against Nagas and violation of human rights under the pretext of nationalism besides receiving large sums of money from Pakistan, former chief minister S.C. Jamir and current chief minister Neiphiu Rio. Kughalu Mulatonu, supervisor, CSFB of NSCN (K) in a press statement disclosed that the rival faction had taken four million dollars from Pakistan, Rs. 12 crore from S.C. Jamir and Rs. 38 crore from Neiphiu Rio. He further accused the emissary to collective leadership NSCN (IM), V.S. Atem of having had links with S.C. Jamir which, he alleged was revealed to the Naga NGOs by Th. Muivah at Niuland.
Mulatonu also alleged that in September 1997, V.S. Atem had met with the then Commander 3 Corps Lt. Gen. Nanavatty at Rangapahar and negotiated joint operations against NSCN (K) from 1997-2000. Referring to the 'interim agreement' proposed by chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Mulatonu asked whether the proposed interim government could be installed without surrendering and laying down arms to India and whether Rio could have uttered this without consulting the NSCN (I-M).
"Had it not been so then Neiphiu Rio would have been a dead man by now," he added.
Mulatonu said when former chief minister SC Jamir was "hunted for several times because of his gospel on 16-Point Agreement" how was Neiphiu Rio not threatened for propagating clause 12 of the 16-Point Agreement unless it was okayed by the NSCN (I-M).He further alleged that NSCN (I-M) cadre members dressed in IRB uniforms massacred NSCN (K) leaders; travelled in Rio's escort vehicles, used Nagaland Police vehicles and survived on the rations of Assam Rifles.
He also cautioned that if the Western Sumis wanted to make the Sumi areas and Dimapur a part of "Tenyimia land" by giving unconditional protection to NSCN (I-M) cadres, Nagas in other areas would be compelled to make an option for themselves.
"Nagas of other areas cannot waste all Naganess for the sake of Western Sumis and Tenyimias", the Mulatonu said. Recalling former Manipur chief minister Rishang Keishang's declaration that not an inch of Manipur would be given to Nagaland, the NSCN (K) wondered if that was the case, then where was the land of the Nagas and Nagaland in Manipur. Affirming that the NSCN (K) would never betray Nagas into the hands of terrorists and occupational forces with or without foreign assistance, Mulatonu said some 'infidel' Nagas in the NSCN (I-M) camp, on the advice of the 'slaves of the Meiteis', were trying to thwart Naga sovereignty.
Pointing out that NSCN (IM) had links with many terrorist organizations like Mujahideens, PLA, UKLF, ZRA, KRA, KYKLF, KCP, NLFT, UPDS, ANVC, as well as Maoists in India and Nepal, the NSCN (K) further warned the few cadres of PLA sheltered in Eastern Nagaland that they would be expelled in a week's time if they did not sever their links with the NSCN (I-M).
Naga Integration Rally By Naga Students' Union Delhi Kuknalim.com
Friends,
Today, we are in a defining moment of our history. The struggle has brought forth a new situation to take a decisive political action...

We, the present and the future generation of the Naga nation, marching progressively with the dreams and vision, should play a catalytic role in bringing forth the decisive nature of the emergent situation. Our national identity has been put under the carpet by the Indian State from the gaze of the outside world. We the bearers of the identity of our nation; its culture, history, values and norms need to tell the whole world our quest for Nagalim. The Indian State is shy to face the real challenge, which our Naga National Movement through its tortuous and blazing trail has unequivocally made loud and clear.

The patience and perseverance of our negotiators for the last nine years have been of little consequence. The Indian State has done little for substantive progress in the talks. It has turned its back against the historical truth of the Naga people; their aspiration to live as one in their own land. For the simple reason that the Indian State is incapable of thinking beyond its constitution.

The Nagas have put forward several significant substantive issues through proposals for talks. Some of them are: (1) Integration of all the Naga Areas (2) Separate Constitution (3) Separate Flag (4) Naga people having their own right to decide the way they run their society (5) The issue of Joint-defence of Nagalim (6) Nagas having complete right over all the resources in their areas (7) Sharing the responsibility of external affairs with the Indian State with Nagas having their right to pursue their interests.

Till date, however, the approach of the Indian State to all these proposals is seen through the skewed vision of national security. The callousness of the approach is further evident in its dual strategy. Instead of coming out with a concrete proposal to resolve the conflict, the Indian Government has been clandestinely pursuing the policy of counter-insurgency. The Indian Government has also been unable to democratise the political issue to the general public.

The Nagas in their relentless struggle for freedom have been able to garner international opinion in their favour. The UNPO (Unrepresented Nations Peoples’ Organisation), NISC (Naga International Support Centre), Kreddha etc. have shown their solidarity and genuine concern in the Naga struggle for right to self-determination. In the recent past, the Nagas could also have managed to get the support and contribution from different countries. Besides, in the course of political negotiations many constitutional and legal experts are extending their helping hands to resolve the protracted politico-military conflict.

South Asia is in the threshold of the upsurge of people demanding their right to exercise their various freedoms of which the Nagas’ struggle for self-determination is the most prominent and the oldest. The Naga people are defiant daring all forms of repression from their oppressors and exploiters. It shows that it is the people and the people alone who can stand against any form of injustice, exploitation and oppression. The Indian State is also confronted with many other movements in the North-East, Jammu & Kashmir as well as various peoples’ movements fighting to set themselves free from exploitation.

It is in the larger context of these problems that the talks between the Government of India and the Nagas represented by National Socialist Council of Nagalim is going to be held in Amsterdam from 22 -24 of this month. In the backdrop of this development, the NSUD is taking this initiative to raise our united voice to caution the Indian Government the need to respect and honour the historical and political rights of the Nagas.

NSUD ever since its inception has always been in the forefront of the struggle of the Naga people for their rights. We should rise up without rest until an honourable and lasting political solution becomes a reality. We shall not allow any force on earth to erase the Naga history.

The NSUD demand the negotiating parties to expedite the political dialogue for a durable and lasting political solution whereby international laws are upheld. We appeal to all the Nagas in and around Delhi and other progressive democratic sections to join us to express our genuine desire and aspiration to the whole world in this defining moment of a future Indo-Naga relation. Let there be peace with justice and truth in Nagalim.

Kuknalim

JOIN THE RALLY FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE FROM MANDI HOUSE TO PARLIAMENT STREET

TIME: 2 PM DATE: JUNE 20, 2006

NAGA STUDENTS’ UNION, DELHI
ANSAM pledges support to UNC prayer day today Newmai News Network
Senapati, Jun 17: All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) has pledged unstinted support to United Naga Council sponsored Naga Prayer Day tomorrow for the smooth progress of the Indo-Naga peace process.
ANSAM while issuing a statement to the Network this afternoon said that it will extend 'full' support to the UNC call and informed all its units and subordinate bodies to attend the same. On the otherhand, the student body warned the State government against participating in the June Uprising Day saying that the occassion is unconstitutional.
Elucidiating, it said the June Uprising Day is unconstitutional as on 14 June, 2001, after over five decades of fighting bet-ween Nagas and India, a cease-fire was reached between the two, which was extended to all Naga inhabited areas but was strongly opposed by a particular community.
On 18 June, 2001, the particular community in ques- tion burnt national flag and the constitution and hois-ted the Pakhangba flag, burnt down Assembly Hall, ransacked CM’s bungalow, MLAs' quarters and burnt their vehicles.
finally, they made an attempt on the Governor’s life, recalled the ANSAM statement observing that alertness of the Governor’s security foiled their evil plan. ANSAM termed the 18 deceased as 'rioters'.
Reteirating its strong resentment on remembering the June 18 uprising victims as Integrity Day by the Government of Manipur declaring the day 'state holiday', ANSAM's information and publicity secretary Sounii Khapa cautioned the Government to refrain from similar short-sighted stance inthe future. ANSAM also supported UNC delegation comprising of Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, Naga Women’s Union, Manipur, All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur and tribe representatives who are meeting the Prime Miniister of India to submit the Hill House Tax of 2006.
Indian Army to open psychiatric centres in ‘high pressure areas’ The Morung Expresas
NEW DELHI, JUNE 17 (AGENCIES): As part of the new stress-busting measures, Army is “in advanced stages of implementation” to open more psychiatric centres with “additional specialists”, in “high pressure areas” in the Northern and Eastern Commands.
Talking to newsmen in New Delhi, Gen KS Sujlana Additional Director General Public information said that two new psychiatric centres would be opened and “additional specialists” posted in these areas. He said that proposals for drafting in more psychiatric counsellors and centres have been sent to the defence ministry and are in advanced stages of implementation.
Besides, these centres, army has also stepped up holding more workshops and lectures on stress-busting and also introduction of yoga classes in morning exercises for the troops.
NESO demands special status for NE people
NEW DELHI, June 17: The North East Students’ Organization (NESO) today demanded special constitutional status for the North-east with rights over land and natural resources for the indigenous people. A NESO delegation led by its chairman Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya called on the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, this evening and submitted an eight-point charter of demands. The Prime Minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and also requested the NESO to play a role in resolving the various conflicts in the region.

“The NESO has a role to play in bringing the militant outfits to talks,” the Prime Minister was quoted as saying. Later, Dr Bhattacharya told newsmen that the delegation apprised the Prime Minister about the unabated illegal influx, which was posing a threat to the indigenous people of the North-east. The delegation also raised the issue of the porous international border that was being used by anti-national elements for intruding into the country along with illegal migrants, and called for a comprehensive policy to tackle the menace.

On the issue of illegal migrants, the NESO demanded scrapping of the Foreigners Tribunal Order-2006 and Clause 3 (1AB) of the Citizenship Act that accorded citizenship to the children of illegal migrants born on or before 2004.

The NESO also demanded a special educational commission for revitalization of courses and educational institutions. It further called for establishment of human resources centers in all district headquarters of the North-east. Demanding that all political issues be dealt with politically, the NESO said that the Government of India must show boldness, sincerity and commitment in bringing all armed groups to the negotiating table.

Dr Bhattacharya claimed that the Prime Minister disclosed before the delegation that the Centre was treating the north-eastern region as a special economic zone. The Prime Minister’s response reportedly came after the NESO asked for setting up of a special commission for economic development and declaration of special status for the region. (Agencies)

Understanding June 18 Editorial the Sangai Express
In the face of the Greater Nagaland demand put up by the NSCN (IM) and now backed by some section of the Naga people, the question arises whether an ethnic homeland is possible in a region like the North East. We may even question whether raising such a point is in the interest of all or not. Given the complex web of ethnic ties and relationships between the different groups of people in the North East, the question of ethnicity is all that more sensitive. It is not without reason why the region has seen so many ethnic clashes in the recent past and this should be enough lesson for all to learn that ethnic clash do nothing except kill people, displace people and leave many widowed and orphaned. It is against this social reality and the complex ethnic relationships in the region that the Greater Nagaland demand raised by the NSCN (IM) should be studied and understood. No particular tract of land or geographical boundary can be identified with any particular ethnic group. In Manipur, the hill districts are home to a number of ethnic groups and not just the Nagas. Likewise the valley area cannot be said to be the sole domain of the Meitei people. It is not only undesirable but would also be a dangerous trend to identify an area or a geographical entity only through the prism of ethnicity and it is this danger that is inherent in the demand for a Greater Lim, as espoused by the NSCN (IM). Manipur has never been and will never be identified with only one ethnic group and this is the beauty of this place. On the other hand we may interpret the demand for a Greater Lim as another political tool employed by the NSCN (IM) to give it more bargaining power while talking with New Delhi.
As things stand today the NSCN (IM) is not ready to budge from its stand of a Greater Lim while on the other hand there is stiff opposition to such a demand from the three neighbouring States of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Manipur has already demonstrated to the world its strong stand against any design to compromise with the territorial integrity of the State and the June 18 uprising of 2001 was a reflection of the people's committed stand towards protecting the territory of Manipur. Now that June 18 is once again upon us, let's try to understand the true spirit behind uprising on this date in 2001. It is on record that numerous Government infrastructure including the State Assembly were reduced to cinders by the angry people of Manipur. Offices of a large number of political parties were also targeted and burnt. Two MLAs barely escaped with their lives when the Assembly was burnt down. The then Speaker of the Assembly was manhandled and he was dragged out and made to march along with the people. In other words the angst of the people was directed towards the Government and its policies and not against any particular community. True some Naga families settled in Imphal did leave the place for the hills, but that was more out of apprehension and on the other hand it is also true that quite a large number of Naga people continued to live in Imphal undisturbed. It is this spirit that should be understood and appreciated even as the people pay respect to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the territorial integrity of Manipur.
Ahead of talks, Assam wants Centre to clear confusion over stand on ULFA The Assam Government today asked the Centre to clear the confusion over proceeding against the ULFA, in view of the peace talks.
The Assam Government today asked the Centre to clear the confusion over proceeding against the ULFA, in view of the peace talks. It has sought a clear directive on whether to go for an end to hostilities or opt for a full-steam operation against the outfit. The state's view was aired before Rajiv Agarwal, joint secretary in the Union Home Ministry, who was in Guwahati today to review the situation in the wake of the recent spate of violence and the forthcoming talks with the ULFA-nominated PCG. Chief Secretary S Kabilan, DGP D N Dutt and several senior police and Home department officials represented the state government in the review meeting. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who was recently on a tour of Europe, is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS. Sources said the state had sought a clear stand from New Delhi on how to handle the ULFA, to remove confusion created when any arrest or operation is viewed by the ULFA as an attempt to scuttle the talks. ULFA even attributed the recent explosions to the state government. ULFA C-in-C Paresh Barua also accused Assam Police Special Branch IG Khagen Sharma of trying to derail the peace process. The police blame ULFA for the recent violence spanning five days. Although Kabilan said that discussions with Agarwal centered on the violence and the Assam Government's demand for more forces to tackle the situation, sources said Agarwal was told that handling the scene with the militants taking advantage of the peace talks was becoming a problem.
''A ceasefire is better because that will at least help us keep the situation under control as it had happened in Nagaland,'' said a senior official who attended the meeting. ''In a situation of ceasefire or cessation of hostilities, you have certain ground rules and a monitoring cell, which helps keep the situation under control,'' he added. Sources said when Agarwal wanted to know why the state government was a silent spectator to the violence unleashed by ULFA for five days, he was told that shortage of forces was a reason but the state government had beefed up security, thus preventing more damage and deaths.
''We basically discussed three issues, a review of the situation following the blasts, the state's demand for more forces and aspects concerning the run-up to the forthcoming round of talks,'' said Kabilan after the meeting. ULFA's demand for release of its five top leaders is understood to have come up during the meeting. The five ULFA central committee members are vice-chairman Pradip Gogoi, central publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary, cultural secretary Pranati Deka, ideologue and advisor Bhimkanta Buragohain and executive member Ramu Mech. ''We also presented the state government position regarding the release of the five leaders,'' Kabilan said. The Assam government has been saying it had no objection to their release if it facilitates direct talks between the Centre and the ULFA.
Security tightened in view of ‘June Uprising’ observation
From Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, June 17 – State security forces have started to excercise security measures to avoid any untoward incident during the June 18 observation here, reliable sources said. The step has been taken following the appeal of the United Naga Council Manipur, an apex body of the Naga tribes living in the State to its Naga brethren not to take part in the observation. The UNC, however, have called upon the Nagas to observe a prayer session on that day.

Meanwhile,the United Committee Manipur is all set to observe the ‘Great June Uprising’ on June 18 at the Kekrupat in Imphal. According to a statement of the Committee issued by BM Yaima, secretary, Information and Public Relations, UCM, its subsidiary organisations and affiliated organisations will jointly organise the observation. The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation, another major organisation in Manipur has started its poster campaign to organise a Protest Day tomorrow apart from organising Unity Day on June 18.
Manipur had witnessed a widespread mass public agitation on June 8, 2001 against the extension of ceasefire between NSCN (IM) and Government of India beyond its territorial limits, wherein 18 agitators lost their lives in police firing. Meanwhile, many social bodies are organising a series of programmes in connection with the observation.

UCM is an apex body of various bodies which spearheaded a mass public agitation in June 2001 against the extension of on-going ceasefire between the Government of India and NSCN(IM) ‘without territorial limits’. A photo exhibition in connection with the June uprising was organized yesterday at the premises of the Manipur press club under the aegis of Man League Manipur.
Acom Lup , a civil organization also organized a social service camp in and around the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and hospital complex at Lamphelpat yesterday while Manipuri students Pune is going to organize a blood donation camp on June 21. Significantly, All Manipur United Clubs organization, another apex body of various social organization in the State distributed financial assistance to the next of kin of those individuals who sacrificed their life during the June 18 agitation, at a simple function here at the conference hall of the Hotel Excellency.
A symposium on the issue of Manipur’s integrity was also held at the Gandhi memorial hall in Imphal yesterday. The symposium was organized by Manipuri Youth Organisation.

CentreReviews Asom Situation Delhi may question ULFA urgency By a Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, June 16: The Centre today gave enough hints that during its June 22 meeting with the PCG in New Delhi it might make its stand on the release of five jailed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) leaders clear and ask the ULFA-picked group to spell out the seriousness of the rebel group for a dialogue.
Agarwal reviewed the law-and-order situation in the State in a meeting with Chief Secretary S Kabilan and top officials of the Army and the CRPF. According to sources, Agarwal also quizzed the Chief Secretary and top security officials present in the meeting on the denial by the ULFA of its hand in the recent blasts and the police pointing its finger towards the rebel group. In no uncertain terms, Agarwal made it clear during the meeting that the Centre was much worried of the recent violence in Asom.
Talking to The Sentinel later, Chief Secretary S Kabilan said that the meeting reviewed the situation in the State since June 8 and the group or groups involved in the blasts. Besides the modalities for the June 22 Centre-PCG talks, Asom-Nagaland border disputes also figured in the meeting, Kabilan said, and added: “We have placed a detailed report before the Union Joint Home Secretary on the recent blasts in State.”
On the release of five jailed ULFA leaders, he said that the State Government, on being asked, had already made its stand known to the Centre, and now the ball was on the Centre’s court. He further added that after the June 22 meeting the Centre would take a clear and a firm stand on the ULFA front.
Sources said that the Union Government would also quiz the PCG on the degree of seriousness for talks on the part of the ULFA.
 Centre’s decision on release of jailed ULFA leaders likely in *une 22 meet
* PCG has to brief Centre on the seriousness of ULFA for talks
* Centre may take a clear and firm stand on ULFA front after June 22 meeting
* Asom-Nagaland border disputes reviewed


Frans on 06.18.06 @ 06:57 PM CST [link]




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