Nagalim.NL News

Tuesday, July 31st

Nagaland Ceasefire extended indefinitely by Syed Zarir Hussain

Nagaland Ceasefire extended indefinitely by Syed Zarir Hussain

Dimapur (Nagaland), July 31 (IANS) Central government negotiators and leaders of a dominant separatist group in Nagaland Tuesday decided to indefinitely extend a 10-year ceasefire, aimed at ending six decades of insurgency in the region. The decision was taken after a meeting between central minister Oscar Fernandes and New Delhi's chief peace negotiator K. Padmanabhaiah with top leaders of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) in Dimapur, the commercial hub of the state.
"After reviewing the status of the talks, it was decided to extend the ceasefire indefinitely, subject to progress in the talks," a joint statement said. The NSCN-IM, led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, had entered into a ceasefire with the Indian government in August 1997. The current truce was to expire Tuesday.
"Both sides have agreed to strengthen the ceasefire monitoring mechanism so that the ground situation remains conducive for continuance of the ceasefire," the statement said. This is the first time the ceasefire was extended indefinitely - in the past the truce was extended either annually or after every six months. The two sides have since held at least 50 rounds of peace talks aimed at ending one of South Asia's longest running insurgencies that has claimed an estimated 25,000 lives since India attained independence in 1947.
"Now it entirely depends on New Delhi to come up with a mutually acceptable solution or else the ceasefire could be abrogated immediately and hence the indefinite extension of the truce agreed, subject to progress in future talks," V. Horam, a senior NSCN-IM leader, told IANS after the talks. The NSCN-IM had earlier threatened to pull out of the ceasefire saying the government was dragging the peace process for too long.
"There is no point in an annual ritual of just extending the ceasefire if the government of India does not have a plan for evolving a mutually acceptable solution. The people of Nagaland are getting restive with a decade gone without any tangible results," Horam said.
The NSCN-IM is one of the oldest and most powerful of about 30 rebel groups in India's northeast and wants to create a "Greater Nagaland" by slicing off parts of neighbouring states that have Naga tribal populations. The three state governments of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh have already rejected the NSCN-IM's demand for unification of Naga-dominated areas. New Delhi too has rejected demands for unification of all Naga-inhabited areas. NSCN leader Muivah had recently said New Delhi's delay in finding a solution was "taxing their patience" and this could be the "last ceasefire" unless there was a settlement.
Crucial NSCN Talks In Nagaland To Save Ceasefire NewsPost India
Central government negotiators are beginning fresh peace talks in Tuesday with a tribal separatist group from the northeastern state of Nagaland to save a 10-year ceasefire from breaking down. An Indian home ministry official said central minister Oscar Fernandes and New Delhi's chief peace negotiator K. Padmanabhaiah would be holding talks with top leaders of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) in Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland.

The NSCN-IM, led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, had entered into a ceasefire with New Delhi in August 1997. The current truce expires Tuesday.

The two sides have since held at least 50 rounds of peace talks aimed at ending one of South Asia's longest running insurgencies that claimed an estimated 25,000 lives since India attained independence in 1947.

'This is going to be a very crucial round of talks and we don't know for sure if the ceasefire would be extended or not,' V. Horam, senior NSCN-IM leader, told IANS. The NSCN-IM had threatened to pull out of the ceasefire if government negotiators failed to come up with a solution.

'There is no point in an annual ritual of just extending the ceasefire if the government of India does not have a plan for evolving a mutually acceptable solution. The people of Nagaland are getting restive with a decade gone without any tangible results,' Horam said. The NSCN-IM is one of the oldest and most powerful of about 30 rebel groups in India's northeast and wants to create a Greater Nagaland by slicing off parts of neighbouring states that have Naga tribal populations. The three regional governments of Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh have already rejected the NSCN-IM's demand for unification of Naga-dominated areas. New Delhi, too, has rejected demands for unification of all Naga-inhabited areas.

'This would be a very crucial round of talks and could determine which way the peace process moves from here on,' another rebel leader said, requesting not to be named.

NSCN leader Muivah had recently said New Delhi's delay in finding a solution was 'taxing their patience' and this could be the 'last ceasefire' unless there was a settlement. 'We are keeping our fingers crossed and would not like to hazard a guess about India's response,' Horam said. Community leaders and tribal chiefs are worried that Nagaland might again witness a cycle of violence if the NSCN-IM decides to pull out of the peace talks.

'It would be a nail in the coffin if the peace talks break down at this stage. Each and every Naga was hoping for a permanent solution and an end to bloodshed and killings,' said T. Ao, a church leader.
Dimapur set for Naga talks Sushanta Talukdar The Hindu
Dimapur: The Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) are all set to meet for a crucial round of peace talks in this commercial town of Nagaland on Tuesday to decide on the fate of the 10-year long ceasefire between the two sides and the ongoing Naga peace process.
This is the first time that the peace talks are going to be held in Nagaland since the two sides entered into a ceasefire agreement in 1997. The previous rounds of talks were held in Amsterdam, Bangkok and in Delhi.
The team of negotiators of the NSCN(IM) and New Delhi are scheduled to meet at the Circuit House at 11 a.m. to discuss among other things the issue of extension of the ten-year long ceasefire. The ceasefire comes to an end on Tuesday after it had been renewed for a year on July 31, 2006 when the two sides met in Bangkok.
The Naga Hoho, the apex tribal council of the Nagas has organised a public rally and reception of the peace negotiators here ahead of Tuesday’s peace talks to make a formal appeal to “expedite the political negotiation and to bring a peaceful solution to the age-old political problem without further delay.”
The NSCN(IM) delegation will be led by its general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah while the Centre is expected to be represented by Union Minister and key political negotiator Oscar Fernandes and interlocutor for Naga peace talks K. Padmanabhaiah besides top officials.
Self-determination of Nagalim- Naga Support Group UK Nagaland Post
It was Lord Nazir Ahmed who proposed a support statement in relation to the historic 1997 Indo-Naga peace process inside the British Houses of Parliament on 25 July 2007 and, after a brief commotion following a competition among the members present to second the proposal, the British Parliamentarians for National Self Determination (PNSD) unanimously adopted it. The PNSD Secretariat sent the document to the Indian government the next day through its embassy in London. Besides requesting India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim to extend the current ceasefire and take forward the political talks, the statement appreciated the Indian and Naga leaders for resorting to dialogue to settle their decades old conflict amicably.
It is good to know that a certain Vizosielhou Nagi has expressed his gratitude to the PNSD for officially recognizing the God-given right of the Naga people to self-determination.
The main purpose of the UN is to "develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace". The principle of self-determination expresses the entitlement of each nation to its own nation state. Article 1 of the UN Charter states that "all peoples have the right of self-determination." By virtue of that right, they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development", and that every UN member "shall promote the realization of the right of self-determination, and shall respect that right".
Israel was formed under the right to self-determination as per the UN Charter, and still rightly gives this principle in its defence against anti-Zionist criticisms that argue that Israel is not a legitimate state within the international community. The people of Kosovo are currently trying to seek sovereignty from the Serbs on the grounds of self-determination. Also, the Kashmiris, Kurds, Palestinians, Sikhs, etc. are presently struggling to get full sovereignty on the unshakable belief to their right to self-determination. Hence, some persons are exposing their lack of knowledge by wrongly saying that Nagas want sovereignty and not self-determination.
The Naga Support Group (UK) has received messages of appreciation for its fruitful interaction with the PNSD. Unfortunately, we are also seeing that some elements are showing their frustration over the formation of the PNSD and its support to Kashmir, Khalistan, Nagalim, etc. The fact that the PNSD has received such unfriendly reactions from India and its agents is unfortunate; for the diatribe comes despite the fact that the PNSD represents stateless nations such as Kosovo, Kurdistan, Palestine, etc. Nonetheless, the PNSD will always give each of these subjugated nations a voice and common platform to take their plight to the British Parliament and far beyond. Kuknalim.
Professor Timothy Kaping, President, Naga Support Group (UK)
On cease-fire document of GBs & DBs- Nagaland Post
The GPRN/NSCN is constrained to publish in the print media some of the related documents in the ensuing process of cease-fire between the Naga factions for public consumption. It is not intended to provoke someone or somebody nor does it mean that the NSCN authorities do not want peace. Peace in Nagaland and among Nagas is our first and foremost agenda all along in the past and the days to come. But we want to make matters vivid and clear. The following is Five Point resolution adopted by the Nagaland GBs and DBs, passed in a general meeting on the June 6, 2007. The Nagaland GBs Federation and Nagaland DBs Association held joint Forum General Meeting at 9 am on June 6, 2007 at State Academy Hall, Kohima, chaired by A.Taku Long-kumar, Convener Joint Forum Working Committee under the Theme: "To stop bloodshed and fratricidal killing amongst the Naga National Workers".
The discussion was officially participated by all District GBs Association and DBs Association along with the general discussion in the house and adopted the following resolutions:
1. The fratricidal killings bloodshed among the Nagas of different factions and also killings of the innocent civilian during the clashes is discussed with concern. It was resolved that such act of violence among the Naga National Workers is totally condemned and appeal to all to shun act henceforth.
2. The Joint Forum resolved to appeal for peaceful co-existence amongst the different factions for which understanding among themselves and conductive atmosphere amongst the different groups is advocated. And further, the Joint Forum resolved that in course of carrying out implementation of these resolutions by the member, if any faction or group victimizes any member of the Forum, then the entire GB and DB members from all over will, in unity, take up the crime for justice from the organization.
3. To create an enabling situation, it is resolved all the factions must agree for a period of 6 (six) months Cease-fire between them with immediate effect and if any factions refuse to abide this clarion call and appeal from the Joint Forum, then it shall not co-operate that particulars group or groups. Any if any killing takes place during the currency of Ceasefire, it will be investigated of DBs and GBs and the guilty party will be brought to justice as per the appropriate Customary Laws or such enacted laws as may deem fit.
4. During the inter-factional cease-fire period, the Joint Forum will take the initiative of bringing the top leaders from all the different groups together into a meeting under the protection of the Joint Forum members to thrash out their differences. And to establish a harmonious atmosphere and encourage them to bring about peaceful approach to the Naga issues.
5. The Joint Forum also resolved that the ongoing Ceasefire between NSCN-IM and the Government of India and the NSCN-K with Government of India and their respective ground rules enforcement must be fully geared up. The Joint Forum appeal to the Enforcing Agency of the ground rules to strengthen the mechanism of its enforcement for effective implementation of the rules. The Joint Forum extends and appeals for full support for effective implementation.
The following is the new draft document signed by Samson Jajo of IK and by the office bearers of the Joint Forum of GBs and DBs and brought by the Joint Forum leaders on July 11 which was rejected by GPRN leaders.
Enforcement of inter group ceasefire In response to the goodwill mission initiative taken by the Joint Forum of GBs and DBs of Nagaland appealing to various Naga groups to bring about better understanding and mutual respect amongst different groups by restraining killing of one another so that a conductive atmosphere is created to enable the leaders to give undisturbed attention on searching for an honourable solution to the Indo-Naga issue.
To this clarion call in the line of over whelming desire of the Nagas for creating peaceful atmosphere free from self destructive internal conflict or feud, with members of …organization agrees to co-operate fully with the effort, for its fulfillment on the following conditions:
1. Firstly, we appreciate the Joint Forum initiative for creating peaceful atmosphere in the Naga territory to enable the Naga leaders to concentrate their time without disturbance on finding negotiated settlement in pursuance of the common vision of finding a liberated Naga homeland.
2. The resolution of the Joint Forum for six months long cessation of clashes amongst the different groups is acceptable provided the other group(s) do agree to observe in letter and spirit.
3. That any violation or complain by any group is promptly and impartially investigated by the members of the Joint Forum Working Committee and appropriate measure is administered or imposed on the merit of the case.
4. Strict monitoring, prompt and impartial investigation and action as resolved by the Joint Forum is carried out without fail.
5. Efforts of bringing better understanding and tolerance among the different groups so as to enable them to consolidate approaches to common objective of finding an acceptable solution to the Naga issue, intensified at the appropriate time and with right appreciation of the problems. The following is the acceptance document of the first Five-Point resolution by the GPRN.
Deed of Acceptance The representative of the GPRN/NSCN met the delegation of the Nagaland GBs Federation and DBs Association at Oking at Mon on July 11, 2007. Surprisingly the delegation brought another draft document signed by an official of the IM group and some of the leaders of the two organizations. But the GPRN NSCN representatives rejected the new draft document.
The GPRN/NSCN had already agreed to the Five-point resolutions adopted by the Nagaland GBs and DBs in general meeting at the state academy Hall, Kohima on June 6, 2007. Therefore, the GPRN NSCN could not entertain any document at this stage, but only give acceptance letter to the said five point resolutions. The ceasefire or stoppage of bloodshed among the Naga factions will be applicable to the Nagaland State at present. More documents are required as a guarantee to the ceasefire agreement between the factions.
Libemo Jami, Home secretary, GPRN NSCN-K
8 defect to NSCN(IM) Submitted by: brylboy The Tangkhul

Dimapur, July 30 (NPN): In a significant development, eight members of the NSCN (K) Lotha Region, led by Joseph Lotha, secretary, Ministry of Defence (Keya) Affairs * supervisor of Lotha Region, defected to NSCN (I-M) along with seven other fellow activists and a huge quantity of assorted arms and ammunition
A press release issued by the MIP of NSCN (I-M) said apart from Joseph Lotha, the seven other NSCN (K) activists who defected to NSCN (I-M) included Thechamo Lotha (RCM) Lotha Region, “Lt” Khenchathung Lotha, “2nd Lt” Zubenthung Lotha, Sgt Maj. Orenthung Lotha, Sgt. Maj. Chibothung Lotha, Sgt. Phakathung Lotha and Sgt. Pilamo Lotha

The arms and ammunition with which they defected included one AK-56, one US-Carbine, one Semi-Rifle (M-21), one .32 pistol, one 9mm, one Rocket Launcher, five hand grenades, four hand made bombs and 1,347 round of ammunitions.

Later, speaking at the welcome reception at CHQ Hebron, Joseph said during his four-year service in NSCN (K) “he was convinced of the total absence of political vision as there was no mention of anything to do with Naga political issue whenever talk was held with the Government of India either in Kolkata or New Delhi”.

As a member of the ceasefire Monitoring group from 2005 he was part of the Khaplang group delegation for six times. Mr. Joseph confessed that nothing substantial other than re-affirmation and extension of ceasefire and its ground rules were brought up in all the talks with Government of India, the release said. Welcoming the eight on behalf of NSCN (I-M), Steering Committee Convener, Qhevihe Chishi Swu and Steering Committee Secretary Rh. Raising expressed happiness that NSCN (K) activists were gradually realizing the “duplicity of Khaplang”.

“This is not the first time Khaplang boys joining the mainstream; this has been happening. It is not the arms that do the work but it is the persons that do the work” Raising said. Qhevihe Chishi Swu said it was misunderstanding “among the Nagas that divides and there are no two or three rights but there is only one”.
Stoking separatist tendencies Central Chronicle
Both Haryana and Punjab still want Chandigarh. Orissa demands the return of Saraikala and Kharsuan. Nagaland still wants to cut into large chunks of Manipur and certain forest areas of Assam.
How big is big? When does big become small? Does beautiful small make big ugly? Will small fetch better dividends than big? Or vice-versa? Confused? Don't be. At least not when we are talking about our polity and their vote-bank shenanigans. The latest brainwave to emerge from the political stable is to once again carve big states into small.
Obviously, the bigness and smallness of a state has everything to do with massaging the polity's vote-banks and improving their winability quotient! Trust the Congress, hurting after its electoral massacre in the UP Assembly poll last May, to reignite the flames of 'separatist tendencies' by talking of redrawing the contours of the sprawling state. In the hope that UP carved into smaller units will fetch the party big political dividends. Camouflaged as imperative for "political stability" in the country (read Party), it has mooted the idea of setting up another States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) to explore the formation of new states. No matter that till its electoral rout in UP, the party opposed tooth and nail the creation of small states.
It even let the Telengana Rashtriya Samiti quit the UPA alliance. Needless to say, this out-of-the-blue decision to appoint another SRC has opened a Pandora's Box on the demand for statehood from every nook and cranny of the country.
Already, over 10 new entrants are rearing to go. It remains to be seen whether the Congress-led UPA Government will come out smelling of roses or reek of rotten eggs. That the task is tough can be gauged from the fact the issue is both emotive and politically sensitive, against the backdrop of many regions and sub-regions aspiring to be full-fledged states. Besides Telengana in Andhra Pradesh and Vidarbha in Maharashtra, there is demand for Harit Pradesh out of Western UP, Bundelkhand and Purvanchal out of south-eastern UP, Gondwana from portions of Chhattisgarh, Andhra and Madhya Pradesh, Kodagu in Karnataka's coffee belt, Bodoland from Assam, Ladakh from Kashmir, Garoland from Meghalaya, Mithilanchal from North Bihar and Gorkhaland in West Bengal.
With the state party units divided in Telengana and Vidarbha it would be politically wise to push for reorganisation of the two states. This would force smaller parties align with it. Nobody can deny that a few states in India are much too large and unwieldy for efficient governance. It takes nearly two days to get to Jhansi from Lucknow by road! Obviously, administrative efficiency is the first casualty. Recent experience shows that smaller states are able to meet the rising expectations and aspirations of their people for speedy development and a responsive and effective administration. Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and, earlier, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh are cases in point. Haryana, a barren backyard of united Punjab largely comprising illiterate jats, was carved out of a prosperous Punjab after a long and patient struggle. So also Himachal. Ditto Uttarakhand from UP, Jharkhand from Bihar and Chhattisgarh from Madhya Pradesh. Today, all are shining examples of "small is beautiful".
However, protagonists of bigger states disagree. What guarantee, they ask, is there that this will end internal fissures. Make the rivers flow smoothly from one state to another. (Look at the ugly riparian fight between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.) Bring about a synthesis between the haves and the have-nots. A linguistic and cultural affinity. Clinching their arguments by asserting that India is not ready yet for a fresh redrawing of its political and economic map. Further reinforcing that if smaller incisions have to be made as in the USA, then the body politic of India would need to be wholly restructured on that pattern. In addition, it could well encourage fissiparous tendencies, ultimately leading to India's balkanization and stoke the sub-terranean smouldering fires of disputes over borders--and cities.
Both Haryana and Punjab still want Chandigarh. Orissa demands the return of Saraikala and Kharsuan. Nagaland still wants to cut into large chunks of Manipur and certain forest areas of Assam. Bihar yearns desperately for the mineral-rich districts of Jharkhand. Will not a further partition of the existing states result in an India that would fit Jinnah's classical description of Pakistan as being "truncated and moth-eaten"? The only purpose it will serve will be to whet regional and separatist appetites, as it happened at the time of the first SRC in the mid-fifties?
The very "blackhole" that our past leaders were ever eager to avoid. The Congress manifesto of 1945-46, no doubt, stridently assured the people that provinces would be restructured on a linguistic and cultural basis. However, the priorities underwent a perceptible change following India's partition. Speaking before the Constituent Assembly on 27 November 1947, Prime Minister Nehru pleaded: "First things must come first, and the first thing is the security and stability of India." And, India's 'Iron Man', Sardar Patel, embarked upon his mighty effort to integrate and unite India. More than 560 princely States were merged with the rest of India peacefully without any loss of time--lest India should be broken up into hundreds of smaller States.
This was followed by the appointment of the Dar Commission to enquire into and report on the desirability or otherwise of creating any more provinces. Interestingly, the Dar Commission recommended that no new provinces should be created. India, it said, was burdened with problems more urgent than the problem of redistribution of provinces. Such as defence, food, refugees, inflation and production. Grounds which more than hold true today. Secondly, the country could not afford to add to its anxieties---the heat, controversy and bitterness which the demarcation of boundaries would involve. Lastly, the economic consequences of splitting up existing provinces into several new provinces. This led to the Congress appointing another Committee, the JVP-Jawaharlal (Nehru), Vallabhbhai (Patel) and Pattabhi (Sitaramayya). The JVP concurred with Dar's views that reorganisation would divert attention from more vital matters and retard the process of consolidation of the nation's gains. However, to appease their political supporters, a significant rider was added: "If public sentiment was insistent and overwhelming, the practicability of satisfying public demands with its implications and consequences must be examined." An innocuously-worded political corollary for which we are having to continue paying a heavy price. In turn, this resulted in the setting up of the States Reorganisation Commission in December 1953, headed by Justice Fazl Ali, retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
It made its recommendation in September 1955. Whereby the component units of the Indian Union would consist of two categories---"States forming primary federation units of the Indian Union and territories which are centrally administered." It recommended the continuance of Hyderabad as a composite State comprising Urdu, Telugu, Marathi and Oriya speaking areas. However, Nehru developed cold feet against the backdrop of a violent agitation for Andhra Pradesh (as "Telugu Desam") and the self immolation of Potti Sriramulu. He went over All India Radio and, to the shock and surprise of his senior Congress colleagues, expressed "surprise" over the recommendation. Regional leaders like Charan Singh promptly took advantage of Nehru's statement and started demanding the liberation of smaller colonies from the ruling classes. Union Home Minister Pant, eager to ensure the clout his State of undivided UP wielded in national affairs, countered the demand for smaller States by talking of zonal States.
In fact, he went on shrewdly to turn the tables on those loudly demanding smaller States by cautioning against India's break-up into hundreds of smaller States. Did the country want to reverse the historic integration brought about by the Sardar? Typical of India's political culture, the first SRC and the creation of new States left in its wake more controversies than it sorted out. Assam got carved out into four units, beginning with the promotion of a solitary Naga district into a full-fledged State of Nagaland without much thought to its consequences. Logically, if one district could initially be made Nagaland and another Mizoram, what was the logic to hold back Telengana or Vidarbha? The tragic irony of history is that successive Prime Ministers bought peace at the cost of strong integrated India by carving out new jagirs for acquiring "new chelas" and assured vote banks. Lest history books omitted their "contribution" in the building of a new India. The controversies and demands generated then continue till date. Unfortunately for the Centre, its policy of going populist time and again and opting for quick-fix remedies has boomeranged. What, one might ask, is the alternative? Statesmanship and sagacity lie in adopting the middle path.
The UPA Government should not set up another SRC just to win votes. It needs to learn from the mistakes of the recently carved small States, diagnose the disease afresh and hammer out solutions for better governance. Much can be achieved through meaningful decentralization of administration in these days of computerization, without adding to the cost of governance through top-heavy ministerial baggage. Let us not allow politicians of all hues to create new pocket boroughs motivated by petty personal interests, undermining national unity. India has just entered its 60th year of Independence with 27 States, a testimony to a free and vibrant democracy. Are we now going to roll back history to pre-Independence days and create 562 States? Let not history record what Conrad Egbert once brilliantly stated: We learn nothing from history except that we learn nothing from history!
Poonam I Kaushish, INFA
How not to eat the world's hottest chili: In big bites PR Inside
NEW DELHI (AP) - I know people who regularly eat bhut jolokias _ the «ghost chili» now rated as the world's hottest pepper. They're nice people. I like them. They don't seem crazy.
Appearances are deceiving. I ate an entire bhut jolokia the other night, sitting at my dining room table with an open beer and on the advice of the experienced a bowl of yogurt and a few slices of bread at the ready.
I had the strange fear that nothing would happen, that I had traveled halfway across India in search of a chili that would be no hotter than an apple. I thought I was prepared.
What followed was a gastronomic mugging. I know, I know. You probably think I'm exaggerating, or maybe just inexperienced in the ways of chilis.
«I like hot peppers,» you're saying to yourself, thinking of those times _ you were probably in college, maybe your early 20s _ when you'd had too much to drink and challenged a friend to a chili-pepper-eating contest. You slopped down one jalapeno after another, enjoying the way it battered your system.
I used to think like that too. But that was before my encounter the other night, when I took the first nibble from the end of a red vegetable barely two inches (five centimeters) long and weighing little more than a sheet of paper.
«Not too bad,» I said aloud to the empty room. My ignorance lasted about three seconds.
It was hot. Hotter than anything I'd ever eaten. My tongue burned, I began to cough.
I knew I'd have to eat quickly, or I wouldn't be able to finish it. So I took another bite, and chewed. Then another. I ate down to the stem. I swallowed.
It's not how bhut jolokias are normally eaten _ most locals use them in sauces, or chew off tiny pieces between bites of their main course _ but I figured I should get the full experience (Plus, let me add, one of my editors suggested this exercise in masochism: Thank you, Ken).
The full experience
It was awful. My eyes watered uncontrollably and my nose ran. I felt like I was gargling with acid. My hands quivered. As the minutes passed, the pain grew worse.
I shoveled in yogurt: No relief. I chewed bread: Nothing. My head felt like it was expanding. My ears felt as if hot liquid was draining from them. Picture one of those old Tom and Jerry cartoons, with steam blasting from the cat Tom's ears as a train whistle blows. That was me.

The experts say beer and water do no good at such times. Maybe that's true, but gulps of very cold beer were the only things that helped me _ washing away the pain for a few blessed seconds.
Twenty minutes later, I had recovered enough to speak clearly. So I called my wife in New York, where she is on vacation with our children. She laughed at me.
A day later, my tongue felt as if it had been scrubbed with a wire brush.
And a day after that, a friend made me a lunch flavored with bhut jolokias.
It was a traditional meal from Nagaland, the northeastern state along the Myanmar border where my friend was born, and where super-hot chilis are a part of life. There was diced chicken and hunks of pork and a cold stew of fermented tofu beans, all spiced with the chilis.
The food was simple, delicious. It was mild by the standards of Nagaland, just one bhut jolokia or so for each dish. I loved it. I just hope she couldn't see that my eyes were again watering.

Frans on 07.31.07 @ 08:47 PM CST [link]

Monday, July 30th

UNC happy with outcome of Hebron meet Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

UNC happy with outcome of Hebron meet Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Senapati, July 29: The United Naga Council (UNC) has said that the July 27 Sixth Naga Peoples' Consultative Meeting held at Camp Hebron, off Dimapur was an encouraging moment when Naga leaders from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Myanmar (Burma), Manipur and Nagaland had conveyed their messages loud and clear on the issue of Indo-Naga peace talk and the Indo-Naga Ceasefire.

UNC information and publicity secretary S. Milan while stating that the Naga people have benefited immensely from the July 27 meeting, has appealed all the leaders who had attended the conglomeration to narrate the happenings of the July 27 meeting to their people who did not participate in that Naga consultative meeting.

The UNC also requested all the Naga people "living in the present state of Manipur" to pray both for the Collective Leadership (NSCN-IM leaders) and the representatives of the Government of India who will be holding talks on July 30 and 31 "in Nagalim".

"We earnestly appeal to pray for them to bestow the wisdom so as to have a logistic outcome," said the UNC message. The UNC also thanked the respective tribe Hohos and the Naga people for "their unstinted support to the cause".
Centre-NSCN(I-M) ceasefire talks tomorrow Zee News
Kohima, July 30: The crucial meeting on the ceasefire extension between the Central government and the NSCN-IM will begin at the Dimapur circuit house tomorrow.

Nagaland Commissioner T N Mannen told today that Union Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes would lead a high-powered team for the talks on the 10th extension of ceasefire between the two parties, where Centre`s interlocutor K Padmanabhaiah, Intelligence Bureau Chief Ajit Lal and Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs Naveen Verma among others in the delegation would assist the minister.

The meeting would be very crucial as the present term of ceasefire will expire tomorrow and the meeting is likely to discuss many other issues like inter-factional clashes, territorial integration and amendment of ceasefire ground rules, which is the demand of both the factions of the NSCN as well as the state government.

The collective leadership of the NSCN-IM, Chairman Isak Chishi SWU and General Secretary Thuingleng Muivah, are presently camping at Camp Hebron, about 40 kms from Dimapur.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in and around Dimapur and strict vigilance provided in all vulnerable points by the Assam Rifles, CRPF, Indian Reserve Battalion, Nagaland Armed Police, besides the Nagaland Police to thwart any incident that may challenge the law and order, official sources said here today.
Naga Hoho to lead public rally The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 29 (MExN): In their effort to express the sentiments and aspirations of the Naga people for an honorable political solution, the Naga Hoho in partnership with several other civil organizations is holding a peaceful public rally on July 31 from 9:30am onwards at Dimapur.
Naga Hoho Vice President, Keviletuo Kiewho and Publicity Secretary P Chuba Ozukum informed through ‘An Appeal’ declared that the rally is being organized to coincide with the next round of Indo-Naga political Dialogue at Dimapur on July 31. It was informed that the rally was being initiated along with Naga Council, Naga Women Hoho, Western Sumi Hoho and Dimapur Naga students’ Union.
“The Rally is being organized to appeal the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) to expedite the political negotiation and to bring peaceful solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political problem without further procrastination” the Naga Hoho informed and at the same time requested all the citizens of the state to attend the rally.
‘Renew search for peaceful answer’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JULY 29 (MExN): The Naga Solidarity Group today asked the Government of India and its leaders to “revisit the primary rationale of why it agreed to have a ceasefire and political negotiations with the Nagas” at this time when the ceasefire extension with the NSCN (I-M) is being considered.
“All parties – the Government of India and Naga national groups - are urged to renew their commitment to finding a peaceful solution addressing the question of Naga people’s sovereignty which can go forward by extending the ceasefire agreement.”
A press statement said “the Government’s policy of using the ceasefire ‘period as containment’ strengthens the growing opinion that solutions cannot be found through peaceful negotiations. “The international community questions whether government leadership is sincere in its endeavors to form a lasting solution that will fully address the oldest political conflict in the region.”
The Naga solidarity group pointed out that: “Sadly, now ten years after the ceasefire was declared, the Indian Government’s commitment to finding a political solution seems to be waning. The opportunity for the government of India and Nagas to address the question of Naga sovereignty remains within reach. The continued delay and absence of willingness on the part of the Indian government to find a peaceful solution with the Nagas has only been a setback to the international community’s belief that India is an emerging democratic superpower.”
The Naga Solidarity Group proposes the following points:

• The agreement to have unconditional talks held at the Prime Minister’s highest level and in a third country must be respected and implemented in letter and in spirit.
• The scope of the political negotiations must be broadened to allow international observers and civil society observers - both Indians and Nagas alike.
• The agenda of the negotiations must be on specific issues; and solutions to those issues must be arrived at within a stipulated time frame. Each solution must be implemented to strengthen trust and confidence-building thereby stabilizing the peace process.
FGN clarifies on Phek firing The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, July 29 (MExN): The Leacy of Chakhesang Region, K. Achosa Rhakho, clarified the firing incident between NSCN (IM) and FGN on July 25 and 26, saying that it had not been a violation of the six months ceasefire among the factions declared by the GB and DB Federation. It justified that the incident had actually been in support of the declaration by citing the notification issued by the government of India that all the NSCN (IMO personnel should go back to their designated camps before June 30. As against this notification the NSCN (IM) had not moved to designated camp and neither heeded the appeal of the GB and DB in consonant with the Indian government’s order for the same.
Moreover the government and the public of Phek town had also vehemently requested the personnel to move away from town yet the NSC (IM) had been more adamant and refuse to leave Phek town, it stated.
The press communiqué further stated that the NSCN (IM) had entered Phek town in the name of peace but with a clear and different motive, and the firing incident, was reminder that they should move out from the populous place so as to avoid any possible dire consequences. Saying that invasion to other’s territory was not a peace move, the FGN of Phek region added that they wanted to honour the declaration of DBs and GB Federation’s six months cease fire.
The June 25 incident, however, it said was a remainder to NSCN (IM) that lingering or delay to move out would invite eventual actions as the FGN would not remain dormant any longer.
“Security coverage is extended to all colonies but the more security is provided the public feel more insecure”, continued the FGN, adding that peace and tranquility are the medicine which heals the trauma of the horrible pasts. The FGN further reaffirmed that every Nagas wanted peace and only peace as it was the need of the day. Therefore, it advised that the warring personnel should go back to their designated camps before occurrence of unwanted incident.
In another press release the Regional secretary of Chakhesang Region Council NNC, Rukulhu Phuswuo sought to clarify the stand of the NNC that the principle of the Naga National Council is non-violence. It highlighted the memorandum submitted to the British Simon Commission on January 10, 1929 which declared that the Nagas would no longer exist under the bondage of India.
It stated “from then onward, the Nagas proclaimed that we are not Indians our cultural heritages, food and drinks, facial appearances, etc. are by and large quite different. We declared our Naga Independence Day on 14th August 1947 and made known to all other nations that Nagas are no longer under the control of Indian. Accordingly, Plebiscite was made on 16th May 1951 to mark the Nagas Sovereignty.”
The Regional secretary stated that from the very beginning till date Nagas are not been living under the rule of any Kingdom and would never be so, “because Sovereignty is our birth right.” However they added with the advent of India Army and its rule over Naga Country, the Sovereignty of Nagas had been disturbed till today. The fact and the stand of NCC, it reaffirmed was that they were not asking to for Independence but for India to withdraw its army from its country. They continued that attaining Sovereignty is the pledge of all Naga citizens handing it down till today was the aim of NNC which would never be violated.
In and outs of PNSD- Nagaland Post
In recent months we have read lot of news regarding the British Parliamentarians for National Self Determination (PNSD), which was has made media headlines in our local media. Yet we are at lost to the nature and power of this group (PNSD.) who came into being in 2006. We have not been informed by Timothy Kaping to the nature and effectiveness of PNSD. Therefore I would like to share with one and all of my finding.
PNSD comes under the title of "All-party groups" (APG) which are regarded as relatively informal compared with other cross-party bodies such as select committees of the House. The membership of all-party groups mainly comprises backbench Members of the House of Commons and Lords but may also include ministers and non-parliamentarians. Groups flourish and wane according to the interests and enthusiasm of Members.
Groups are classified either as subject groups (relating to a particular topic e.g. forestry) or country groups (relating to a particular country or region). Most country groups are affiliated to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's United Kingdom Branch and/or the Inter-Parliamentary Union's British Group. The research shows that there are Parliamentary Groups whose purpose ranges from Aids to Youth Hostels. Interlinked with over 50 countries across the globe and there are 500 such groups.
On 17 December 1985 a Register was set up in accordance with a Resolution made by the British House of Commons on 17 December 1985 and its main purpose is to record which all-party groups are recognized by the House; who their officers are; and what assistance groups receive from outside Parliament. Registration is compulsory for any group that includes Members of the Commons from more than one party and has at least one officer who is from the Commons. To be recognized the group must have Chairman, vice chairman and twenty party members and must be accountable to the registrar. The recognized groups or as is commonly known as On Approved List; AII Party Parliamentary Subject Group. If the Group is on the approved list then they had benefits which were not given to the Groups which were not on the approved list.
However the Approved groups on the list have to be accountable and have to show in detail the minutes of meeting and expense accrued. This however is not so for any group which comes under the heading Not on Approved List; Subject Group, such as the PSND, who only have chairman (Lord Ahmed)and vice chair(Elfyn Llwyd), there are no other Member of Parliament in the group. Unlike the ones who are On the Approved list. This does not stop the Chairman from inviting other Member of the Parliament to their meeting. However this does not mean that those invited approve or disapprove of who or what IS said at the meetings.
Is the voice of these Groups heard by the Government and the British people?
As no group is heard by the British people at large thus one cannot say that they have the support of the British pubic par se. Nor can it be taken that the British Government approves of or consents to what is said in those meetings. Few MPs who attend do not represent the British people or the British Government. They come in to those meeting as individual Members of the parliament. Thus such groups have "no formal responsibilities."
We could say it like this that if the a Sema village council invites a Britisher to speak at its meeting, then can the Britisher say that the Sema tribe and the Naga people are on his side? Or for that matter the Naga Hoho approves and validates that person agenda?
If two villagers hold a meeting with an outsider, then can it be said that the outsider has the approval of the village council? Also can the outsider say that the people of the village sides with them and agrees with them? What power does PNSD have with the British Public or the British Parliament?
PNSD has no influence with the public or with the British Parliament; (PNSD) Parliament members are only two in number. Also there are Members of Parliament who supports Parliamentary groups who have interest in welfare of dogs. The British Public and the Government does not care if PNSD Chairman invited all the barking dogs in England to the meeting. As, for example, with PNSD, it did not come in to being via the command of the Parliament nor by the order of the Government, nor was Lord Ahmed was commanded or ordered by the Parliament or the Government. As all these groups are self made that is to say that neither the Parliament nor the Government has ordered or appointed such groups but Groups flourish and wane according to the interests and enthusiasm of Members. As they do not differ much from the Lions or rotary club, for they exit for general interest of its members, who want to do some good.
Vikishe Sema Source- British High Commission, House of Commons, UK Parliament, House of Lords.
Naga peace talks on July 31 at Dimapur Nagalim.uk
Dimapur, July 29: The next round of Naga peace talks, which would focus mainly on the extension of ceasefire beyond July 31 would be held on July 31 in Dimapur.
According to reliable sources, the representatives of the Government of India, including India's interlocutor, K Padmanabhiah, Union Labour Minister, Oscar Fernandes, Special Secretary, Home and others would be arriving Dimapur on July 31 for the talks.

Sources, however, said that the venue of the talks has not been decided yet. It might take place at Circuit House, Dimapur or at Chumukedima Police Complex, sources said adding, it depends on the Government of India.

It may be mentioned here that the 6th Naga Consultative meet was held on July 27 last, where thousands of Nagas representing mass based civil organizations aired their views and favoured further extension of ceasefire on the condition that Government of India should show sincerity and take guarantee to bring about an "acceptable and honourable" solution to the vexed Indo-Naga problem at the earliest.
According to sources, the NSCN (IM) Collective Leadership would be meeting the Central leaders basing on the decision made by the Naga leaders in the consultative meeting, where they would finally take decision whether to extend the ceasefire or not.

Public Rally Coinciding with the next Indo-Naga political Dialogue at Dimapur on July 31, a peaceful public Rally would be organized by Naga Hoho in association with Naga Council, Naga Women Hoho, Western Sumi Hoho and Dimapur Naga students' Union, at Dimapur on July 31 from 9.30 a.m. onwards.

The Rally is being organized to appeal the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) to expedite the political negotiation and to bring peaceful solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political problem without further procrastination. The Naga Hoho has requested all fellow citizens under the banner of various Organizations to kindly attend the Rally in the interest of Naga people.

NSCN (K) opts out of Naga peace process Sentinel
DIMAPUR, July 29: The NSCN (K) has walked out of the Naga peace process while its rival faction NSCN (IM) remains determined to continue with the negotiations despite several ‘hurdles’.
This was announced by NSCN (IM) leaders Isak Sishi Swu and Th Muviah at the “Sixth Naga Consultative Meet” of the Naga leaders in the fortified Camp Hebron.
The ceasefire terms end on July 31 and on that day the NSCN (IM) would formally announce the extension after the next round of talk with the Centre’s representatives, said a NSCN (IM) source at the Camp Hebron.
Meanwhile, the NSCN (K) rejected the whole process, saying the NSCN (IM) were not the true representatives of the entire Naga community and it represented a section only.
Notably, the local media had also cold-shouldered the whole peace talk process so far. “It is a plan by the NSCN (IM) to show to the Centre that the Nagas are united,” a statement issued by NSCN (K) said.
The Camp Hebron witnessed the consultative meeting where various speakers seeking extension of ceasefire expressed serious displeasure at the lack of substantial progress in the peace process towards the greater Nagalim.
With the Naga people demanding transparency in the peace talks, NSCN (I-M) organized the ‘sixth Naga consultative meet’ at its headquarters, about 40 km South of Dimapur, where hundreds of people representing various tribal councils, women groups, civil society organizations and churches participated in the deliberation before the ensuing peace talks.
The centre-NSCN (I-M) truce had completed ten years and during this period over 50 rounds of formal and informal peace parleys were held between the two sides both in India and abroad. The NSCN (IM)’s deputy minister for information and publicity, Alezo Chakhesang said different Naga organizations wanted Delhi’s guarantee for “an acceptable and honourable” solution before taking any decision on extending the ceasefire.
“The Naga NGOs are not happy with the way the Centre has handled the Naga issue over the past 10 years,” he added.
Further, if the ceasefire was extended, it should cover all Naga-inhabited areas, including those in Manipur, Asom and Arunachal Pradesh, he stated.
Over 5,000 delegates, representing the tribal Ho Hos (apex tribal councils), village chiefs, churches from Naga-inhabited areas in Myanmar, Manipur, Asom and Arunachal Pradesh attended the meeting.
Earlier, addressing the meeting, NSCN (I-M) president Isak Chisi Swu said the meeting had been organized to seek the people’s mandate on whether or not to extend the ceasefire.
But the NSCN (K) did not think so. “NSCN-K understands the desire of the people for peace among the Nagas and would have attended the meeting and deliberated upon wide-ranging issues, if it had been invited and the venue was Kohima instead of Dimapur,” Akato Chophi, a senior NSCN-K functionary said.
The NSCN-K said any move to foster understanding and subsequent peace pacts among different rebel factions by the forum or any organization should be done at a “neutral place” like Kohima, Zunheboto or Mokokchung and be backed by all groups, irrespective of factions or tribal and church affiliations.
“The GOI representatives should be well aware that NSCN (IM) alone does not and will never represent the wishes and aspirations of the entire Naga populace but the issue is far beyond the proportion that Nagas aspire,” it said.
“The real issue is of sovereignty and nothing else. Nagas are known throughout as a friendly, amiable, hospitable and peace-loving people and the NGOs should revive the age-old tradition of the Nagas rather than selling off the issue for monetary gains,” it added. (UNI)
Taking Ownership The Morung Express Editorial
Indigenous peoples make up 5% of the world’s population, occupy over 20% of the earth’s landmass, and pursue self-determination, which includes sovereignty, in all 73 countries in which they dwell. At a time when instead of widening choices, globalism is forcing the multitude of cultures into a monoculture of shallowness which has created more inequality; and unfortunately it’s the indigenous people that has been affected the most. While the challenge is not so much the changes that are taking place, the greater challenge for indigenous people is the pace in which the changes are occurring.
To ensure that indigenous people are not overwhelmed by the pace in which change is taking place, it is necessary for them to begin taking ownership over their lives and the various facets required in their hope to lead dignified lives. Taking ownership does not however mean other people deciding policies while indigenous people participate in the activities of their choosing. In actuality, taking ownership implies people taking effective roles in decision making processes and evolving concrete stages of implementation.
In essence the process of ownership begins with the power of imagination. Imagination has direct effect on decision-making and is critical in strengthening the understanding needed for making decisions that not only takes into account needs of the present, but also future generations. It demands not losing indigenous knowledge, ethical values, ways of thinking and knowing the collective will of the people. Eventually, ownership comes with the consciousness of oneness with fellow human beings, the universe and all its powers and that the center is within each individual embarking on that journey of self-realization.
Imagination is the depth of wisdom that concerns nourishing the dynamics of the soul, spirit, nature and nation, which creates opportunities to address underlying issues of human tribulations. It is the power of imagination that allows the human spirit to weave together the various aspects of creation into wholeness. Imagination therefore resonates with the art of provoking, exhilarating and challenging the profoundness and predicaments that life offers to human reasoning.
Nagas, as indigenous people are in a place of predicament; and undoubtedly their depth of wisdom and imagination is now at test. The astuteness in which they decide to address the question and purpose of their existence will define their maturity and spirituality as a people. It will reveal their ability to see reason and build hope. Eventually, at its heart, taking ownership entails a journey about human imagination and the power to discern what seems impossible by stretching the moment of opportunity; in rising to the challenge of creating new possibilities to collective shape and reshape the world. It offers a place of both challenge and opportunity and demands the will of the people to take courage and creativity. Nonetheless, it is an opportunity that Nagas must not let it pass by!
Delimitation Rumblings Source: IMPHAL FREE PRESS

The delimitation question is once again poised to rattle the state. While various political parties independently as well as a collectivity at the initiative of the government, have agreed upon the non-feasibility of delimiting Assembly constituencies as per the controversial upswing in the population in some non-urban pockets of certain hill districts, pressure groups, most notably the All Naga Students Students Association Manipur, ANSAM and the Kuki Students Organisation, KSO are preparing to campaign for the redrawing of constituency map to be given affect unconditionally. The contentious part of the whole matter is, three general valley constituencies would come to be amalgamated to reserved hill constituencies. Under normal circumstances, regardless of all the challenges to the census papers (mostly made on the basis of circumstantial evidences that they do not reflect reality), the delimitation should have been given the green signal without too much ado. After all, the democratic exercise in the end is about a headcount, making numbers the deciding factors on who gets what share of the state’s power structure.
But the question is not so simple. This is so precisely because there is no homogeneity of the status of constituencies or voters in the state, 19 being reserved for schedule tribes, one for schedule caste and the rest 40 being general constituencies. The delimitation exercise in the current context hence would necessarily result in the reserving of constituencies which were till date open to all contestants and voters. A lot many voters would thereby end up disenfranchised and this is taboo for democracy. There is no way the Indian constitution can give assent to this, therefore even under the unlikely circumstance of the government agreeing to have the delimitation out of political considerations, we can predict that the courts of law would strike the decision down in view of its likely undemocratic fallouts. And there can be no doubt there would be legal challenges to any such moves. If the delimitation were to be within the general seats only, there probably would not have been so much to discuss. To a lesser extent, the same probably would have been the case were the delimitation to be only amongst the reserved seats, but the qualification in the second scenario would be, it would still be difficult to cross the physically unmarked but very zealously defended tribe and village boundaries. The fact that Nagaland is also vehemently opposing the delimitation exercise and calling for a status quo, should be enough testimony. So then, until such a time as all the constituencies in the state become homogenous, it would be difficult, if not impossible to either de-reserve reserved seats or reserve general seats.
There is however a way to get over at least the legal part of the problem. The rest is up to the people to agree to imbibe the liberal ethos and see the democracy process as transcending ethnic boundaries. Let the delimitation exercise have its way and let the three new constituencies be demarcated. However, if the shifts in the constituency boundaries result in the incorporation of general voters (which all three constituencies we are informed would), these constituencies must remain open for all candidates to contest and all voters to vote. These will be in a sense similar to the mixed constituencies in the valley districts, especially the Imphal area. Even if these constituencies were to remain the predominant domains of certain communities by virtue of their numbers, candidates to represent them under the new circumstance simply would not be able to ignore the interests of other communities, for winning or losing would come to depend heavily on how they manage not to hurt voters of these community. Such an arrangement would in fact be good for the health of inter-community relationships if taken in good spirit. The rider however is, it can also have very adverse fallouts such as witnessed in the Bodoland Autonomous Council and other illiberal political environments, most notably the former Yugoslavia, where the contests for democratic powers have actually resulted in bloody ethnic cleansings so that one or the other community would be able to claim majority status. The hills of Manipur are not totally unfamiliar to this story.

Frans on 07.30.07 @ 03:22 PM CST [link]

Sunday, July 29th

Naga leaders set conditions for extension of ceasefire Sushanta Talukdar The Hindu

Naga leaders set conditions for extension of ceasefire Sushanta Talukdar The Hindu
— Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar

Vital talks: NSCN (I-M) president Isak Chishi Swu arrives for the People’s Consultative Meeting in Hebron, 40 km from Dimapur, on Friday.
Hebron: Leaders of Naga civil society groups on Friday urged the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) not to agree to an extension of the ceasefire if the Centre did not show commitment and come out with concrete solutions during the next round of peace talks.
The talks, scheduled for July 30-31, are to be held at Dimapur. The ceasefire will expire on July 31. This is the first time that the talks between the Centre and the NSCN (I-M), which have been going on for 10 years, will be held in Nagaland.
Speaking at the sixth Naga People’s Consultative Meeting held at the fortified Council Headquarters here, civil society leaders expressed the view that there was no point in extending the ceasefire if New Delhi failed to show commitment. Also, if the ceasefire was extended, it should cover all Naga-inhabited areas, including in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Over 5,000 delegates, representing the tribal Hohos (apex tribal councils), village chiefs, churches from Naga-inhabited areas in Myanmar, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, attended the crucial meeting. Members of the self-styled “Naga army” in battle fatigues thoroughly searched and frisked the delegates before allowing them inside the meeting venue, about 40 km from Dimapur.
Earlier, addressing the meeting, NSCN (I-M) president Isak Chisi Swu said the meeting had been organised to seek the people’s mandate on whether or not to extend the ceasefire. Both Mr. Swu and Mr. Muivah spoke in a mix of Nagamese and English.
Briefing the delegates on the talks with Delhi, Mr. Muivah, who is the “Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim,” the parallel government run by the NSCN (I-M), said though the Centre had admitted to the “uniqueness of the Naga history and Naga rights, after patient persuasion by the NSCN (I-M) over the past 10 years, the hardliners in Delhi are still trying to talk about finding a solution within the framework of the Indian Constitution, which can never be acceptable to us.”
Consultative meet approves another round of ceasefire: NSCN The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, July 28: Most Nagas in the 6th Naga people`s consultative meeting held recently at the NSCN(IM)`s headquarters at Hebron, Dimapur, have backed giving a further chance to a peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue by going for a further round of ceasefire with India, a release of the NSCN(IM) said.

The participants however addea a rider that the ceasefire should be more meaningful and specific, the NSCN(IM) statement said.

The anxiety of the Naga People in deciding the fate of the Indo-Naga Ceasefire that has touched 10 years without anything worth showing was visibly demonstrated at during the meet, where thousands from every nook and corner of Naga inhibited areas, including Somra of Myanmar turn up to listen and to speak on the Naga ceasefire with India.

According to the MIP, GPRN statement, at the consultative meet, NSCN general secretary Muivah stressed that "we need to understand each other, because this is not the time to make mistake". He also said that when we understand the position of our adversaries there is nothing to fear. He made it very clear that India has well understood the Naga`s historical issue and Nagas have also understood India`s position, but Nagas can still go on to make things very clear if India fails to follow.

Recollecting his talk to Padmanabhaiah, India`s interlocutor, Muivah informed the gathering that he had made it clear to him that unless India respects the history of the Nagas there`ll be no meeting point. Padmanabhaiah responded that he`ll respect Naga history because he is convinced of Nagas` right. And that was the way Muivah convinced him to come to Kohima for the next round of Indo-Naga talk to demonstrate his respect for Naga`s sentiment, the statement said

On the ceasefire, NSCN as people`s mandated movement has made it very clear to India that unless we take people along there will be no solution and the Naga people will have to give their voice on the fate of ceasefire that ends on 31st July, 2007, it further said.

When the consultation was set in motion there was every indication that Naga would continue to approach solution through the peaceful means, and therefore, prefer extension of ceasefire. But to make a difference from the earlier 10 years of ceasefire the time round they wanted the ceasefire to be more specific. Many expressed regret that India has not been as sincere as the Nagas who have been bearing the 10 years of ceasefire with patient and sincerity. Certain sections of the Naga were critical enough to suggest the futility of another ceasefire, the statement said.

Without shying away from speaking of the emotional crisis in their respective areas the Nagas of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh observed thast ceasefire did not cover these areas, but still they want to go for another ceasefire. There is no single Naga civil society that failed to express their solidarity in making such crucial decision on ceasefire, the statement said. Besides Naga Hoho, UNC, Naga Mothers` Association, Naga Students` Federation and Naga People Movement for Human Right, all Naga civil societies showed their face, and the general direction of the meeting was giving further chance for peaceful Naga solution by going for another round of ceasefire, the statement.

SELF-DETERMINATION OF NAGALIM The Tangkhul
It was Lord Nazir Ahmed who proposed a support statement in relation to the historic 1997 Indo-Naga peace process inside the British Houses of Parliament on 25 July 2007 and, after a brief commotion following a competition among the members present to second the proposal, the PNSD unanimously adopted it. The PNSD Secretariat sent the do*ent to the Indian government the next day through its embassy in London. Besides requesting India and the NSCN to extend the current ceasefire and take forward the political talks, the statement also appreciated the Indian and Naga leaders for resorting to dialogue to settle their decades old conflict amicably.

It is good to know that a certain Mr Vizosielhou Nagi has expressed his personal gratitude to the British Parliamentarians for National Self Determination (PNSD) for officially recognizing the God-given right of the Naga people to self-determination.

The main purpose of the UN is to “develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace”. The principle of self-determination expresses the entitlement of each nation to its own nation state. Article 1 of the UN Charter states that “all peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development”, and that every UN member “shall promote the realization of the right of self-determination, and shall respect that right”.

Israel was formed under the right to self-determination as per the UN Charter, and still rightly gives this principle in its defence against anti-Zionist criticisms that argue that Israel is not a legitimate state within the international community. The people of Kosovo are currently trying to seek sovereignty from the
Serbs on the grounds of self-determination. Also, the Kashmiris, Sikhs, Palestinians, Kurds, etc. are presently struggling to get full sovereignty on the unshakable belief to their right to self-determination. Hence, other than exposing their pitiful lack of knowledge, some persons are wrongly saying that Nagas want sovereignty and not self-determination.

The Naga Support Group (UK) has received messages of appreciation for its fruitful interaction with the PNSD. Unfortunately, we are also seeing that some elements are showing their frustration over the formation of the PNSD and its support to Kashmir, Khalistan, Nagalim, etc. The fact that the PNSD has received such unfriendly reactions from India and its agents is unfortunate; for the diatribe comes despite the fact that the PNSD represents stateless nations such as Kosovo, Kurdistan, Palestine, etc. Nonetheless, the PNSD will always give each of these subjugated nations a voice and common platform to take their plight to the British Parliament and far beyond.

KUKNALIM (Victory to Nagalim)
Professor Timothy Kaping, President, Naga Support Group (UK)

India cosies up to Burma to suppress Naga movement Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
July 20, 2007 - India and Burma cosying up in a bilateral relationship has had an adverse impact on the Naga movement for self-determination, a Naga human rights group said on Thursday.
Speaking to Mizzima on the sidelines of a conference held in New Delhi, Dr. N. Venuh, Secretary General of the Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights, said increasing Indo-Burmese bilateral relationship has had a negative impact on the Naga's movement for autonomy and self determination.
"This is India's policy. They want to suppress the [Naga] movement. That's why it has forged a relationship with the Burmese junta," Dr. Venuh said.
Venuh said India's policy of building bridges with the military rulers of Burma is part of its strategic plan to crush movements in northeast India states.
Besides bilateral trade, India and Burma, in recent years, have stepped up military cooperation with India supplying military hardware and providing technical expertise.
In exchange for armament, India has demanded Burma flush out Indian insurgents operating from northwestern Burma.
On Monday, Amnesty International said India plans to supply Burma Advanced Light Helicopters, which is made up of components from European Union member countries. AI said India's plan threaten the EU's arms embargo on the military ruled Southeast Asian country.
However, Venuh said, the Naga movement, encompassing Nagas living in northwestern Burma, will continue a step at a time.
"We are one, so once we achieve this side [the Indian side] we are not going to leave them [Nagas in Burma] to fend for themselves," said Venuh. However, he admitted that there are difficulties in launching a movement under military rule and that has to come phase by phase.
Nagas, an ethnic minorities living both in Burma and India have long struggled to create an independent state that will include parts of India and Burma . The move for independence has been led by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, which waged an armed insurgency.
However, in the late 1980s the NSCN split into two factions, with the Isak-Muivah led NSCN leading the struggle in India and Khaplang led NSCN leading it in Burma.
In August 1997, the NSCN I-M entered into a ceasefire agreement with the government of India and launched a peace process to end India's longest running insurgency.
With the decade long ceasefire agreement expiring this month, Naga civil society groups are concerned over the prospects between the outfit and government of India.
Speaking at the "Convention on Indo-Naga Political Dialogue", held in New Delhi, Naga civil societies voiced their concerns and agreed to have a more sustainable and cohesive networking and enlarging a pressure group for progress in Indo-Naga peace talks.
Meanwhile, the NSCN in a statement issued on Thursday asserted its opposition to any idea, programme, policy or ideology which leads to disintegration of the Naga homeland in any way, whether as a 'union territory' or a separate state.
It states, "…all Nagas are totally against all artificial boundaries including the so-called international boundaries between Myanmar [Burma ] and India."
Nagaland on a high OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
New Delhi, July 26: The Centre today approved introduction of helicopter services in Nagaland to facilitate faster movement of people in the northeastern state.
A decision to this effect was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Information and broadcasting minister Priya Ranjan Das Munshi said the home ministry would bear two third of the actual cost of operation of the chopper service and the rest would be met by Kohima. He said the overall ceiling of flying hours for the proposed service would be fixed at 40 hours per month.

Frans on 07.29.07 @ 06:47 PM CST [link]

Saturday, July 28th

NSCN-IM rider to ceasefire - Outfit demands Delhi’s commitment OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

NSCN-IM rider to ceasefire - Outfit demands Delhi’s commitment OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Muivah and Swu at Camp Hebron on Friday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Kohima, July 27: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) today said the ceasefire could be extended after July 31 “only if the Centre promises an early solution to the Naga problem”.
After the outfit’s sixth consultative committee meeting at Camp Hebron near Dimapur, its deputy minister for information and publicity, Alezo Chakhesang, said different Naga organisations wanted Delhi’s guarantee for “an acceptable and honourable” solution before taking any decision on extending the ceasefire.
“The Naga NGOs are not happy with the way the Centre has handled the Naga issue over the past 10 years.”
Several Naga leaders have also reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the Centre’s “delaying tactics”. “According to them, the ceasefire extension must be based on certain conditions,” Chakhesang said this evening.
A clear picture will emerge after meetings with the Centre, he said. Delhi’s representatives for the Naga peace talks are scheduled to hold parleys with the NSCN (I-M) leadership in Dimapur on July 30 and 31. Chakhesang, however, was optimistic about a solution after today’s “fruitful” meeting which was attended by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah.
The rival Khaplang faction today rejected a ceasefire for rebel factions framed by gaonburhas (village chiefs) in its current form.
“It is a plan by the NSCN (I-M) to show to the Centre that the Nagas are united,” a statement issued by the outfit said.
It said the five-point ceasefire resolution adopted by the Joint Forum of Nagaland Gaonburhas’ Federation and Nagaland Dobhashis’ (interpreters) Association sent to its leaders, was not the original document as it was signed by a senior NSCN (I-M) functionary. The outfit said no formal invitation was received by their leaders to attend the meeting.
NSCN (IM) speaks on consultative meet The Morung Express

Dimapur, July 28 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today asserted that it is futile for the cease-fire to continue if the government of India has to treat the Nagas in the manner it has treated in the past 10 years of ceasefire. An MIP press statement, in this regard, asked the Indian government either to pursue with more dedication. “In short the conclusive message of the Nagas to the Government of India was to treat with times specific and result oriented mission or just leave the matter to the Nagas.” The sixth consultative meeting of the NSCN (IM) with the Naga public was held at July 27, at Hebron which was attended by a cross section of people from the sates of Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
‘Nagas, stop killing each other’

DIMAPUR, JULY 28 (MExN): The Naga Solidarity Group has congratulated “all Naga national groups for coming to the table and forming the unprecedented truce pact.” A statement issued today said: “All groups have suffered losses and are to be commended for working jointly toward a future that will benefit all Nagas and strengthen their goal for attaining freedom.” As many as 31 foreign nationals from 22 countries appended their signatures in the statement that fervently pleaded the Nagas to stop killing each other “if the Indian state is to seriously consider recognizing the Naga people’s right to sovereignty.” On keeping with the groups coming together to form the historic truce, the statement focused on the need for all Naga people to be allowed to participate and air their political views in a public forums. To the different armed groups, the Naga Solidarity Group advises: “Taking the step of making this truce pact while courageous, will be challenging in terms of fully honoring the ceasefire as seen in the recent clash in Phek town. Advising the members of all the groups of the truce's rules of engagement is absolutely imperative, as well as exercising political and military constraint to reduce the possibility of any further violence from taking place.”
Assam Zeliangrong submit rep to NSCN-IM The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 28 (MExN): In the 6th consultative meeting of the NSCN-IM at Camp Hebron yesterday, July 27, delegates representing Zeliangrong Nagas of Assam submitted a representation to the organization. In it were various points of which the NSCN-IM assured to attend to.
A note issued by H Marshall Newmai general secretary of the Zeliangrong Council Assam highlighted the following points that were submitted:
• Hundred percent cooperation and support to the ongoing Indo-Naga 60th round of political talks.
• The ceasefire between the government of India and the NSCN-IM should effect in sub-monitoring cell and one be opened at Asalu block of GPRN, the first Naga Hills headquarter, to avoid human rights violation from the underground and Indian military.
• “Allocation of Tatar seat” for Naga areas in NC Hills, Assam and to upgrade the Zeliangrong region to a “brigade.”
• Zeliangrong literature of Zeme is recognized “since time immemorial by the government” but the GPRN calendar 2007 printed and published “J” in place of “Z.”
“Collective leadership warmly welcomed the Assam Zeliangrong delegates to their secretariat and assured to attend all the points of representation and assured the insecurity and (victimization) by the political party to the Zeliangrong community shall be taken into account” the note stated. The NSCN-IM had yesterday held its 6th ‘Naga people’s’ consultative meet at its HQ where civil society was also informed to have attended.
‘Naga people need to understand together’
Posted on Friday, July 27 @ 23:20:38 UTC by administrator DIMAPUR, July 27:: The NSCN-IM held its 6th ‘Naga people’s’ consultative meet at Camp Hebron today where the ‘general tone was that another round of ceasefire be had.

’ An MIP note asserted that “thousands from every nook and corner of Naga inhibited areas, including Somra of Myanmar turned up to listen and to speak on the Naga Ceasefire with India.”

“The anxiety of the Naga people in deciding the fate of the Indo-Naga Ceasefire that has touch ten years without anything worth to show of was visible demonstrated at Council Headquarters, Hebron. Significantly, anybody who matters in the social set up of Nagas turn up to make the day that carries the Naga people’s mandate” an MIP note from the NSCN-IM stated.

According to the MIP note, NSCN-IM general secretary Th. Muivah Muivah reminded that “we need to understand each other, because this is not the time to make mistake…when we understand the position of our adversaries there is nothing to fear.” He made it clear that India has ‘well-understood’ the Nagas’ historical issue while the Nagas “have also understood India’s position, but Nagas can still go on to make things very clear if India fail to follow.”

The note further stated that recollecting his talk to Padmanabhaiah, India’s interlocutor, Muivah reminded that unless India respects the history of the Nagas, there’ll be no meeting point. “And Padmanabhaiah responded that he’ll respect Naga history because he is convinced of Nagas’ right” the MIP quoted adding that this “was the way Muivah convinced him to come to Kohima for the next round of Indo-Naga talk to demonstrate his respect for Nagas’ sentiment.”

On the Ceasefire, the NSCN-IM as a “people’s mandated movement” make things very clear to India that unless the people are taken along, the MIP stated, there will be no solution. Then the Naga people will have to give voice on the fate of the ceasefire that ends on July 31, the NSCN-IM stated.
‘There is no single Naga civil society that failed to express solidarity in making such crucial decision as on ceasefires’ the NSCN-IM observed adding that the ‘general tone of the meeting was to go for another round of ceasefire’
Besides the Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers’ Association, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Right and the UNC, all “Naga civil societies” attended, it informed.
(Morung Express News)NSCN-K clears air on ceasefire pact The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 28 (MExN): The NSCN-K today issued another statement justifying its stand on the GB/DBs’ ceasefire initiative and the subsequent declaration of ceasefire between all warring Naga underground groups. According to the NSCN-K MIP, the NSCN-IM had been searching for an entity to broker a peace between the factions. “At last” the GB federation was entrusted to do the same, later to involve the DBs as well. The GB/DBs then brought the five-point resolutions and met the NSCN-K leaders on June 26. The forum was assured acceptance of the resolutions in principle. However, on their visit to Mon to meet the NSCN-K in Mon July 11, a separate draft of paper signed by Samson Jajo was produced. The NSCN-K rejected, the MIP stated. However, “for the sake of peace” a written acceptance of the five-point resolution was issued to the GB/DBs, it added.
“From that point of time, the GPRN/NSCN leaders began doubting the integrity and sincerity of the leaders of GBs and DBs; the GBs and DBs are not NGOs; they are state government agents and servants” the MIP asserted. However “in the interest of peace” the NSCN-K made a commitment to the forum hoping that it would maintain utmost sincerity and integrity in their dealings, the organization explained.
Further the NSCN-K explained that on July 24, it could not attend the meeting convened by the joint forum “because it was only announced through newspapers.” This, the NSCN-K stated, could not be trusted “fully.” It asserted that ‘formal written invitation letters should have been issued.’ It was also queried why the Naga Hoho, NSF, NMA, NPMHR etc were not invited and also that Nagaland state government bureaucrats and ceasefire monitoring chairman were invited. It also queried how the meeting could be convened in the Deputy Commissioner’s office. In regard to the July 25 Phek shootout, the NSCN-K asserted that it was the NSCN-IM cadres who fired first at the FGN cadres, “who retaliated mildly.” The NSCN-K further asserted that “every Naga” has understood that the NSCN-IM has dropped the demand for sovereignty and rather, the matter of integration has been taken up. This way, the NSCN-IM has forgotten the “Assam Nagas,” “Arunachal Nagas” and the “Eastern Nagas” the MIP stated. “Naga people should not be so weak to be fooled through the useless gimmicks of IK” it added.
Joint forum clarifies The joint forum of the GBs and DBs has expressed shock and dismay at the NSCN-K doubting the sincerity and integrity of the former. The forum of the Nagaland GBs’ Federation and the Nagaland DBs’ Association has, nonetheless, appealed to the factions to respect and maintain the written commitment to the five-point agreement.
The doubt expressed by the NSCN-K and the allegation that the joint forum’s initiative was a manipulation of the NSCN-IM is a surprise and dismay, a note from the GBs/DBs lamented. Clarification on several points raised was clarified.
The forum stated that the meeting place at Dimapur was decided by the forum basing on the accessibility and communication available and simultaneous with the inauguration of the forum’s central office at Dimapur. Nonetheless, the forum assured that the next joint meeting can be held anywhere in Nagaland as suggested, other than Dimapur. On the complaint raised over invitation, the forum clarified that no official invitation letter to any underground group was dispatched except through the local media.
The draft on the enforcement of inter-group ceasefire was drafted in the executive meeting July4 and the 5th and no third party was involved in the drafting, the forum stated. It was made neutral “that is how all the three groups had scrutinized the draft prepared by the joint forum and given their consent with separate acceptance respectively, basing on the five-point resolutions of the joint forum of June 6” it clarified. The forum has appealed to all the underground groups to respect and maintain their commitment. “That our interest is to create a peaceful atmosphere amongst the Nagas; therefore we felt it our (responsibility) to appeal to all groups to stop bloodshed amongst the Naga brethren” the forum explained.
Kuki Inpi states stance Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 27: Informing that the NSCN (IM) leaders have convened a meeting of Kuki chiefs of Nagaland State at Phaipijang village during which it is suspected that the Kuki chiefs may be coerced to accept the terms of NSCN (IM), the Kuki Inpi has stated there is no change in its stance not to accept any kind of agreement until and unless the Government of India settle the issue which resulted in the massacre of 900 Kukis, uprooting 360 villages and displacing 100,000 Kukis by NSCN (IM).

In a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister of India, it asserted that the Inpi covers the seven States of North East India and as such "not a single area (State) within the Kuki country can represent the whole areas (States) of Kuki Inpi".

Ignoring the pogrom launched by NSCN (IM) against Kukis will cause a possible outbreak of violence, it said while warning that the negotiators will be held fully responsible and the Government of India will be logically taken as the cause of the consequence, it Inpi urged the Union Government to first settle the Kuki problem for the sake of peace and social harmony.
Myanmar, Bangla turn blind eye to Delhi’s pleas The Morung Express
SHILLONG, July 28 (Agencies): Despite assurances, Bangladesh and Myanmar has not lived up to its promises and is shying away from taking action against NE militants sheltering on its soil.
Days after his surrender before the police here, HNLC Chairman, Julius Dorphang said in a press meet yesterday, that he has no information about military crackdown on NE militants based in Bangladesh.
Dorphang was in-charge of HNLC’s foreign affairs and was a linkman between various militant outfits of the region.
Intelligence sources here said that Bangladesh’s interim government had sent “positive signals to New Delhi” to crackdown on NE militants sheltering on its soil. But, despite these assurances, very little has translated on the ground. The sources added that the interim government was taking some action “against Islamic fundamentalists” based in that country. But when it came to taking action against NE militants, Dhaka has “turned a blind eye” towards New Delhi’s repeated plea and concerns, as in earlier occasions. The same is true with Myanmar. The military junta had been sending positive signals to New Delhi that action would be taken against Indian militants based on its soil.
The Assam Rifles (AR) had exuded confidence that ‘something concrete’ would materialise after its meeting together with Home Ministry officials with the military junta of Myanmar earlier this year. Director General of AR, Lt. Gen. P Singh, was part of that delegation, which visited Myanmar together with the Home Ministry officials. He then said in a press meet that things were “moving on the right track” and “something positive and concrete” would develop soon, when asked about military action against NE based militants sheltering in that nation. However, on Wednesday last, Singh said rather dejectedly in a press meet:
“what is preventing Myanmar from taking action against NE militants can’t be commented upon at this juncture,” adding, “even Pakistan says it won’t allow its soil to be misused, but, these are mere statements…in the end we can only hope to be optimistic.”
Helping Burma Becomes Democratic Should Be India's Long Term Policy Indo-Burma News
July 24, 2007: New Delhi, Since the World War II, Myanmar better known the world over as Burma, had never attracted so much international attention as now. Actually, there are reasons both global and local for this development. (Commentary)
The rise of China as a major global economic power and the unlocking of India's potential to grow as yet another global economic power are redefining international relationships in South and Southeast Asia. Myanmar is now viewed as a critical area of interest to China and India. It is of special interest to the U.S. which would like to check the over riding influence of China in this region while cruising on its journey to the status of a contending global power.
While China has developed close political, military and economic relations with Myanmar, India is in the process of following suite. A study of India-Myanmar and Sino-Myanmar relations offer some interesting aspects of how they are adopting the geo-strategic setting and political environment of the region to their advantage.
Geo-strategic reality Myanmar shares common borders with five countries: Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km, Laos 235 km, and Thailand 1,800 km. India dominates Myanmar's western borders, just as China dominates its northeastern borders.
Thailand borders the entire eastern part of Myanmar except for narrow strip that borders Laos. And this makes Myanmar a strategic land bridge linking South, and Southeast Asia.
As a littoral of the Indian Ocean, Myanmar's strategic value further increases. Its 1930 km long coastline dominates the eastern arch of the Bay of Bengal, leaning on to the Malacca Strait.
Thus Myanmar provides China the shortest land and sea access to South Asia, just as it provides convenient external land and sea communication options to India's landlocked northeastern states. Myanmar's ocean boundaries are barely 30 km from the Andaman Islands increasing its maritime security potentia. BOTh sides of the regions bordering Myanmar are mostly populated by ethnic communities with their own distinct ethnic, religious and linguistic identities from the rest of the countries. However, the majority Burmese population, who are Buddhists, lives in the fertile and more developed southern Myanmar with easier access from China. Thus the northern tribal regions of Myanmar have suffered neglect and remain under developed.
This has given rise to a sense of alienation among ethnic tribes, many of who had waged relentless wars for their independence. Notable among them are the Nagas, Kachins and Chins bordering India, Arakanese bordering Bangladesh, Lisus, Kachins and Shans bordering China, and the Shans and Karens bordering Thailand. Thus ethnic militancy has always affected Myanmar's democratic governance, destabilizing the country.
Most of Myanmar's mountain ranges and major river systems run north-south. This makes construction of road communication and movement from India's east to Myanmar against the grain of the country difficult. At the same time it facilitates easier movement from the Chinese border in the northeast, and provides for natural flow of traffic. The Chinese have used this favorable terrain configuration to build road from the Chinese border to Mandalay in the heart of Myanmar and onward to the coast. As Myanmar provides the shortest access from mainland China to India's eastern borders these developments have special strategic significance.
India's northeastern states bordering Myanmar are not as well developed as Yunnan province of China bordering Myanmar in the northeast. China has found it useful to link the development of Yunnan region jointly with Myanmar and Laos. Thus the two-way border trade and commerce is qualitatively and quantitatively better with China than with India.
India-Myanmar relationsIndia-Myanmar relations have a long history of substantive political, cultural, religious and social interaction. During the British colonial period Myanmar was administered as a part of British India till 1935.
Till the end of the Second World War, Indian traders, professionals and administrators had followed the British to work in Myanmar. The Indian freedom movement inspired the freedom struggle in Myanmar. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Aung San, who spearheaded the freedom struggle, had built close personal relationship between them.
After Burma became independent in 1948, the fledgling democracy led by Prime Minister U Nu sought the advice and counsel of Pandit Nehru on more than one occasion. They built a close rapport and the two countries benefited from this relationship.
However, Burma's democratic experience from 1948 to 62 was never a success. Political rivalry, factionalism, and corruption coupled with the ever growing ethnic and communist insurgencies made democratic rule ineffective. However, for the first decade and a half when democracy struggled to articulate itself, the Burma-India relationship drifted apart.
Gen Ne Win, the Burmese army chief, who seized power and ruled the country from 1962 to 88, was essentially a xenophobic leader. In the words of JN Dixit, India's former Foreign Secretary, Ne Win's rule was characterized by "correct but not close relations" between India and Burma.
However, India's reservations about the Myanmar military regime's violent suppression of the peoples' movement for democracy from 1988 onwards and the incarceration of Aung San Suu Kyi soured the relationship between 1989 and 1992. India also provided sanctuary and financial assistance to fleeing pro-democracy activists. In a marked departure from the past, India's Myanmar policy had been undergoing a radical change since 1992. The new policy focused purely on India's strategic and economic considerations based on pragmatic grounds. Myanmar bordered India's sensitive northeastern states. Myanmar's northern borders abutting China also constituted a tri junction of India's eastern border. It forms a strategic bridge between South Asia and South East Asia making it a vital area of influence for India's security. There had been a phenomenal growth in Chinese influence in Myanmar particularly after the western nations slapped a ban on sale of arms to Myanmar in 1989.
This was a matter of serious concern as it brought the threat from Chinese mainland nearer home to the northeast. Moreover, Myanmar's support was considered essential for curbing drug traffic, and Myanmar based insurgency threats to India's northeast.
Since then the successive Indian Government, have embarked upon building a broad based relationship with Myanmar touching upon defence, trade and commerce, energy sector, and developmental assistance and confidence building with the top level.
While Myanmar welcomed India's interest and expressed its readiness to cooperate with India on strategic issues and in increasing economic and technological cooperation in all spheres, the regime cautioned against Indian interference in its internal affairs relating to release of Aung San Suu Kyi and restoration of democracy.
The military junta reacted adversely when India conferred the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding to Aung San Suu Kyi in 1995. Though this clouded the relationship for a while, it made the military regime became suspicious of India ganging up with the West against the regime. As a result India has jettisoned its support for the democratic movement in Myanmar. It has progressively withdrawn the succor provided to the Myanmar leaders who had taken refuge in India.
India's policy considerations After liberalisation of Indian economy from 1992 onwards, India started looking at the lucrative markets of ASEAN region as part of the 'Look East Policy'. Following the admission of Myanmar as a member of the ASEAN in 1996 its importance in furthering India's trade with ASEAN increased.
Development of the seven Northeastern states has remained stagnant resulting in the alienation of sections of society and encouraging the growth of insurgency. Development of land and sea links for through Myanmar could end their isolation and wean them away from insurgency. Some of the insurgent groups like the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) and the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) operate from sanctuaries in Myanmar. Better relations and coordination with the regime in Myanmar could put an end to the operation of such insurgencies. Myanmar's abundant reserves of natural gas waiting to be exploited, could help India in meeting its ever increasing demand for energy resources as the economy keeps growing at a fast pace.
Growth of India-Myanmar relations In keeping with these considerations, India has been focusing on giving substance to India-Myanmar relationship with specific actions. There have been a number of high level visits between the leaders of the two countries. Sr Gen Than Shwe, Myanmar's head of state, visited India in October 2004.
President APJ Abdul Kalam visited Yangon in March 2006. Visits of ministers and chiefs of armed forces from both countries have also taken place. There had been regular meetings at the ministerial level to monitor the progress of various projects involving India in Myanmar.
To improve connectivity with Myanmar, India has taken up a number of road and port construction projects. India has constructed the 160-km Tamu-Kalewa-Kalemyo road in Myanmar from Manipur border. It is also assisting in the proposed trilateral highway project to connect Moreh in Manipur to Mae Sot in Thailand via Bagan in Myanmar.
India's Kaladan multi-modal transit transport facility is aimed at improving linkage between Indian ports on the eastern seaboard and Sittwe port in Myanmar. This would enable transportation by river transport and road to Mizoram providing an alternate route for transport of goods to northeast India. A proposal to build a rail link from Jiribaum in Assam to Hanoi in Vietnam through Myanmar is also on the cards. India is slowly becoming a regular supplier of arms to Myanmar, joining the ranks of China, Russia and Ukraine. Initially, India had supplied low tech arms and armaments, including 105 mm guns, T-55 tanks, light helicopters, transport planes, artillery ammunition and some naval craft.
However, there had been a progressive up gradation of these exports. All the three chiefs of India's armed forces have visited Myanmar for building better rapport. India's latest defence aid package includes counterinsurgency helicopters, avionics upgrades for Myanmar air force's Russian and Chinese-made fighter planes, and naval surveillance aircraft.
India's trade with Myanmar is growing at a fast clip. It is fourth largest trading partner with its investment reaching $35.08 million last year. In 2006-2007, India-Myanmar trade was estimated at $ 650 million falling short of the target of $ one billion. (In 2004-2005, China-Myanmar trade was $1.145 billion as against India's figure of $ 341.40 million in 2004-05.) India is taking steps such as extending airlines, land and sea routes to strengthen trade links with Myanmar. It is also cooperating with Myanmar in areas like agriculture, telecommunications, and oil and gas sectors etc. India's policy of building closer relations with the military regime in Myanmar has drawn flak both at home and abroad. This was considered a betrayal of India's ethos. During a recent visit to Myanmar on January 19, 2007, India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee made clear the country's "hands off" policy on the struggle for restoration of democracy going on in Myanmar. He said that India had to deal with governments "as they exist ... We are not interested in exporting our own ideology. We are a democracy and we would like democracy to flourish everywhere. But this is for every country to decide for itself."
Chinese influence China-Myanmar relations have a long history. Modern Myanmar's relations with China can be divided conveniently into four periods: 1949-1961 democratic rule, 1962-1988 Ne Win rule, and 1989-to date: Than Shwe rule.
In the period of democratic rule, the emerging China found a friendly regime in Burma under Prime Minister U Nu. Independent Burma was one of the first countries to recognise the Peoples Republic of China in December 1949. The two countries signed the first trade agreement in 1954 and a boundary treaty in 1960. However, China's preoccupation with its own consolidation and growth restricted the relationship. Yet in1961 armies of both countries launched joint operations to evict Kuomintang troops from parts of Shan state in Myanmar.
After Ne Win seized power in 1962, the relations between the two countries took a nosedive and the cadres of Communist Party of Burma (CPB) sought refuge in China. For the next six years, Sino-Myanmar relations had troubled times with periodic persecution of ethnic Chinese and anti-Chinese riots in Myanmar. Between 1968 and 1973 Chinese gave full support to the CPB insurgents to fight the military junta successfully. The Chinese also provided similar aid to Kachin, Shan rebels and Naga militants during this period. The CPB organised a number of insurgent groups to operate jointly against the military regime. However, Ne Win's China visit in 1975 somewhat eased the relations. It warmed up in 1979 when China signed a $ 63 million aid agreement for various projects in Myanmar.
The year 1988 was a turbulent period both in China with the Tian An Mien square agitation and the 8888 Movement of students in Myanmar. Perhaps this generated some kindred spirit in the regimes in both the countries. China utilized the opportunity offered by the international isolation of Myanmar after the military regime crushed the people's upsurge in 1988. In 1989, China formally advised CPB to retire in keeping with its revised policy to stop assisting insurgents of other countries. This crucial decision helped the military junta to end the Communist insurgency and cripple Kachin and Shan insurgencies to a large extent.
Since then China has stepped its influence through economic, military and development assistance. China has been providing military hardware to Myanmar to overcome international sanctions and help Tatmadaw to grow in strength. Till recently almost 80 per cent of Myanmar's defence equipment was of Chinese origin. China has considerable economic influence in a number of fields, including supply of electricity and trade and commerce.
The grateful military junta has now raised China to the status of 'Elder Brother'. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, had summed up China's Myanmar policy in these words: "China supports Myanmar's efforts in maintaining national stability, promoting reconciliation among ethnic groups and expanding foreign relations."
Chinese illegal migration into in the under populated northern areas of Myanmar had been an unreported process for sometime now. According to one report 30 percent of Mandalay's population was of Chinese immigrants. Unlike ethnic Indian community, which had been languishing as second class citizens under Myanmar citizenship laws, China has managed the absorption of ethnic Chinese as citizens of Myanmar.
China's strategic objective appears to be to gain direct access to Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea through Myanmar bypassing the narrow Strait of Malacca. With this aim in view China had been underwriting the development roads from northern borders to south. China has proved time and again itself as a valuable ally of the internationally whenever efforts were made in the UN Security Council to discuss Myanmar. In fact, China is perhaps the single most important power with influence over the military regime. In the ten year lead time it had, China has established close military cooperation with Myanmar. It also has established four electronic listening posts in Myanmar to monitor Indian and Thai communication traffic.
This implies that as long as the military regime in power China will continue to have an overriding influence in Myanmar regardless of India's efforts to build a win-win relationship. In other words, as long as India and China have a peaceful and constructive relationship, India-Myanmar relations will flourish in the present political dispensation.
Understanding the military regime Traditionally and qualitatively the Tatmadaw differs from the armies of South Asian countries which started as instruments of British colonial power. However, in Burma, the British used the more dependable Indian Army for security and did not create a large Burmese army. On the outbreak of the World War a group of nationalist leaders under Aung San known as the 'Thirty Comrades' raised the Burma Independence Army. The BIA spearheaded Myanmar's freedom struggle first against the British in collaboration with the Japanese invaders and later against the Japanese in support of the Allied armies. The Thirty Comrades had been deciding the political destiny of Burma. The first Prime Minister U Nu, and Gen Ne Win, the Army Chief were all members of this elite group of 30.
The Burmese society's exposure to western values had been limited even during the British colonial period. Thus western concept of democracy did not take root in Burma. So after Myanmar became free in 1948, for next 14 years the multi party democracy in action was disastrous. When the democratic experiment miserably failed, in 1962 the army under Gen Ne Win took upon itself to provide 'stability and security' to the country. Even after the exit of Ne Win in 1988, the military regime has managed to hold on to power.
Twenty six years of Ne Win's rule has resulted in state ownership of all enterprises, with the Tatmadaw (as armed forces are known) having a strangle hold on everyday life of the people. Rudimentary democracy introduced under the tutelage of the Tatmadaw was a single party rule that was a handmaiden of the military masters. Thus the Tatmadaw feels it has a legitimate role in ensuring stability and security in the country, if necessary outside the control of political masters.
This feeling of the armed forces seeking a perpetual role in power is the main road block in evolving a democratic constitution. There is close integration of military commanders in local development council activities. Most of the public sector undertakings are headed by military officers. This has built a vested interest in the armed forces to stay in power in any scheme of governance. The Tatmadaw, is Southeast Asia's second largest conventional force, estimated at over 400,000 troops. It has more than doubled in size since the SPDC took power in 1989. It has around 340 infantry battalions (Tat Yin) including 266 light infantry battalions employed in counter insurgency operations. Myanmar tank fleet comprises of 139 Soviet-designed T 72Ss and around 600 Chinese built main battle tanks of different models. The Tatmadaw is considered an effective force in combating insurgency as evident from its ability to successfully handle nearly 45 insurgent groups during the last three decades. However, it is considered as having little experience in conducting conventional operations.
The Air Force (Tatmadaw Lei) has about 64 fighter/interceptors (F7 and MIG 29) and 64 fighter/ground attack aircraft (J6 and A5) apart from 33 aircraft for counter insurgency operations. The Air Force has very limited transport lift capability. The Navy (Tatmadaw Yay) has one frigate and three corvettes, 26 fast attack craft (FAC) including 10 FAC armed with missiles and 10 submarine chasers. Ending its isolation for the first time ever, Myanmar built missile corvette UMS Anawyahta participated in Milan 2006 exercise off Andamans along with Indian Navy in January 2006. The Tatmadaw will always remain a dominant factor in running the country regardless of the type of rule. This is somewhat similar to the role often assumed by armies in deciding the fate of the nation in countries like Pakistan and Indonesia. So at present any dispensation to restore democracy will have to involve the concurrence if not cooperation of the Tatmadaw.
Conclusion Myanmar has a great deal of strategic significance for both India and China. Over the last two decades the Chinese have built very close economic, political, military and developmental relations with Myanmar.
Myanmar's role in providing China a shorter access route to Indian Ocean and South Asia is going to be crucial in the strategic scene of South Asia. The Chinese have used the geophysical advantage they enjoy to gain access to Myanmar's mineral and natural gas resources.
Following a policy of non-interference in internal affairs of the country, China has become the main supplier of arms to Myanmar. This has enabled the military junta in power to beat the western sanctions and double the army strength. It has also enabled the junta to suppress the struggle for democracy going on under the leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi since 1990.
India has embarked on a policy of building closer relations with Myanmar to counter the Chinese influence and facilitate the growth of trade and commerce with ASEAN as part of its look east policy. It is financing road and port development projects in Myanmar which would improve connectivity of India's north eastern states and help their development. India has also been selectively arming Myanmar despite the military regime's dismal record in human rights and governance. With a friendly regime in Myanmar, India hopes to evict Indian insurgent groups from sanctuaries in Myanmar.The military regime has welcomed these efforts to broaden its relationship with India and ASEAN countries in the interest of its own strategic security.
India's current Myanmar policy appears to be largely copying the methods adopted by the Chinese. However, India as the largest functional democracy has a larger role to play in encouraging the restoration of democracy in Myanmar. Considering this, India's relationship should aim at building better economic and developmental relations with the military regime while exploring all avenues to help the military regime and the democratic forces evolve a viable solution to build a democratic society. Sacrificing India's fraternal relations with Myanmar's democratic forces by itself is unlikely to increase India's influence as the military regime is using the competing interests of India and China to its own advantage. Apart from the lead it has gained in Myanmar, internationally China has greater economic, political, and military clout than India in helping out the military regime. Given this advantage, India is unlikely to replace China's position as the most influential country in Myanmar under the military regime.
In the absence of Aung San Kyi's leadership, the struggle for democracy in Myanmar has become immobile. Understanding this, the military regime is unlikely to release Aung San Suu Kyi unless it gains a face saving role for the Tatmadaw in any future democratic set up. The military regime has been able to weather international sanctions for nearly 20 years. However, as Myanmar's ties with India and ASEAN countries grow and economic liberalisation touches the younger generation of military officers, we can expect a desire for change among armed forces. Similarly, the student movement holds the potential to take over a leadership role for political rapprochement with the military regime. When these developments come through perhaps there is a scope for evolving a democratic society though different from the western concepts but meeting Myanmar's needs.
India and China are indispensable in enabling this process that could stabilize the society in their strategic neighbourhood. Thus in the interest of India's strategic security, helping the creation of a stable and democratic regime in Myanmar should be India's long term policy rather than mere economic goals.
[The article is a Presentation made at an interaction on "Emerging India-China-Myanmar Relations", jointly organized by the Chennai Centre For China Studies and the Department of International Relations of Stella Maris College, Chennai, at the college on July 19, 2007]

Frans on 07.28.07 @ 10:32 PM CST [link]

Friday, July 27th

NSCN (IM) camp attacked Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

NSCN (IM) camp attacked Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, July 26: Hardly 24-hours after the Joint Forum Working Committee of Nagaland Goanburas (GBs) Federation and Nagaland Dobashis (DBs) Association formally declared cease fire among various Naga National Workers (Naga underground groups) at Dimapur, the camp of NSCN(IM) in Phek district of Nagaland was attacked by activists suspected to be a combined force of the NSCN-K and FGN on Wednesday morning.

Sources said some armed gunmen suspected to be cadres of the rival faction attacked the NSCN(IM) camp, however no casualty was reported from either side.

Meanwhile, the Joint Forum Working Committee of Nagaland GBs and Nagaland DBs Federation have condemned the incident stating that though the attack was perpetrated by either NSCN-K or FGN it is against the cause of the Nagas and also the resolution passed at Dimapur.

The Forum also appealed to the factions to restrain from factional feuds.
Arunachal intruders clash with cops Fresh violence on Assam border

- Arunachal intruders clash with cops A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati: Fresh violence rocked Assam’s border with its neighbouring state today, with hoodlums from Arunachal Pradesh attacking a forest camp at Dulung reserve forest in Lakhimpur district.
Twelve persons, including two forest guards, were injured as a 300-strong group attacked the forest camp around 2.30am. The group, armed with guns and sharp weapons, also damaged several houses that were being constructed.
Deputy commissioner (in-charge) of Lakhimpur, Ajit Das, said over telephone that today’s attack was a planned one, carried out by a large group of thugs from the neighbouring state.
Dispur has been asked to take up the matter with the Arunachal Pradesh government, he disclosed. Das said the hoodlums were illegal settlers from the neighbouring state, who have encroached on Assam land in the Dulung reserve forest. The officer said the group fired shots after beating up a group of labourers engaged in construction.
“Policemen posted in the area returned fire. The exchange of fire continued for over half-an-hour,” he said. It was not yet clear whether there was any casualty on the other side. Earlier this month, Naga thugs had attacked several villagers at Geleki in Sivasagar district. Two persons were killed and another was seriously injured, while several houses were torched in the incident.
On the border with Mizoram, too, there was trouble this month, following an incursion by villagers backed by policemen of that state. Assam has been at loggerheads with Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for the past several decades, with all the states accusing each other of encroachment. Das said the locality had witnessed a similar incident several years ago.
The All Assam Students Union (AASU) had organised a four-hour rail blockade yesterday to demand an immediate solution to the inter-state boundary issue, mainly the impasse with Nagaland. The rail blockade programme was part of a series of agitations launched by AASU to exert pressure on the government to find a solution to the boundary issue.
Illegal migrants` issue raises its head again in Assam Assembly Zee News
Guwahati, July 27: The issue of illegal migrants from Bangladesh has once again come to the fore with neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland pushing back people of suspected nationalities into Assam where students' organisations have urged the state government to act and deport them.

Busloads of suspected illegal migrants were pushed back into Assam's Lakhimpur town from Arunachal Pradesh by the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) while the AO Students' Conference pushed back illegal settlers from Mokokchung in Nagaland to Mariani in Jorhat district recently.

The state youth wing of the BJP waylaid the buses coming to Lakhimpur and handed them over to the police who are verifying their papers and the border police is doing the same at Mariani for the people coming from Nagaland.

The AAPSU launched the 'Operation Clean Drive' to flush out illegal migrants who have been staying in the state violating the Bengal Frontier Regulation Act, 1873.

The students' body also blamed the Assam government for this massive infiltration into Arunachal Pradesh which does not share border with Bangladesh.

The AO Students' Conference in Nagaland also pushed back scores of settlers from Mokokchung town and warned the local people not to "harbour any non-locals".

Students' organisations of Assam like the All Assam Students' Union (AASU), All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU), All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Students' Union and Bharatiya Janata Yuba Morcha (BJYM), the BJP's youth wing, have reacted strongly urging the state government to identify and deport the illegal settlers back to Bangladesh.

The ruling Congress and the opposition Asom United Democratic Front (AUDF) whose traditional votebanks constitute the minorities have opposed this view saying that those pushed back are genuine Indian citizens with proper papers. The state government, meanwhile, issued a directive that no organisation can detain any suspected person at any transition point.

Several legislators and ministers of the minority community met Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and expressed their concern that some genuine citizens were being harassed.

The opposition Asom United Democratic Front (AUDF) has also come out in support of these suspected people and have urged the Union Home Ministry to ensure safety and security of all Bengali speaking Indian citizens residing in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Assam.

"We have no objection in driving out Bangladeshis from any Indian state but harassment of genuine Indian citizens belonging to a particular community cannot be tolerated", said AUDF president Badruddin Ajmal. Most of the people driven out from the neighbouring states are from Karimganj, Cachar, Hailakandi, Barpeta, Dhubri and Goalpara districts of Assam who had gone there to earn an honest living, Ajmal claimed. The students' organisations are, however, firm that authorities must detect and deport people of doubtful nationality.

NSF’s ‘last chance’ to NPSC Correspondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, July 26 (NPN): Responding to the request from the NPSC for a mutual discussion in order to resolve the ongoing imbroglio over wrong questions and answers detected in the last NCS and Allied Services Preliminary Examination, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) Thursday decided to give a last chance to the Commission and sit with it for a discussion along with a third party.
The NSF cautioned in the event of failure on the part of the Commission to justify the questions or admit to the wrong questions, it would have no other option but to take its own course of action.
Addressing a press conference with representatives of the Transparency Seekers at the office of the Federation here on Thursday, NSF president Imchatoba Imchen said when the Federation was about to serve an ultimatum on the Commission for its failure to respond to the demands, the latter on Wednesday proposed a mutual discussion to resolve the crisis.
Pointing out lapses even in last year’s examination where more than thirty students were finally allowed to re-appear in the final examination following protests by the Federation, Imchatoba wondered as to why the Commission took to conduct such examination when it could not conduct the examinations properly.
Also speaking, NSF general secretary Hetoi Chishi clarified that NSF was demanding re-evaluation of the Prelim papers as re-declaration of the results might affect those already declared selected. He warned that NPSC would be held solely responsible for any “untoward fallout” in the event of its failure to re-schedule the Main examination.
Similarly, NSF vice president Charles Lotha said the NSF wanted the NPSC to rectify the lapses within the Commission.
“The Transparency Seekers has pointed out 12 questions, the answers of which were wrong or highly debatable and so, it sought clarification but the Commission is not in a position to do the same,” Chishi said. He said the Federation stood on the proposed expert panel including experts on all related subjects. The decision of the panel should be final and binding and if the ten questions come in favour of the students, the Transparency Seekers should be given chance for re-evaluation. Chishi said the NSF had already submitted a memorandum to the Governor demanding setting up of a state level independent inquiry commission within thirty days to probe the various cases of corruption in appointments and civil construction works in implementation of Sarva Shiksa Abhiyan (SSA) projects with special reference to Changtongya sub-division in Mokokchung district.
In the memorandum, the NSF also demanded immediate suspension of all erring officials till the probe panel accomplished its task.
On appointment of teachers, clerical staff and Grade-IV employees in the School Education Department for the recently-upgraded government higher secondary schools, the Federation said that as per the policy and standing order of State government all these post with a minimum pay scale of Rs.4100 should be selected through the NPSC. In this regard, the NSF demanded immediate scrapping of all Grade-III appointments made recently.
Stating that the process of upgradation of high schools to higher secondary started during the previous Congress government and the present DAN government only revived the initiative and upgraded the schools, the NSF questioned as to why the government failed to appoint the teachers in advance and resorted to appointing teachers on contingency.
The Federation demanded that the department immediately requisition the NPSC for conducting examinations for selection of teachers. At the same time, the NSF clarified that it was not against appointment of Grade-IV staff if the appointments were purely based on the MoU which the government had signed with the landowners.
Azo condemns Phek clash Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JULY 26 (NPN): Condemning Wednesday’s factional clash between the NSCN (I-M) and NSCN (K)-FGN combine at Phek town, minister for Agriculture Kuzholuzo (Azo) the clash was an act of defiance against the popular desire of maintaining peaceful co-existence among the people.
Azo said the Joint Forum of GB Federation and DB Association had taken a historic step by declaring “complete ceasefire” of all underground groups on July 24 at Dimapur.
“This is a pragmatic and positive step towards solution of the vexed Naga political problem. Let us all welcome such unique Peace Pact,” Azo said and added “when peace can be achieved elsewhere, why can’t we emulate such humane decisions in Phek town and Phek district.”
To the underground groups, the minister said since the “keyword to sovereignty is Peace and Unity,” fighting and attempting to eliminate each other could never bring sovereignty to any warring group.
In view of the serious threat posed to public and their property due to factional clashes, the minister has asked all factions to immediately vacate civilian populated areas of Phek town.

FGN flays ‘meet’ Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JULY 26 (NPN): The FGN has said the proposed 6th consultative meeting of NSCN (I-M) to be held Friday at Hebron Camp in Dimapur, was to draw the support of the people on the agreement reached by the NSCN (I-M) with Indian leaders in New Delhi on July 20.
Deputy rali-wali kilonser, FGN, Gaibon Panmei in a press release alleged that “Isak and Muivah are treacherously preparing 6th consultative …so that they would claim of the people’s support on their political blunder that they have given up the sovereignty of Nagaland for a solution within the framework of the India Constitution.”
The FGN also cautioned public leaders attending the consultative meeting that they would bear the responsibility for “selling the Naga national rights, which is treacherous anti-national act and they shall be dealt with as treason.”

Dorphang offers to broker peace in North-East Nagarealm.com

SHILLONG, JULY27 [TST] : Days after coming overground, former top HNLC leader Julius Dorphang has appealed to other militant leaders in the North-East to sit across the negotiating table rather than resort to violence and bloodshed, while offering to don role of a negotiator if other leaders of HNLC or other militant groups were willing to seek his help.

Addressing a press conference at Shillong Club on Thursday, Mr Dorphang said he realised that violence could not bring any desired solution to the various demands raised by militant organisations. "All the leaders of the various militant groups should understand (think) that it is only through dialogue and discussions that many problems can be resolved", he said. To a question, Mr Dorphang offered to play the role of a negotiator if other leaders of HNLC or other militant groups were willing to seek his help.

"The armed struggle by the various militant groups should stop and the government should also show sincerity in initiating talks," he added. While admitting that as the foreign secretary of the HNLC he had maintained links with other top militant organisations, Mr Dorphang reiterated that it was high time for all the militant groups to realise that they should sort out their grievances across the table.

No Bangladesh action : To another question as to whether there was any action on the part of Bangladesh against Nort-East militants taking shelter in that country, Mr Dorphang said he was not aware of any steps in this regard. He also claimed there was no political patronage on the part of Bangaldesh towards militants from the North-East. "There is also more danger if we depend on foreign institutions than those at home", he added.

HNLC headed for 'split' : The HNLC appears to be heading for a split with former HNLC leader Julius Dorphang claiming that he was still the chairman of the outfit. "I am still the chairman of the HNLC, but will work overground for the organsaition," Mr Dorphang told mediapersons at Shillong Club on Thursday. Mr Dorphang also maintained that the was not scared of his colleagues in Bangladesh, adding, "But if the Government provides me security, I have nothing to say." He said that two other top leaders of the HNLC -- Bobby Marwein and Cheristerfield Thangkhiew -- were stumblingblocks to peace in the State.

According to Mr Dorphang, the HNLC made an effort to sign a tripatrite agreement involving the State government and the Centre. Other leaders were not willing to have a dialogue and kept on putting conditions one after another for talks, he said. He admitted to having ideological differences with other leaders of the HNLC and added that there were some issues on which they had total disagreement.

"I am still trying to convince the HNLC leaders on the need of promoting peace rather than violence," he said. Mr Dorphang revealed that he had also written to the State and Central governments, seeking general amnesty for the HNLC leaders. On the cases pending against him, Mr Dorphang said it was up to the government to comment on the matter. "Let the law take its own course of action," he said.

HNLC a party : Mr Dorphang prefered to call HNLC a party rather than any other organisation. However he did not make it clear wthere it was just like a political party. "During the formation of HNLC, we considered it as party. It was organised in the party set up with a constitution. But all these yars, we have not released our manifesto. He agreed that the lower rank cadres who were not educated much had the feeling that they were deprived of the facilities being enjoyed by the top leaders. He also said that there were some betel nut plantations and quarry gifted by the pople in the border areas to the HNLC.

Separate homeland : The former HHLC leader reiterated that the demand of HNLC was a Hynniewtrep state. He, however, did not make it clear whether it would be under the Constitution of India or the HNLC was in favour of sovereignty. Referring to the 'Instrument of Accession' whereby the Khasi state was "forced" to join the Indian Union, he also said, "If Nagas can ask for separate homeland, why not us."

No pan to contest election : Mr Dorphang further said he had no plans for contesting the State Assembly elections due in early part of 2008. When asked on the alleged politican-militant nexus, he said there was no political patronage for HNLC militants from the State leaders.
India asks Bangla to hand over ULFA leadersFrom Our Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, July 26 – India has asked Bangladesh to repatriate ULFA’s command-in-chief, Paresh Barua and general secretary, Anup Chetia and lodged protest against the activities of the ISI in the North-East, Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh said. In a letter to Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Steel, Ram Vilas Paswan, the Prime Minister said efforts have been made to further sanitise the border with Bangladesh. “We have also taken up with Bangladesh Government the need to take action against Indian insurgent groups operating from sanctuaries in that country,” he informed.

“We have sought the return of prominent ULFA leaders like Paresh Barua and Anup Chetia. We are conscious of the role played by the ISI and the matter has been taken up with both Bangladesh and Pakistan authorities,” Dr Singh added.

The Prime Minister was responding to Paswan’s letter regarding killing of Hindi-speaking people in the State last month. He also referred to the Prime Minister a petition submitted by a delegation of Purbottar Hindustani Federation, seeking Central Government’s intervention.

“The Government is duty bound to provide safety and security to these people who perceive themselves of them being soft targets,” Paswan had written to the Prime Minister.

The Union Minister had earlier in January visited Assam and in the aftermath of the attack on Hindi-speaking people. He had then described the situation as quite serious. In that letter, Paswan demanded that only IAS and IPS officers should be posted as DM and SP, in the affected districts so that the feeling of regionalism in the local administration could be curbed!

Asserting that he shared Paswan’s sense of sorrow and concern, the Prime Minister said he has categorically mentioned to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi that it was imperative and the specific responsibility of the State authorities to ensure the safety and security of all segments of the people. “More specifically I have indicated that poor labourers coming from outside Assam, to earn their livelihood and contributing to the betterment of Assam, should have all the protections possible from the State,” he said.

The Prime Minister then listed out the measures taken by the State to protect the people. The actions taken are both preventive and precautionary. Police pickets have been posted in vulnerable areas. Areas where there are large concentrations or settlements of Hindi-speaking people, have been given priority, while posting policepickets, he added.
Sovereignty is Assamese' birthright: ULFA Frontline
Guwahati, July 27 (PTI): The banned ULFA today asserted that Assam's "sovereignty is the birthright of the indigenous Assamese and there can be no deviation from this path".
ULFA Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa in his statement on the occasion of the outfit's 'Martyrs Day' today, e-mailed to the media here, claimed that since time immemorial Assam had been 'sovereign' and it is the "fundamental and birth right of every Assamese".
He also claimed the recent incidents of bomb blasts and killing of innocent people was not carried out by the ULFA but was allegedly "perpetrated by the security forces to malign and brand the ULFA as a terrorist organisation".
Rajkhowa further accused the government of gross violation of human rights for alleged custodial deaths of ULFA cadres, their bodies not handed over to their family members, false encounters, secret killing of innocent people, molestation of Assamese girls and women by security forces.
Referring to Assam's recent border disputes with Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, the ULFA Chairman alleged it was the government's policy that had kept the issue alive.
"The government does not want to solve the problem as it does not want the people of neighbouring states to live in peace and harmony and the innocent people living in the border areas are paying the price for this with their lives," he added.
Rajkhowa further urged the people to "continue undeterred their struggle for sovereignty and not get swayed by the government's propaganda against the outfit."

Frans on 07.27.07 @ 03:24 PM CST [link]

Thursday, July 26th

British MPs asked to support solution outside constitution The Morung Exporess

British MPs asked to support solution outside constitution The Morung Exporess
DIMAPUR, JULY 26 (MExN): British parliamentarians were asked to support a mutually honourable and acceptable agreement on the Naga issue outside the framework of the Indian Constitution, on Wednesday at Westminster, London.
As member of the Naga Advisory Panel in the Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination, Professor Timothy Kaping made the appeal by incorporating in his speech the need for “boldness and sagacity” on the part of India. “Much to the unhappiness of the Naga people, contrary to the agreement that no conditions would be imposed, the Indian government is time and again trying to impose the Indian constitution on Nagalim. This of course is unacceptable to the Nagas. Our country Nagalim has got its own culture, history, and constitution,” a copy of his communication stated.
Kaping, a member of the Naga Support Group, was making the third official appearance of the ‘Naga nation’ in the British Parliament since they expressed Naga people’s solidarity with the Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination in May 2006. Making mention of the United Nations charter which clearly supports the self-determination of peoples and nations, Kaping regretted, “But it is a pity that it is unable to effectively control some of its members, which have been shamelessly depriving nations of their right to self-determination for decades.”

“This sad fact is making peoples and nations to believe that the UN is a mere club of states and not an association of nations. It is our hope and prayer that the UN goes for reformation and that it will soon start advocating the aspirations of peoples and nations. This is one of the real ways to achieve world peace.”
Kaping said that since the declaration of independence from the British rule in August 1947, the Nagas have always displayed confidence in resolving conflicts through honest dialogues and treatment on equal footing. “Discarding her promises, India forcibly occupied Nagalim and killed thousands of adults and children, but Nagas responded positively for peace negotiations during the 1960s. A peace commission (consisting of one British clergy and two prominent Indian leaders), which was instituted to oversee the political dialogue and ceasefire, appreciated ‘the desire of the Nagas for self-determination’ and declared that the ‘Naga struggle could not be regarded as a problem of law and order. It is a struggle for national freedom’. Unfortunately, the talks failed owing to India’s insincerity and it was followed by decades of intense fighting.”
“Though many thousands of Nagas had been butchered and innumerable men and women had been tortured by the occupation armed forces, India could not win the war with the Nagas. Hence, Indian political leaders and army generals announced: ‘Military solution is not possible. It is time for India and the Nagas to talk across the table’. The Indian leaders wisely realized that a lasting solution to the long-drawn Indo-Naga issue through political dialogue was inevitable. Therefore, once again, the Nagas came forward for peace negotiations in 1997 under the terms that the talks would be held without any preconditions, at the prime ministerial level, and in third countries. So far, the talks had been held in Amsterdam, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Geneva, The Hague, Kuala Lumpur, Milan, New York, Osaka, Paris, Vienna, Zurich, etc.
“Acknowledging the right of the Nagas, twenty-four US Congressmen wrote a letter to President Clinton in 1999: ‘We urge you to use your influence to help support self-determination for the people of Nagalim’. And in support of the Indo-Naga peace talks former US President Jimmy Carter wrote to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2005: ‘I am writing today to you and the NSCN leaders to express my appreciation to both parties for the initiative being taken towards a peaceful and lasting resolution’. Many people are working and praying for the success of the Indo-Naga peace process.”
‘Extend ceasefire’

‘Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination’, a group of members of Parliament from the United Kingdom has solemnly requested the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim to extend the current ceasefire beyond July 31 2007 and take forward the historic 1997 Indo-Naga peace process with due diligence and adherence to the three point terms, namely talks without pre-conditions, talks at Prime Ministerial level and talks to be held in third countries.
PNSD Chair Lord Nazir Ahmed and Vice Chair Elfyn Llwyd, MP, in their unanimous resolution passed on July 25, made available today, “acknowledged the right of the Naga people to self-determination as enshrined in International Law.” The parliamentarians attested their full dedication to “the noble cause of conflict resolution through democratic and peaceful means.”
Time to face the reality: NSCN-IM The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 26 (MExN): The NSCN-IM says that the NSCN-K is turning itself into a foe of Naga civil society and on this advised that the latter cease being arrogant and move along with the aspirations of the people.
“You have turned yourself as foe to all civil societies. Now you have turn against GBs and DBs Association by refusing to abide by the resolution you have accepted earlier” stated an MIP NSCN-IM issue. The organization queried the rival faction what direction “you (are) taking by going against all positive steps the Nagas initiated in the process of restoring peace in Nagalim.”
This is no time to be arrogant but to face the reality by going along with the Naga people’s aspiration, it advised.
The NSCN-IM stated that all these years the NNC members have been trying to distant themselves from the Shillong Accord, saying it was signed under unavoidable circumstances. “Now all these signatories are gone facing natural dead. Mr A.Z.Phizo who keeps mum on the accord. has also gone. But after having work together for good and for bad all these years why are the Non-accordists yet to rise up and shout to the world that they condemn the Shillong Accord and face the political reality without any inhibition” the NSCN-IM asserted.
It further stated that after fighting for years against the Indian and Burmese forces condemning the Shillong Accord “it is a pity to hear that in the recent period Khaplang’s Commander-in Chief Khole had given a statement saying that he did condemn the Shillong Accord but under duress.”
“What is he trying to convey? Is he for the accord or against the accord?” the NSCN-IM queried As for (NSCN-K chief) SS Khaplang’s diehard followers like Moulatanu Zhimomi, Kitovi and others, the NSCN-IM stated, if they are “concerned only for the state of Nagaland not Nagalim why not stay quietly after the granting of 1963 statehood to Nagaland, But why indulge in collecting illegal tax and fight against the Naga national forces?”
The truth has to be told and the wrong has to be exposed, pretension pointed out and falsehood has to be put to stop, the NSCN-IM stated adding that in the light of this undeniable state of affair among the Naga underground groups, “it has become pertinent to put before these two questions for public judgment.”
Ceasefire should be in the interest of all Nagas: NSCN-K The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 26 (MExN): “When the joint forum of the GBs and DBs brought the five-point draft proposal for ceasefire among the factions to the NSCN-K at Mon, the document was found to be drafted and signed by Samson Jajo, special secretary to the called collective leadership of the NSCN (IM). As such, the draft was outrightly rejected,” the NSCN-K states.
According Akato Chophi, Dy. Kilonser NSCN-K, the July 24 ceasefire declaration by the joint forum has just gone to prove that these organizations are acting at the behest of just a single faction. “Neither was the NSCN invited to participate in the meeting nor any intimation was sent for holding such deliberations. Understanding the desires of the people for peace among the Nagas, the NSCN would have participated and would have even willingly debated on wide-ranging issues beyond peace” Chophi stated.
The NSCN-K is also “baffled” over the choice of Dimapur as venue for holding such a meet. Had the forum been serious, a neutral place, like Kohima, Zunheboto or Mokokchung, could have been chosen to hold such a historic meet, the Dy. Kilonser stated adding that this has exposed the biasness of the forum. “The NSCN representatives would probably have fallen into the hands of the blood thirsty rivals as questions of security was never even in the priority list” it added.
The NSCN-K mentioned that the declaration of various forms of ceasefire and subsequent abrogation by the NSCN-IM “is nothing new.” Citing as instance the Zunheboto ceasefire agreement authorized by chairman Isak Chishi Swu, the NSCN-K stated that the same itself was annulled by the NSCN-IM.
“Is this not proof enough that the IK group does not want peace among the Nagas but rather it is trying to further divide the Nagas? Likewise, the NSCN has always been extending ceasefire and truce offers during festive seasons but the IK group has never responded to any of these overtures” Chophi queried.
Bodies initiating ceasefire or peace pacts among the Naga factions should not take any hasty decisions similar to the July 24 declaration, Chophi advised.
Any move to foster understanding and subsequently draw-up plans for similar pacts among the different factions should, therefore: Be held at a neutral venue, be represented by all organizations irrespective of factions, tribes, church affiliations etc. ceasefire should also be in the interest of all the Nagas and not in the interest of a particular faction, it stated.
The NSCN-K stated that the joint forum or any other organization(s) initiating or mediating for ceasefire or peace pacts among the factions should not have any leanings towards any group.
“The five-point resolution adopted by the Joint Forum of GBs and DBs on June 6 at Kohima should be the basis upon which the talks should be initiated. Any edition or deviation beyond the five-point resolution cannot be accepted” the NSCN-K added.
The NSCN-K says:
1) Be held at a neutral venue, preferably the state capital, Kohima.
2) Be represented by all organizations irrespective of factions, tribes, church affiliations etc.
3) Ceasefire should be in the interest of all the Nagas and not in the interest of a particular faction.
4) The joint forum or any other organization(s) initiating or mediating for ceasefire or peace pacts among the factions should not have any leanings towards any group.
5) The five-point resolution adopted by the Joint Forum of GBs and DBs on June 6 at Kohima should be the basis upon which the talks should be initiated. Any edition or deviation beyond the five-point resolution is unacceptable.
Back to NGOs with truce question The Tangkhul.com
The telegraph,Kohima, July 24: The NSCN (Isak-Muivah) is going back to the “Naga people” with a question that troubles its leadership each time a ceasefire extension is due — is it worth continuing the truce?
Caught in two minds about again extending the ceasefire agreement with Delhi by at least another six months, if not a year, the militant group has convened a meeting of all Naga NGOs and churches on Friday to deliberate on whether to take the truce beyond July 31.
Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah will attend the meeting, to be held at the outfit’s council headquarters — Camp Hebron — near Dimapur.

The decision to hold the meeting with NGOs and churches, the sixth in a series, was taken in view of mixed feelings among the Nagas about continuing or calling off the decade-long truce.

Even the ranks of the NSCN (I-M) are said to be divided. The top rung believes there is no alternative to extending the truce, but those in the lower echelons of the militant group’s hierarchy seem inclined to “go back to the jungle”.

The Naga Hoho and the Naga Students’ Federation are just as reluctant to stretch the peace process for the sake of it. They believe Delhi will continue delaying a settlement with the NSCN (I-M) till such time the ceasefire remains in place.

Sources close to the NSCN (I-M)’s top leadership said at least two peace brokers from outside the country would attend the consultative meeting. Michael C. van Walt van Praag, the Dutch executive president of the Netherlands-based NGO Kreddha, has been involved in the Naga peace process for a long time.

Talks between the NSCN (I-M) leadership and a central team of negotiators in New Delhi last week remained inconclusive. The second leg of discussions is slated for July 30 in Nagaland.

The militant group’s information and publicity wing said the “most meaningful” aspect of the talks this time was the clear-cut understanding that Delhi would not impose the Constitution on the Nagas and the NSCN (I-M) would not insist on the government accepting the one it has drafted. It quoted Muivah as saying that the NSCN (I-M) requested the government to send its negotiators to Kohima for the second round of talks.

“Although caught by surprise, Indian leaders were convinced to accept the proposal,” it said.
Open letter to the Naga people and their leaders In Focus Moring Express
On behalf of the Quakers in London we are sending a letter of goodwill and congratulations to you all.
Today we have learned of the groundbreaking ceasefire agreement between the national workers of the NSCN(I/M), NSCN (K) and the FGN.
This is a very significant achievement on the part of the leaders of the three groups and we congratulate them on their part in making this step towards peace and cooperation in Nagaland.
We encourage all groups to maintain the letter and spirit of their agreement in order that the all Naga people may flourish. We trust that all concerned will work to build on this commitment.
The work of the Nagaland GB Federation and the Nagaland DB Association to voice the heartfelt wishes of the people and to encourage the national workers to come to this agreement is a further important chronicle in the history of the Naga people. We are immensely grateful to learn of your good news and we offer our continuing prayerful support.
In peac Peter Jackson, Stuart Morton
(on behalf of Quaker Peace & Social Witness in London)
Assam Rifles to set up rural technology hubs in northeast, PTI
Times of India

SHILLONG: Three rural technology hubs will be set up in the northeast by Assam Rifles to empower rural communities.

"As a pilot project, three centres are being set up at Nongkrem village near here, Hypie in Manipur's Senapati district and Paren district of Nagaland," Director General Lt Gen Paramjit Singh said on Wednesday.

"The hubs will empower rural communities by imparting them technical skills in order to earn a living and thus attain economic independence," he told reporters.

Singh said the technical assistance and expertise to set up these environment friendly units would be provided by Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO) and infrastructure by Assam Rifles.

The centres are expected to function by the first week of September and would impart training to the locals, especially women, on post-harvesting technology, horticulture, incense and charcoal making and multiple applications of water mills, Singh added.
Tribal movement resents status quo of constituencies Newmai News Network
Imphal The Movement for Tribal Peoples' Rights Manipur (MTPRM) has deeply expressed its resentment over the decision taken in the recently concluded All Political Party meeting which resolved to maintain status quo of the Assembly constituencies.
The tribal peoples' rights body warned that it will not remain a silent spectator while pledging to take up all possible measures in order to safeguard the "interest and democratic rights" of the tribal peoples in Manipur.
In a representation submitted to the Governor of the State, the MTPRM alleged in the memorandum that the hill based political parties such as the Naga National Party (NNP) and the PDF did not take part in the All Political Party meeting held on July 21 in Imphal.
The tribal rights body then asserted that delimitation of the Assembly constituencies has been effected nationwide as per the provision of the Constitution of India and it had not been singling out Manipur state. Fixing the responsibility only for the wrong reports in the census of 2001 to the state government, the statement of the MTPRM further said that the government could have taken up necessary actions to rectify the irrelevant increase of population in the hill districts of Manipur before the final publication of the census report as the enumerators were the government departments.
The statements of the MTPRM also expressed unhappiness over the decision taken in the meeting in a communal line by using terms like “if delimitation is effected in Manipur, the hills will gain 3 Assembly Constituencies and the valley will lose an equal 3 Assembly Constituencies.”
Recalling the lost of 2 Assembly Constituencies in the past, one each in Ukhrul and Senapati district in 1976 following the exercise of delimitation based on the census of 1971, the MTPRM statement said the tribal people remained silent and did not revolt in any manner in the interest of the state during the period. It added that such "chauvinism" should be wiped out from the heart of the majority community and should stand for the real cause of the territorial integrity of Manipur.
The tribal rights body then accused the majority valley community of only interested in shouting for the territorial integrity of Manipur without much care for the emotional integrity saying that whenever good fortune comes for the tribal community of the state the majority valley community deadly thwarts to do away the tribals interests.
Boro support group launches website The Morung Express

DIMAPUR, JULY 26 (MExN): Calling for support to “enable the Boros to exercise their internationally adopted Right to Self Determination” the website of the Boro Support Group was launched on July 25. “Since they are unknown to the outside world The Boro Support Group introduces the Boro People to you; their culture, their history, their present situation, their prospects,” a note received today said. “Incorporated in the Union of India, without their consultation or approval, theirs is a complex story. The Boro history, dating back millennia, supersedes all those who came to their land and who are now the dominating factors in the state of Assam; hence the Boro People are driven off their land or are forcibly alienated from the cultural roots. Treated as second class citizen they pursue the Right to Self Determination. The Boro People want just one thing; to govern themselves as a sovereign people. The Boro People are a people of this world and part of the International Community.”
10 Kuki ultras killed in factional fight in Manipur Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, July 25 – Ten militants of the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) were killed in a gunbattle between two factions of the group in Thoubal district of Manipur, officials said today.

The militants were killed during a fierce exchange of fire between two KLA factions – one led by Thunder Kuki and other by Mosaun Kuki – at Itham Moirangpurel yesterday, they said.

During the gunbattle in the hilly area that lasted several hours, Thunder Kuki, his wife and eight supporters were killed, the officials said. The bodies of the militants were yet to be retrieved.The officials said the KLA, which has been fighting for a separate Kuki State to be carved out of Manipur, has been hit by internal clashes in the past few months.

Thunder Kuki and his supporters earlier killed KLA chief Letkholun Kuki and some of his close supporters on May 29. Mosaun Kuki, the leader of one faction, was reportedly a strong supporter of Letkholun Kuki, the officials said.

Police forces have been rushed to Itham Moirangpurel, they said. – PTI
Rogue elephants shot after killing eight in Assam By Reuters
GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - Two elephants were shot dead after they went on the rampage killing eight people in Assam, forest officials said on Thursday.
The elephants, used for moving logs in the timber industry, ran amok on Wednesday in Cachar district in Assam, stampeding through villages and destroying dozens of bamboo and straw houses before police shot them.
Eight villagers were killed and nine injured.
"The elephants destroyed whatever came in their way. They trampled human beings, or flung them away," said Gautum Das, a local villager. Elephants are a protected and endangered species in India, which has nearly half of the world's 60,000 Asian elephants.
Conservationists say elephant populations have fallen rapidly in recent years because of loss of habitat as a result of human encroachment into forest areas.
Burmese Oil Excites China, India Indo Burma Bews
July 25, 2007: (Suite 101.com) The Chinese government has supported the Myanmarese (Burmese) military junta for decades, both through supplying it with necessary resources including weapons but also by providing diplomatic support in the United Nations Security Council.
Natural Gas and Oil Make Burma a More Appealing Friend
What is the impact of the discovery of oil and gas in Burma on international relationships with China and India?
China’s veto has been regularly employed in the Council to block action that might be taken against the dreadful human rights record of the Burmese generals.
The reasons why China should behave this way are clear: a collapse of the state of Myanmar, where several armed insurgencies are already underway, would lead to chaos on China’s southern border.
The border region is porous and its people have suffered in the past from the smuggling of illegal drugs by insurgent groups looking for cash to support their struggle for independence. China has countered the threat both by bolstering the central government and also be encouraging Chinese to invest in the north of Myanmar, to spread stability by providing people there with powerful incentives for keeping the peace.
Many visitors to the previous northern capital of Mandalay, close to the Chinese border, report that it and the whole area are now Chinese-controlled in all but name.
The recent discovery of natural gas and oil in the Shwe field in the Bay of Bengal intensified the motivation for stability to the south. China’s need for oil and reliance on imports is well-known.
With most oil imports arriving on tankers that must pass through the Straits of Malacca – which could be easily closed by permanently available US naval forces – the desire for diversification of sources is very powerful.
One result of this is that a pipeline has been built from Myanmar into China and a recent announcement was made that 6.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas would be made available to the Chinese.
At the same time, India has also been expressing continuing interest in Myanmar’s resources. Indian announcements of substantial finds of gas have since been cut by 90% and the country faces severe shortages of power to fuel its further rapid economic development.
The outbreak of violence across the poor and neglected northeastern region of the country, as well as problems with neighbouring Bangladesh, have also led to problems with security that a nice new pipeline and its attendant wealth would help to ease.
That explains why high-powered Indian delegations are now courting the Myanmarese generals and are offering, it is alleged, advanced military helicopters in contravention of the twenty-year old European Union-led embargo. The stakes are very high.

Frans on 07.26.07 @ 10:34 PM CST [link]

Wednesday, July 25th

NSCN (IM)-GoI peace talk Mission successful, says Isak Chisi Swu, Kohima to host next round of talk Source: The Sangai Express

NSCN (IM)-GoI peace talk Mission successful, says Isak Chisi Swu, Kohima to host next round of talk Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 23: Claiming that the latest round of talk with the Government of India was a success, the NSCN (IM) today said that Delhi has agreed to hold the next round of talk at Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, to demonstrate its seriousness about the peace parleys.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Information and Publicity of the outfit today said that when the NSCN (IM) delegates suggested that the next round of talk be held at Kohima, the Indian team was caught by surprise.

However the Indian leaders were persuaded to accept the suggestion.

The biggest success achieved in the latest round of talk was the agreement that the Constitution of India would not be imposed on the Nagas and the NSCN too will not insist on their proposed Constitution, added the statement.

Though the talk was declared as successful, its general secretary Th Muivah has warned the people to "Prepare to face any eventuality but in the name of God”.

The NSCN delegates who were in Delhi to talk with the Indian leaders returned to Camp Hebron today, said the statement and added its Chairman held a brief meeting with senior National Workers at the Council's headquarters.

Isak also asked the senior workers to proceed with the 6th Naga Peoples' Consultative Meeting scheduled to be held on July 27 at Hebron.

The outcome of the talk was also briefed to the National workers by both Isak Chisi Swu and Th Muivah.

During the talk with the Indian leaders, Th Muivah charged them of arming the rival Khaplang faction, said the statement and added that this put the Indian team in an awkward situation.

"If you want peace in Nagalim, prove it yourself,” Muivah told the Indian leaders, said the statement.

The General Secretary of the outfit further said that by arming the Khaplang group, the Indian Govt is fomenting trouble in Nagalim by allowing the Khaplang men to kill civilians.

Reverend Shiwoto who was with the NSCN leaders during their stay at Delhi also supported them by praying for the success of the talk, said the statement and added that the closing prayer also exhorted the National workers to prove themselves worthy of the cause they have taken up.
Truce mooted among all Naga underground factions The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, July 24: Ceasefire among all the Naga underground factions was declared throughout Nagaland today in a meeting organised by Gaon Buras (GBs) Federation of Nagaland and Dobashis (DBs) Association of Nagaland and participated by Naga Hoho, Nagaland Baptist Churches Council (NBCC) and others at Dimapur today.

However, only representatives of the NSCN-IM participated in today's meeting while NSCN-K and NNC/FGN did not attend the meeting.
Reports said that five representatives of the NSCN-IM took part in today's meeting.

The meeting made a declaration that the goal behind this ceasefire declaration among all the "Naga national workers" (Underground groups) is to stop bloodshed and also to stop killing among the Naga national workers and create peaceful atmosphere in the society.

The declaration is to formulate peace without any pre-condition, said the joint declaration of the meeting.
However, the reaction from the NSCN-K and the FGN/NNC is expected by tomorrow.
Blockade leaves scores stranded - AASU demands immediate boundary solution A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph

AASU activists block a railway line at Bharalumukh in Guwahati on Tuesday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Guwahati, July 24: Hundreds of train passengers were stranded in different parts of Assam today as the All Assam Students Union (AASU) staged a four-hour rail blockade to demand an immediate solution to the inter-state boundary issue, mainly the impasse with Nagaland.
Though important long-distance trains like Rajdhani Express left without any problem in the morning, after the blockade began at 11am, many trains were delayed or stranded with student activists blocking the rail tracks.
Several AASU activists were injured as police resorted to a lathicharge at Sarupathar in Golaghat district to disperse the picketers. Two seriously injured students have been admitted to Golaghat Civil Hospital.
Police also rounded up hundreds of picketers from different parts of the state, but released them latter.
Today’s rail blockade programme was a part of a series of agitations launched by the AASU to pressure the government, both at the Centre and the state, to find a solution to the boundary issue and provide protection to people residing in these areas.
The union alleged that both the governments were indifferent to encroachment of Assam’s land by the neighbouring states.
A railway spokesman said several passenger and goods trains were stranded at different stations during the blockade.
The Down Brahmaputra Mail and the North East Express were delayed at the Guwahati railway station while the Dibrugarh-Amritsar Express was blocked at Simaluguri station in Sivasagar district.
He said AASU picketers blocked railway tracks at Udalguri, Harmoti, Sualkuchi and Patsala in Lower Assam and Duliajan, Lawka, Sarupathar, Farkating and Simaluguri in Upper Assam.
The trains left for their respective destinations after 3 pm.
Nilopher Rahman, the acting general secretary of AASU, said the students would intensify the agitation if the government does not take immediate steps to solve the inter-state and international border problems.
“It was because of the lackadaisical attitude of the Centre and the state government that the border issue has turned volatile in recent times,” Rahman said. Assam and Nagaland have been at loggerheads for several decades with one state blaming the other of encroachment. The two have witnessed several incidents of bloodshed over the issue in the past.
NSCN (IM) appeals to Joint Forum ‘Will still abide by the resolution’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 25 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today asked the Join Forum of Nagaland GBs Federation and DBs Association to take note of the “anti-peace demonstration” by NSCN (K) and FGN on July 25 when the two groups attacked the NSCN (IM) at Phek this morning, and appealed to the Joint Forum to show its credibility as a civil force that stands for peace.
A press release received here from the MIP/NSCN (IM) stated, “Not a day was passed when the Join Forum of the Nagaland GBs Federation and Nagaland DBs Association formally declared ceasefire amongst all Naga National workers/groups when the combined forces of Khaplang group and FGN attack the Town Command office of NSCN at Phek this morning between 4:00 a. to 8:00 am.” The release stated that the NSCN (IM) had no option but to retaliate.
In this regard, the release called upon the Naga public in general and the Join Forum of Nagaland GBs Federation and DBs Association in particular to take note of “this anti-peace demonstration” by NSCN (K) and FGN and see to it that in accordance with the resolution adopted on July 24.
The Joint Forum of Nagaland GB Federation and Nagaland DB Association had on July 24 formally declared a cease fire amongst all Naga National Workers/Groups initially for six months. The Joint Forum had appealed to all groups to strictly adhere to the five point resolutions and restrain from killings each other in all Naga inhabited areas.
In this connection, the release stated, “Something of serious action is necessitated against these groups to show sincerity of its approached to establishing peace and reconciliation in Nagalim” the release stated.
The release made a fervent appeal to the Forum to show its “credibility as a civil force that speaks for peace” and “to win the trust of NSCN who have trusted you by being a part of the ceasefire resolution.”
The release concluded that “the NSCN will still abide by the resolution despite such provocation. Because the NSCN continue to stand by the declaration of reconciliation among the Nagas by its Chairman Isak Chishi Swu”.
In Response of Rev. Dr. Tuisem Shishak Rev. Dr. V.K. Nuh In Focus the Morung Express
I am greatly impressed to read the article written by Tuisem Shishak which appeared in Nagaland Post on 24th July 2007.
I fully endorse his sense of justice dealing with the present Naga National imbroglio. I want to follow his steps sentence by sentence and confess myself, how my own community Chakhesang must have had done wrong and wounded someone. A sad history is not desirable to retrospect or to narrate the ugly situations that took place within last sixty years of conflict. But there is no other way to escape. We have to confess all of our mistakes.
Tuisem Shishak identified all weaknesses of Tangkhul community and it is a reality. In the same manner all other Naga Tribes have to confess our weaknesses. Major General Morgan said “It is not weakness, but strength to admit to the error of history and to exercise the past so as to be able to work for reconciliation in partnership”.
Today, NSCN (I-M) came back home with a hope to settle 60 years of conflict with India for Naga sovereignty. In my opinion Government of India is dividing Naga people, if she does not respect Naga democratic principles.
She is aware of the past history how talks came to a deadlock. Any talk must be multi-tract and bear transparency to the Naga people. It belongs to the Naga people. Therefore any settlement must be honorable and acceptable to the people.
It has come to the knowledge of public that consultation has been on and in for a hectic preparation; the perplexity is will it be open to Naga people what chartered demands has been submitted to the Government of India? Will it be an honorable settlement without taking confidence of NSCN (K) and NNC and above all blessings from the Naga Public? Otherwise it will only be another piece-meal settlement.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The ultimate question for a responsible person is not how he heroically extricating himself from the affairs of the days. “No” he said is how the coming generation are supposed to live”.
Sixty years of Naga people’s struggle for political freedom has been a people’s movement with political vision. That is why the public have been suffering all along for the same length of time. Each individual who took the risk and have given his/her life for the cause of Naga freedom equally share the same amount of respect and honor; and therefore, the Nagas cannot afford to forget their selfless effort and the price they have paid for us with their precious blood for the coming generations.
But Nagas must remember what Daniel Webster said; “Freedom and prosperity are fragile things. They are not given to all man and they must receive with thanksgiving and protect with vigilance, God grant liberty only to those who love it and are always ready to guard and defend it”.
Do the Naga freedom fighters prepare to accept each other? And willing to stop killing each other? If you can make cease-fire with Indians, what is the difficulty to make Cease-fire with your own brothers and sisters? We cannot dream of our freedom as long as we allow oppressive attitude to take the better part of us. We must find out ways at any cost to succeed and bring our dreams to reality.
We have done many mistakes collectively and individually during a span of over 60 years of our struggle. Let us question ourselves who is free from error, shortcomings or weaknesses. Therefore, we must prepare to extinguish internal fire first. Through all this, Naga National groups must have the courage to admit the past mistakes to bring about National Reconciliation. Let us remember how God is dealing with His people.
“When the people of Israel left Egypt, all the males were already circumcised. However, during the forty years the people spent crossing the desert, none of the baby boys had been circumcised. Also, by the end of that time all the men who were of fighting age when they left Egypt had died because they had disobeyed the Lord, just as he had sworn, they were not allowed to see the rich and fertile land that he had promised their ancestors. The sons of these men had never been circumcised, and it was this new generation that Joshua circumcised. After the circumcision was completed, the whole nation stayed in the camp until the wounds had healed. The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Today I have removed from you the disgrace of being slaves in Egypt”. That is why the place was named Gilgal, the name it still has’.
Nagas make historic peace pact Ceasefire between factions formally declared by joint forum Kuknalim.com

DIMAPUR, July 24:: A path-breaking declaration announcing a ceasefire between Naga armed groups was made in Dimapur today ...even as renewed calls for leaders of the different Naga national organizations to sit across the table was persistently echoed.

The joint forum of Nagaland’s gaonburas and dobashis formally declared the six-month ceasefire – beginning today – between Naga national workers at the deputy commissioner’s office complex, in the presence of Nagaland commissioner T.N. Mannen and chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Board Lt. General (Rtd.) R.V. Kulkarni, besides representatives from civil society and the Church. From among the ‘national workers’, only the NSCN (I-M) was in attendance. Participants in today’s meeting endorsed their full support to the joint forum and affirmed that the people were behind them.

The ceasefire is to be honoured on the basis of 5 resolutions that were passed at Kohima on June 6 when a mammoth gathering comprising of delegates of all 1162 villages and 11 districts of Nagaland expressed utmost concern over fratricidal killings amongst Naga brothers.Having drafted the resolutions, the Joint Forum working committee “had met senior leaders of NSCN (K), NSCN (IM) and FGN”, covering three rounds of talks including one round on November 2006.

“During our interactions with their leaders, our Joint Forum members had made it clear that our ‘Goodwill Mission’ is non-political in nature nor is it inclined toward any faction But we are unitedly interested in establishing an atmosphere of peace among the Nagas.”

Leaders of all groups of Naga national workers accepted in principle the five-point resolution and gave separate written commitments in their own language, according to the joint forum. Putting emphasis on peace as a long cherished desire of all Nagas, the forum stated, “In pursuance of these resolutions we appealed to all groups to strictly adhere by restraining from killings in all Naga inhabited areas.”

THE DECLARATION
In the name of our Almighty God on the day of the Lord today 24th July 2007, the Joint Forum of Nagaland GB Federation and Nagaland DB Association basing on the five (5) points resolution of 6th June 2007, Kohima formally declare ceasefire amongst all Naga National Workers/Groups initially for six (6) months with effect from 24th July 2007.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT The 5 resolutions passed by the joint forum:
1. All acts of violence among national workers are totally condemned. An appeal to shun such acts henceforth is made.
2. An appeal for peaceful co-existence amongst the different factions is made, for which understanding among themselves and conducive atmosphere amongst the different groups is advocated. And further, the joint forum resolved that in the course of carrying out implementation of these resolutions by members, if any faction or group victimizes any member of the forum, the entire GB and DB members from all over the state will unitedly take up the crime for justice from the organization.
3. To create an enabling situation, it is resolved that all factions must agree for a period of six months ceasefire between them with immediate effect and if any faction refuses to abide by this clarion call and appeal from the joint forum, then we shall not cooperate with that particular group or groups. And if any killing takes place during the currency of ceasefire, it will be investigated by a committee consisting of representatives of DBs and GBs and the guilty party will be brought to justice as per the appropriate customary law or such enacted laws as may be deemed fit
4. During the inter-factional ceasefire period, the joint forum will take the initiative to bring the top leaders from all the different groups together into a meeting under the protection of the joint forum members to thrash out their differences and to establish a harmonious atmosphere besides encouraging them to bring about peaceful approach to the Naga issues.
5. The joint forum also resolved that the ongoing ceasefire between NSCN-IM and the Government of India and NSCN-K and Government of India and their respective ground rules to strengthen the mechanism of its enforcement should be fully geared up. The joint forum appeals to the enforcing agency of the ground rules to strengthen the mechanism of its enforcement for effective implementation of the rule. The joint forum extends and appeals for full support of effective implementation.

‘Please, come together’
Every single speaker in today’s meeting had a common agenda. The message of peace. All who spoke during the program announcing the formal declaration of ceasefire between the different Naga groups supported the endeavour of the gaonburas and the dobashis.
But the main suggestion that was made to them was to bring the underground groups with differences to a platform for dialogue. Zhenito, president of the Zunheboto District GB’s Association trumpeted a clear message: “Our children are fighting. Will the fathers remain silent? GB’s are the father of the villagers and DB’s are guardians of the customary laws.” He expressed his contentment over the reality that four months had elapsed since the last factional fighting at Zunheboto. He continually stressed on the need for factions to sit together and chalk out differences.

General Kulkarni asked the forum to take bold steps and exuded confidence by telling them, “You cannot fail. I can promise you that.” Speaking to The Morung Express before the commencement of the programme, he said the step taken by the GB’s and DB’s was welcome and hoped that they would succeed in bringing peace.

Naga Hoho speaker HK Zhimomi and Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization vice president Shilu Sangtam reiterated the need for the factions to come together for discussions, all the while pledging their full support to the joint forum. Zhimomi asked all Nagas to shed their tribal egos as “nobody is above the nation.”

Representative of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Reverend Kari Longchar, said, “We should be impartial. I hope that the ceasefire (between the groups) will be forever.”

Reverend Puni of the NSCN (IM) however said the agreement should extend to all Naga inhabited areas.
Speaking not as additional chief secretary or commissioner, but as the “head” of the GB’s and DB’s, TN Mannen challenged the joint forum to be steadfast in their commitment. “If you do not succeed this time you do not deserve to be GB’s or DB’s.” He encouraged them by saying, “It is a long journey but you have the support of the people.”
He hoped that yesterday’s factional firing at Kohima would be the last instance of such violence after today’s formal declaration.
He asked the Nagas to shift their patriotism from clans or tribes to a people as a whole and called for removal of “hypocrisy in our society.”
(Morung Express News)
NSCN (K) on truce Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Dimapur July 25 (NPN): The NSCN (K) Wednesday expressed its skepticism about the credibility of the resolutions adopted by the Joint Forum Working Committee (JFWC) of Nagaland GBs Federation and Nagaland DBs Association for ceasefire among the Naga underground factions for restoration of peace.
Senior NSCN (K) leader AZ Jami told Nagaland Post that like any other the NSCN (K) also wanted peace.
He clarified that NSCN (K) did not accept the proposals of the GBs and the DBs as they produced a different draft before it and not the one adopted in Kohima recently.
Charging rival NSCN (I-M) with “always” violating the peaceful environment, Jami said the NSCN (K) would accept the five-point resolutions of the GBs and the DBs only if the NSCN (I-M) “seriously upholds the same”.
To a query, Jami said the NSCN (K) would have attended the function of formal declaration of ceasefire among the factions at Dimapur on July 24 had it received a formal invitation from the JFWC.
He said the invitation through the media was not adequate.
Assam can’t be ‘dustbin’ for migrants: AASU The Morung Express
NEW DELHI, July 25 (Agencies): Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil has reportedly asked for a report on security measures taken to protect the people living along the inter-State border, even as All Assam Students Union (AASU) demanded setting up of detention centres to house the illegal migrants thrown out by the neighbouring States. A delegation of AASU led by adviser, Samujjal Bhattacharya and comprising president and general secretary Sankar Prasad Rai and Tapan Kumar Gogoi, respectively, urged the Centre to order detention of suspected illegal migrants evicted by Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland before being deported from the State. “The problem should be solved as per Assam Accord,” they demanded.
“Assam cannot be dustbin for illegal migrants,” Bhattacharya later told newsmen.
Reacting to their demand, the Union Home Minister observed that there was no bar from the Centre on setting up such ‘detention centres’, if the States so desired. He also agreed with the demand that illegal migrants so detected should be deported, Bhattacharya claimed. In this connection, Patil was reminded of the statement made by Assam Government about disappearance of 48 illegal migrants from its detention. “If the Government does act fast enough then these illegal migrants being pushed into Assam might also melt with the population,” said the AASU leaders.
The meeting today also joined by Joint Secretary (North East), Navin Verma reportedly saw Patil asking his officials to seek a report from both Assam and Nagaland State Governments on measures taken to ensure protection of living near the inter-State borders.
The Union Home Minister, said the AASU leaders, assured them of providing adequate security. He said Assam already has 40 companies of para-military forces apart from Assam Police personnel. The responsibility of deploying them is on the concerned State Governments, he reportedly remarked. The AASU demand was ensuring of protection of life and property of people living in border areas and permanent solution of the boundary problem. Palpable tension prevails in the border areas after July 5 incident at Geleki in Sivasagar district.
AASU further reiterated its demand for special constitutional status for indigenous Assamese people. “The Centre should immediately create the provision to provide a special constitutional status to the people of Assam and North-east with rights over land and natural resources,” – AASU demanded.
The demand for introduction of inner line permit system was also reiterated with dual citizenship system. The demand for Upper House in Assam Assembly was also made.
Transformation of a militant leader : Genesis of militancy Nagarealm.com

Shillong, JULY25 [TST] : A Law student, teacher, author, and finally a rebel leader, Julius Dorphang was considered as a comparatively respected leader among the militant outfit HNLC.

Intelligence sources on Tuesday said that the already surrendered leaders had all high opinion about the manner of functioning of Dorphang. While other two top leaders - Bobby Marwein and Cheristerfield Thangkhiew were hardliners, Dorphang was open for dialogue to end the more than a decade old insurgency. 44-year-old Dorphang had his schooling from St Anthony's High School in 1980. His graduation was from Seng Khasi College. Dorphang also did his first year LLB course, but could not complete.

Dorphang also taught for sometime in a school in Shillong. In 19851, he was elecled as general secretary of the Ri Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF). An elusive Dorphang had guided the HNLC for the last 15 years without getting arrested even once. However, he understood the futility of fighting for a separate homeland and decided to come over ground. His dreams of an independent Khasi land is narrated in his book The life and struggle of U Wickliffe Syiem.

He says in the book that when the British left India, they gave back the Khasi princely states their independence. "The Republic of India, however through the efforts of Sardar Vallabhai Patel forced the Khasi Syiems (Chiefs/ Kings) to sign the Instrument of Accession thereby effectively annexing their territories to the Indian Union. Dorphang's book further says that the Indian Government compelled the Hynniewtrep rulers to sign the Instrument of Accession and the Annexed Agreement. Dorphang observes that "a similar case of silent invasion by the Indian Government also took place in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, which had also been fooled into signing the Standstill Agreement with a promise of protection from Pakistani incursion, but during the peak of such an incursion, the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir was forced instead to sign the Instrument of Accession". Police say that it was the realisation that the dream for independence would never materialise that he decided to come overground.

Genesis of militancy : According to the police, there were small militant organisations like United National Liberation Army of Meghalaya (UNLAM) as early as 1987 led by Vincent Sangma and Lovely Kharbudon. Later in early part of 1992, the Hynniewtrep Volunteers Council (HVC) was formed by Chandra Lyngdoh. In the middle of 1992, Hynniewtrep Achik Liberation Council (HALC) was formed by Julius Dorphang, John Kharkrang alias Bipul, Cheristerfield Thangkhiew alias Iaineh Kharkongor.

After the first police encounter against the militant outfit at Dienglieng on October 1992, Bobby Marwein and Cheristerfield Thangkhiew were arrested along with another NSCN(IM) cadre, Moses Kuiwero. During the jailbreak in 1995, Marwein and Thangkhiew managed to escape with the support of Dorphang. The HALC was later renamed to Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) at a meeting held in Bangladesh in December 1995.

Question mark over Khasi outfit’s credibility Nagarealm.com
SHILLONG, JULY25 [TST] : HNLC chairman Julius K Dorphang's surprise decision to "join the mainstream" has been termed not only as a major setback to the banned outfit but also raised questions about its credibility. The Khasi militant outfit at present has only general secretary Cherishterfield Thangkhiew and 'commander-in-chief' Bobby Marwein in the top brass.

The decision of Dorphang to surrender was a long protracted process and it was believed that the State police and security agencies had been keeping contact with him for quite some time. The process was activated in the past one week after a green signal from the HNLC chief for his "high profile" surrender. Dorphang and a handful of Khasi rebellious youths gave birth to the HNLC in 1988 to wage a war against "Indian colonialism" and to achieve what the outfit believed "right to self determination". It was in the early 90s, the outfit was in the limelight by unleashing terror on non-tribal traders, extortions, killings and abductions besides social activities in rural areas.

The reason behind surrender of the top leader of HNLC without any formal peace talks with the government is still shrouded in mystery. However, internal bickering and fund crunch in the outfit were believed as some of the factors that forced Dorphang to come overground. Police claimed that the HNLC had been divided into three factions with a few members allying with Dorphang who was considered as the "most sensible" leader in the HNLC leadership.

Sources also attribute security concerns as one of the reasons which prompted Dorphang to accept the government offer. Though Dorphang held the top post, he did not have much command over the armed HNLC cadres who were being controlled by Thangkhiew and Marwein. Due to the friction in the leadership and Dorphang's desire for peace talks with the State government, he might have earned the ire of the other two leaders and was under constant security threat, sources said.

Another coup in KLA, previous coup leader, six others killed The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 24: Within the space of two months, the Kuki Liberation Army, KLA faced another leadership coup as Thunder Kuki who led the May coup in the group was killed today along with six of his close associates of the same outfit reportedly led by Mosaun Kuki, the publicity secretary.

A highly reliable source said that Mosaun and his accomplices revolted against Thunder`s leadership yesterday evening killing Thunder himself, his wife, his deputy, Kingson along with four other cadres.

The report added that the wife of Thunder, said to be the second wife, was killed by stray bullets during the coup. The report, however, could not immediately confirm the identities of the second wife and other four slain cadres.

Mosaun Kuki has also reportedly claimed success in his revolt against Thunder`s leadership of KLA and also reportedly declared its headquarters at the same location as under the leadership of Thunder.

He also reportedly declared no change in the finance secretary of the outfit stating that the letterheads signed by the outfit`s finance secretary will continue to be used as before.

Mention may be made that the KLA had faced a coup on May 29 this year after Thunder who was the then deputy chief of the outfit decamped from the KLA headquarter at Bongjang area in Saikhul after killing the then commander in chief, Letkholun Lupheng along with five others.

Later, Thunder claimed killing Letkholun for his unfair financial management of the outfit.

Frans on 07.25.07 @ 09:45 PM CST [link]

Tuesday, July 24th

Talks “successful” – NSCN (IM) The Morung Express

Talks “successful” – NSCN (IM) The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 23 (MExN): The “mission” of NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Chishi Swu to New Delhi is “successful.” According to an MIP note, Swu announced this to his kilonsers after his return from Delhi. Also, to further proceed on this, the 6th Naga peoples’ consultative meeting has been scheduled for July 27 at Camp Hebron.
The MIP note asserted that general secretary Th. Muivah placed the Indian team “in a very uncomfortable position” when he charged the GoI of arming the NSCN-K to kill innocent citizens. Muivah is said to have told India to “prove yourself” if the GoI is at all serious about having peace in Nagaland.
The NSCN-IM also informed that the next round of the Indo-Naga talks was proposed to be held in Kohima. On this, the MIP note stated, the Indian leaders were “caught by surprise” and were “convinced to accept the proposal.”
Although the talks was “deemed successful,” Muivah cautioned to “prepare to face any eventuality but in the name of God.” Further, the MIP asserted that the “biggest” and “most meaning success” of the talks was the ‘clear-cut understanding” that no Indian Constitution will be imposed on the Nagas “and the NSCN too will insist on their proposed constitution.”
Undying spirit of freedom Interview with Thuingaleng Muivah Mizzima News
Nagas, an ethnic minority living both in India's northeast and Burma's northwest, have waged one of the longest insurgencies in South Asia, demanding an independent state. Led by an armed rebel group, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, under the leadership of Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, the Nagas are carrying on an unending struggle to fulfill their aspiration to unite Naga inhabitants both in India and Burma and live independently.
However, with increasing bilateral cooperation between India and the Burmese military junta, the NSCN (I-M) led movement seems to be at the cross roads.
In August, the decade long ceasefire between the government of India (GOI) and the NSCN (I-M) will end. And there is widespread speculation on the prospects of the Naga movement as a whole.
Mizzima's desk writer, Lemyao Shimray, caught up with Thuingaleng Muivah, the general secretary of NSCN (I-M), during a fleeting visit to New Delhi, and interviewed him on the prospects of the Naga movement both in India and in Burma.
Mizzima: Sir, we are aware that the ceasefire agreement between NSCN and India is expiring soon. Is there any possibility of extending it? What is the prospect of a further ceasefire?
Muivah: We have talked a lot about it. But as you know it is our political commitment to our people that whenever there is an extension of ceasefire or the issue becomes serious, we will come back and ask the people because we are responsible to the people. So, we have fixed a meeting for the 27th. There we will decide. There, we will discuss about the last talks we had here. Yes I think it is quite possible.
Mizzima: Where will the next talks be held? Here in New Delhi, outside India or has the place been already decided in your last meeting?
Muivah: We have asked them (GOI) this time to come to Nagaland and talk there.
Mizzima: Through 10 years of the cease fire, do you think India has been true to its commitment? And what has been the impact on the Naga movement as a whole?
Muivah: Yes, it is a big question. Anyway this is very pertinent. You know we have explained our position clearly enough and they cannot deny it. After all they are clear enough about the nature of the Naga issue. Now it is for them to decide. If they cannot take positives steps, then we have to say that they neither have the guts nor the sincerity to solve the problem.
Mizzima: What kind of sincerity are we talking about? Because the Indian Government has mentioned that Nagas have to agree to abide by the country's constitution, so what are your views about the Indian Constitution?
Muivah: We are not interested in talking about the Constitution because we know one of the principles of the talks is that it has to be unconditional. There should be no precondition on either side. So, we will stick to that.
Mizzima: When you say Naga movement, it includes Eastern Nagaland, which is currently under Burmese military rule. What is the level of struggle or movement in Eastern Nagaland?
Muivah: The first point is that everyone needs to know that Nagaland has been divided not by the Nagas themselves but by external forces. So, Nagas have every right to start the movement and fight the external combination. It is not an acceptation for the Nagas. Yes, as long as our people living on that side are responsible to us and we will be equally responsible to them to decide our fate together.
Mizzima: Sir, the NSCN has said that the Burmese military junta is trying to divide the Nagas. So what are the steps that have been taken to counter this if there is such a plan at all?
Muivah: It is not a surprise that the Burmese junta will do whatever they like. They are aware that Nagas are a force and have their own national movement. It would naturally affect them. So, how to counter it? Yes, they are in the process of dividing the Nagas further. But the question is that in the 21st century it is not for the Burmese to decide the fate of the Nagas neither is it for the Indians to decide the fate of the Nagas, but, the Nagas themselves. We have to decide. And until that is done of course there will be problems.
Mizzima: Sir, if Daw Aung San Suu Kyi comes to power or the military junta is overthrown, do you think it will be possible for Nagas in Burma to be more flexible and would they have more freedom?
Muivah: At the moment we think, Aung San Suu Kyi will be more understanding. We believe she respects people's voice because she herself is a lover of democracy. I think it is not on our part to have that kind of expectation from her though.
Mizzima: The Indian government has asked the junta to flush out Indian insurgents from Burmese soil. Do you feel that this would pose a threat to the Naga movement spearheaded by the NSCN?
Muivah: If I am to say at all, their collaboration is against the NSCN as a whole. Because they both know that NSCN is a force to reckon with. Yes, in that area, in the East we were there as also in the west and we can prove it. So, naturally they will be forced to collaborate with each other against us, mainly against the NSCN. They will do that and it is not a surprise but how far they will succeed that is a different question. The future will say. The Indians and the Burmese will be compelled to do that because they cannot ignore the force shaping up. So, you know they have to be alert, very much so otherwise the field will be left to the opponent alone. And in our case also, yes, we need them because what is ours is ours. But so far you know, we have been maintaining a ceasefire -- not fighting the Burmese.
Mizzima: What about Burma's military junta? Are the Nagas planning to have a ceasefire with them? Or is there to be any negotiation with the junta?
Muivah: At the moment we don't have it. But feel that it is not necessary to solve the problem through fighting. If they can understand us, in the near future we can start negotiations.
Mizzima: Has there been any talks earlier about the issue with the junta?
Muivah: No. Of course there were some interactions but that was not very meaningful. But remember we haven't clashed with them for a pretty long time and I think they understand that.
Mizzima: What about the NSCN –K, [Khaplang]. Is the Burmese Army after them?
Muivah: The NSCN-K, of course they have been chasing them. Well, they have to be that way. There is no other alternative. How much they can do, we do not know but Burmese armed forces must be moving up and down. They have to deal with them and if we happen to be there, they will be bound to deal with us also. But that will not bring a solution. There must be an attempt or efforts to come to an understanding peacefully like making contacts or something of the kind.
Mizzima: Sir, one last question. What is the NSCN's vision for the future and what do you envision about Eastern Nagaland?
Muivah: Our vision is very clear. The Nagas are the people who can develop themselves best. Nagas are the people that we have to trust most. Other people cannot think what is good for us and we cannot expect the best for us from them. This is our political philosophy. So, until that is achieved, you know you cannot expect the best and our life here on earth will be all together pitiful. But we know for sure that the Nagas will have their own rights. Nagas will have their own rights meaning, Nagas will have the right to determine their own fate and Nagas can do the best for themselves. We believe in that. So long as that kind of philosophy is there of course Nagas can have a future. There is no doubt about it.
10-year-old NSCN-IM truce brings peace to Nagaland By R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, July 23 – Nearly ten years have passed since the cease-fire agreement between the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M) came into force and it will take some more time before a final agreement is reached with the militant outfit. However, formal talks with the NSCN (K) are yet to begin though the outfit has also signed a cease-fire pact with the Government of India.

Highly placed official sources said that the cease-fire pact with the NSCN (I-M) came into effect from August 1, 1997 and the present term of the agreement would expire on July 31. The Government of India and the outfit, in a meeting held in New Delhi on July 20, agreed to extend the term of the cease-fire pact by one more year and the formal agreement in this regard is scheduled to be signed in Kohima on July 31.

Sources said that though signing of a formal agreement with the NSCN might take some more time, there were quite a few positives that were visible in the last ten years and the leaders of the outfit also softened their stand on several key issues. The biggest positive aspect of the ongoing peace talks is the restoration of peace in Nagaland. Sources pointed out that though there have been instances of attacks and counter attacks by the militants belonging to the rival factions of the NSCN, the common people of the state have not been affected and the State and the Central Governments could also take advantage of the peaceful situation to embark on development activities. The people of the State have also been able to take active part in development schemes, which is another positive outcome of the cease-fire agreement.

Over the years, the NSCN leaders have also softened their stand as series of meetings helped in melting the ice. There was a time when the leaders of the NSCN only talked with the Government on foreign soil, but now they have started coming to India for talks. The cease-fire agreement also gave a chance to the top leaders of the NSCN to visit Nagaland and hold talks with the common people to know their feelings, while, on the other hand, it also gave the opportunity to the Nagaland civil society to voice their opinion before the NSCN leaders. Sources said that different social organizations of Nagaland and even the common masses could now put pressure on the NSCN leadership to continue extension of the cease-fire agreement and to look for a peaceful political solution to the problems.

Giving details of the actual progress of the peace talks with the NSCN, official sources said that the Government of India had categorically told the leadership of the outfit that granting sovereignty would not be possible. “The Government has told the NSCN that solution to the problem must come within the framework of the Constitution of India and the NSCN has also agreed to give up the demand for sovereignty and they have agreed to remain as a part of India. The NSCN now agreed that they would agree to remain as a part of India under “a special federal relation” and on its part, the Government is also of the view that the Constitution is not rigid and it could be amended. Now discussions on this issue is going on,” sources said. Sources also pointed out that the Constitution of India already provided some special provisions for Nagaland on issues like right over land and resources and the special customary and traditional laws remained untouched.

On the reported demand of the NSCN for greater Nagalim with areas of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, official sources asserted that the Government of India would not agree to reorganize the existing boundaries of the States. The Government has made it very clear to the leadership of the NSCN that the Centre would not redefine the existing boundaries of the states without the approval of the concerned state Governments. It may be mentioned here that the Governments of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur have already voiced their strong opposition to the demand for greater Nagalim by including the land of these states.

Sources also said that the Centre received allegations from the Governments of the North Eastern states that despite signing the cease-fire agreement, the NSCN members were actively supporting other militant groups of the region. The Assam Government has alleged that the NSCN was extending help to militant groups like the Black Widow. Official sources said that the Government of India has asked the NSCN to stop indulging in such activities. “Of course, the NSCN denied the allegations but the Government made it clear that such activities should be stopped,” sources added.

Sources also admitted that signing of any agreement only with the NSCN(I-M) might not solve the Naga political problem. But formal talks with the NSCN(K) are yet to start. Sources said that the NSCN(K) has not placed formal demands before the Government to start the ball rolling.
Hoho bid to stymie statehood campaign OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, July 23: The campaign brewing in eastern Nagaland for a “state” distinct from the NSCN (Isak-Muivah)’s vision of “Nagalim” has left the apex organisation of the Naga community baffled.
The Naga Hoho said today that there was no question of supporting the attempt by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) to begin a parallel campaign.
Keviletuo Kiewhuo, the Hoho vice-president, said a meeting would be convened soon to discuss the possible repercussions of such a move. “Unless the issue is addressed with political correctness, such a sensitive matter will have far-reaching consequences, more so at a juncture when the peace process is on.”
The dialogue between the NSCN (I-M) and the Centre’s team of negotiators was to resume in New Delhi last weekend, but a last-minute change in venue forced them to reschedule the talks. The two sides will now meet in Nagaland on July 30.
The ENPO has yet to formally apprise Delhi of its demand. Its president, Pohwang Konyak, said some people were trying to create misunderstandings among the Naga tribes by raising a hue and cry over the planned campaign.
The organisation cited the state government’s negligence of four districts — Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphere — as the reason for deciding to campaign for a separate state.
The government responded with the allegation that residents of these districts wanted to be “spoon-fed”. Chief minister Neiphiu Rio said the four districts were no more backward than other places in Nagaland. He asked the tribes inhabiting Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphere to have a broader outlook and march ahead with the rest of Naga society. Phoms, Konyaks, Yimchungers, Khiaminungans, Sangtams, Changs and a few sub-tribes inhabit the four districts. Their combined population is around 10 lakh.
The Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation is separately campaigning for 25 per cent job reservation for residents of these areas.
Legislators representing the four districts have requested the students to suspend their agitation and allow a government-constituted committee to study the pros and cons of reservation.
Ceasefire Uncertainties Source: IMPHAL FREE PRESS

The ceasefire between the NSCN(IM) and the government of India is due to end on July 31, unless it is extended again, as it had been over and over again for the past one decade. Whether it is back to the jungles for the NSCN(IM) or another leash of life to the ceasefire remains to be seen. As of now, expectedly, it is a war of rhetoric, posturing and threats of resorting to the extreme – a modern equivalent of ritualistic war dances of the primitive era, aimed at making the opponent cower before the battle and ease up on their respective intransigent stances. But the hunch is, as it has happened in the past, at the end of the day on July 31, it will be another leash to the ceasefire that both parties agreed upon in 1997. This is a natural presumption, for in the 10 years that have gone by, the peace that the ceasefire ushered in, however flawed it may be, has become a powerful vested interest for everybody, the Government of India, the NSCN(IM), the Naga public and indeed all other neighbouring northeastern communities. The peace talks may have stagnated miserably and the light at the end of the tunnel may still be as remote as when the talks began, but all said and done, it is better to stagnate in peace than in hostility. It needs to be recalled that if the 10 years of peace negotiations did not bring in any tangible result for the Nagas, armed rebellion could not do it either in all of half a century. It is unlikely that a resumption of hostility now would make this scenario any different. It is a bitter irony, but short of a radical paradigmatic change in notions of people-hood, ethnicity, nationhood, territory etc, neither hostility nor ceasefire is likely to hold any promise. This is a valuable lesson not just for those who have bitten the peace bait, but also those who still have been resisting it stubbornly. On an optimistic note, the futility of it all must serve as the trigger for thoughts of other routes to a resolution. Whatever the case is, one thing is certain, the conditions for peace must be rooted in the soil, and in the present reality, not in the past or in ideologies evolved out of attempts to understand social conditions in other parts of the world in past eras.

The stagnation of the Naga ceasefire, in this sense was inherent in its very inception. In the semantics of the ceasefire terms agreed upon, maybe it was a ceasefire between two equal parties, but never so in reality. For there was another unwritten script that emerged concurrently, one which became the general understanding of the spirit of the agreement too. Unfortunately, in the euphoria accompanying the “peace breakthrough”, the signatories themselves either failed to notice it or ignored it. In this script, the Government of India was the benefactor, giving the insurgent organisation another chance to reform, or else an honourable exit. If this was not so, the preconditions of the ceasefire would not have been about setting up designated camps for the insurgents, but of a clear Line of Control, LOC, between the two entities, just as there exists an LOC in Kashmir between India and Pakistan, or more relevantly between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE (ceasefire line as it is called in this context). Would the Government of India ever agree to such a term in the Naga situation, or for that matter any other insurgency in the northeast? The answer is a foregone conclusion. The unarticulated understanding always was, and still is, whatever the settlement reached, it will have to be ultimately within the Indian Constitution, or else within acceptable limits of amendments of this same constitution. If the NSCN(IM) or for that matter any other group which chooses to negotiate peace thinks anything beyond this is achievable, they better be prepared for a hundred years of unending fruitless negotiations. The lack of an LOC has another implication. It puts the ordinary citizens in total misery. They are harangued by different and opposing laws, different tax (extortion) regimes, are expected to be loyal to two powers on the threat of being penalised either for the crime of being party to sedition and treachery to the nation, or else for being a collaborator of colonisers. Nobody has given much thought to this matter, but this is actually the status of ordinary life in this complex conflict theatre. Official ambiguity, be it on the terms of peace or strategies of war, have only accentuated the hopelessness of this predicament.
Tuisem A. Shishak: A Confession Tuisem Shishak The Morung Express column
They say, “Confession is good for the soul.” I am not so sure. Individuals, peoples, and nations the world over have confessed with no tangible results. Hypocrisy and pretensions make confessions a mockery. St. Augustine ’s Confessions reveals the inner condition of the author’s heart in such a way that it has inspired and challenged Christians and non-Christians alike for the last sixteen hundred years. The Christian scriptures (the Bible) demand that human beings everywhere confess and repent for their sins committed in mind, heart and body prior to receiving forgiveness from God. We know forgiveness does no good to the one whose confession is hypocritical.
With all the bombardment against Tangkhul NSCN (I-M) members and the Tangkhul tribe as a whole in recent times, I have been thinking and praying whether a response of some kind would be appropriate, or would such a response from me turn out to be just another Tangkhul talking out loud? I also wonder how many fellow Tangkhuls will share my concern. Then I remembered the Human Rights group’s poster: “Speak up before your silence is misunderstood.” I point no finger at any non-Tangkhul (person or tribe).
I am only concerned about removing the negative attitude other Nagas have toward the Tangkhuls.
By now I have heard enough from Tangkhuls and non-Tangkhuls, read enough in local papers, and seen enough with my own eyes about the behavior and lifestyle of the Tangkhuls in general and Tangkhul I-Ms in particular. I have had ample time to honestly think and analyze all the materials that have reached my hand and my mind, and I am convinced that many of the things spoken against the Tangkhuls in general, and Tangkhul I-Ms in particular, are valid and true.
Let me start with “An Appeal”, an article written by several responsible non-Tangkhul ladies and gentlemen, which appeared in the Nagaland Post of 12 February 2007. In so many words they said the “Quit Notice” to the Tangkhuls was not in the interest of the Nagas as a whole, hence the necessity for revoking or withdrawing it. I agree. But they also said: “Excesses committed by certain Tangkhuls in the NSCN (I-M) have for long angered other Nagas, not just the Khaplang group.” To this also I agree. Reduction, if not elimination, of any violent activity results in immediate lessening of tension in society.
Many non-Tangkhuls have the misconception that the Tangkhul I-Ms are loved and supported by all the Tangkhuls. Apart from my direct contact with Tangkhul villagers, many individuals have reported to me the harassment, extortion, and torture committed by Tangkhul I-Ms against innocent fellow Tangkhuls. Tangkhul I-Ms have killed innocent fellow Tangkhuls; one of the victims was a relative of my mother. Prior to the formation of NSCN in 1980, innocent Tangkhuls also suffered in the hands of the old NNC cadres. Like other Nagas and non-Nagas, many living Tangkhuls still carry deep, painful wounds and scars in their minds and hearts; they are still looking for truth and reconciliation. God said to Cain (and to killers/murderers today): “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground” (The Bible). We forget but God remembers. Hence, pay day, some day! The Tangkhul I-Ms have also been accused of meddling with the normal functioning of village, church, and Tangkhul Long affairs. In general, I believe these reports to be true.
Lest I be misunderstood, let me make this very clear. I believe the majority, if not all, of the Tangkhuls support the current negotiation between the Government of India (GOI) and the NSCN (I-M); they support the Naga freedom struggle; they are for Naga integration. What they cannot accept is the behavior, action, and lifestyle of many within the I-M group. They want I-M people to repent for their past crimes against innocent fellow Tangkhuls and others, and ask God to enable them to treat the civil population humanely.
But what about the Tangkhuls in general, including Tuisem? Are they liked by other Nagas? Not quite. The Tangkhuls in Manipur were, perhaps, the first among the tribals in Manipur to become Christians, and the first to receive education. But today our testimony in Manipur is very poor. Most of our so-called Christian politicians and government bureaucrats are morally bankrupt; Meitei Hindus and other non-Christians make fun of them and their faith. Fellow tribal Christians in Manipur used to look up to the Tangkhuls for guidance and inspiration, but not anymore. Corruption has caught up with the NSCN (I-M) too. There was a time when overground politicians and civil servants were condemned by underground cadres for being corrupt, and rightly so. Not anymore; today both are equally guilty. I see several Tangkhul I-Ms living in houses which can’t be built or purchased with honest earnings in such a short time. I am told that underground soldiers and lower-rank workers work hard but are poorly paid and looked after. I would not be surprised if much of the extortion has been and is being carried out by those poorly-paid underground personnel.
So far I have not said anything good about the Tangkhuls. But I am here only to point out what has gone wrong with the Tangkhuls. There is another characteristic of my tribe: arrogance. Many Tangkhuls have false pride; humility is not a normal trait of my people. You can be sure, Tangkhuls are not united. Many Tangkhuls living and working in Nagaland State must have provoked the resentment of fellow Nagas against themselves. This I understand too. I keep urging fellow Tangkhuls in Nagaland to make friends, not enemies; I hope they are listening.
I hope I have said enough to convince fellow Tangkhuls that we have had our share in creating the current turmoil which has forced other Nagas to even hate the Tangkhuls. This is enough reason to say “sorry” to the Nagas of Nagaland State. But what about other underground factions? other Naga tribes? Are they not also participants in today’s Naga mess? I am not the one to answer these questions. All I know is that somewhere we have to stop blaming each other, and start confessing our sins to each other if we ever hope to see peace in our land. The Bible says: “But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment.” “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
I am a Tangkhul; by implication I am a partaker of the sins my people have committed against fellow Nagas, against non-Nagas. Therefore, in behalf of all the Tangkhuls who long for healing within Naga society, I, Tuisem A. Shishak, say “sorry” to all those whose families have been hurt through harassment, extortion, torture, destruction, and murder. My confession goes to members of the NSCN (K), NNC, FGN, all the Naga tribes in Nagaland State, Manipur, Arunachal, Assam, and Eastern Nagaland (Myanmar), non-Tangkhul IMs, and even non-Nagas (Kukis, Meiteis, Mayangs, etc.). Will you forgive my people for the sins they have committed against you? And to Christians (Nagas and non-Nagas) everywhere: Will you forgive me and my people in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ? Will those Tangkhul families that have been hurt by I-M, K, NNC, FGN, and non-Naga groups also forgive them in Christ’s name?
“Thou hast made us for Thyself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” (St. Augustine ). May the current restless hearts of the Nagas (underground and overground) soon find their rest in God. Time is running out for the Naga political peace process. “The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved” (The Bible). Could it be disunity among the Nagas that is responsible for the current talks impasse? Could it be disobedience to God and his Word that is hindering any progress? Or could it be both?
It will be almost impossible for any underground faction to eliminate another faction, partly because every faction has a support base both within and outside Naga territory. All the factions must know by now that there are people within Nagaland/Nagalim who would like to see factional fightings continue so they can continue amassing wealth for themselves. All the factions should also be aware that there are forces within and outside Nagaland/Nagalim trying to bring about further splits within the existing factions, and even within the great Naga family as a whole. By now all the factions ought to realize that unless they come together and deal with the Government of India (GOI) unitedly, separate and piecemeal negotiation will simply give GOI ample time to prepare sophisticated strategies to ensure the Naga political struggle will end up in smoke. By now all the factions ought to realize that Assam (Asom), Manipur, and Arunachal will continue to oppose integration of all contiguous Naga areas in their states. Everybody seems to be against us; that’s understandable though it is irrational. But what is appalling and even diabolical is that the Nagas are at war with fellow Nagas. What for? Why is each faction fighting to set up its own kingdom within India? No faction seems to be fighting for a united kingdom for the Naga nation. Let us be very clear about this: the GOI will get serious only when the Nagas are united; until such time they will continue to play politics indefinitely. Time is the essence. The Bible teaches that sin separates man from God, and sin separates man from man. Simply fasting and praying will not do; simply shouting “Nagaland for Christ” will not do. We Naga Christians are very good in all this. What Jesus Christ really is telling us is: “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” and remember that “To obey is better than sacrifice” (The Bible).
Sometimes with heartache I wonder if we Nagas understand the predicament we are in. When the British and foreign missionaries came to our land over a century ago, we were a bunch of villagers; the concept of tribe was very weak. Education and the Christian faith slowly spread; then came the First and Second World Wars, and the concept of tribe began to enlarge and consolidate. If we hope to achieve nationhood for the Nagas, we must move beyond our tribes. Our underground brothers and sisters call themselves national workers, and rightly so. But their behavior, their actions, and their lifestyle only prove that the Nagas are still bound by tribal mentality and attitude. Nagas will not become a nation until we make our tribes subordinate to the Naga nation. Until the animal called “tribalism” is arrested and controlled sufficiently, the road to Naga nationhood will remain rough and elusive for a long time to come.
I believe the mandate of the Naga people to the NSCN (I-M), NSCN (K), NNC, and FGN includes, among others, the following:
1) Stop indulging in violence: kidnapping, extortion, killing/murder, etc. of fellow Nagas and the innocent public;
2) Let all the “national workers” be reconciled and united;
3) Behave and act as if you are working for the Naga nation, not for a tribe;
4) It’s time you listen to and carry out the will of the Naga people;
5) Make political talks between any faction and the GOI transparent; keep the Naga public informed;
6) It’s time the Nagas practice what they preach: “Nagaland for Christ.”
As for me, I have never been a party to any of the Naga underground factions. I remain committed to Naga unity, and in this position I am ready to dialogue with any faction leader.
I am first and foremost a believer in Jesus Christ, but I am a Naga before I am a Tangkhul. What about you, beloved Nagas?
AKM’s vow on Naga identity Nagarealm.com

DIMAPUR, JULY23 [NPN] : Pledging to safeguard the blood, tradition, culture and customs of the Ao Nagas and their land, the Ao Students' Conference (AKM) has said the identity of a people can be preserved only when there is no adulteration of their blood, tradition, culture and customs.

“There is only one right that is sacrosanct and this right is at the same time the most sacred duty. This right and obligation are: that the identity of the Naga racial stock should be guarded,” said a press release issued by AKM president Aodangnok and vice president L. Imti Jamir. The apex Ao students’ body, which is spearheading ‘Survival 2007 campaign to check the menace of influx of illegal migrants, said it was high time to take the campaign to each and every Ao villages since the illegal migrants had taken undue advantage of the hospitality of Ao Nagas and started to abuse their freedom.

“These shrewd illegal migrants are hiring local goons to physically assault the genuine Indian citizens residing in Mokokchung in their sinister bid to flare up communal tension,” AKM alleged and cautioned “AKM is on the look out for those traitors and will be dealt with befittingly when found out.” It called upon all village councils and NGOs of all six ranges under Mokokchung District to extend their moral and active support to successfully implement ‘Survival 2007’ exercise in their respective jurisdictions. The AKM also said it expected the various village councils to enact certain sanctions of law and issue diktats to all illegal migrants in order to ensure that the right of the indigenous people to exist as a dignified people was secure.

“In fact, the villages are the institutions for preservation of our culture, tradition and customs, and the pollution of the village institution is the first step towards our annihilation,” the release added. Further, the AKM urged upon “every son and daughter of the soil” to support ‘Survival 2007’ so that “posterity shall not wail and blame us for our today's oversight.” Meanwhile, while acknowledging the suggestions and contributions of NGOs as well as individuals towards ‘Survival 2007 campaign, AKM has at the same time, requested all concerned “not to conjure any rumours apart from the official information released by the office of the AKM.”
Students in Assam protest against attacks by Naga rebels By ANI
Guwahati/Sonapur (Assam), July 24 (ANI): Students in Assam on Tuesday blocked rail lines protesting attacks on locals by Naga rebels from neighbouring Nagaland.
Students belonging to All Assam Students Union (AASU) are protesting against the recent attacks on villagers in Sibsagar district by rebels.
The students' group allege that Naga rebels are taking undue advantage of the ceasefire agreement with the Centre.
"The government has not provided any safeguard to the people living near the border. If the government, both the Centre as well as the State government does not act we will launch a bigger agitation," said Jatin Bora, vice president of All Assam Students Union.
The states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur have however, expressed concern over the idea of widening the ceasefire agreement with Naga rebels. (ANI)
Dissent among DAN coalition Sentinel
Kohima, July 23: The dissention among the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) coalition came to light, when its partner BJP expressed resentment against its ally Nagaland Peoples’ Front (NPF) on the voting of Presidential election recently.
The Nagaland unit of BJP is not happy with the NPF-DAN alliance. With NPF 32, BJP 05, JD (U) 02 and Independents 04 (all in DAN coalition) supporting the Nagaland Congress, which has only 17 legislators in the 60-member Nagaland Assembly.
One JD(U) legislator did not cast his vote in the Presidential election due to ill health. But in the Nagaland election, altogether 40 votes were cast in favour of UPA-Left backed Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil, which shows that 23 of the DAN coalition did not cast their votes to the NDA backed candidate Bahiron Singh Shekhawat.
This is unbecoming and against the spirit of coalition, Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr T M Lotha retorted in a statement here today.
He said, "We should have some political principle and atleast in a state like ours, where the government is run by a non-Congress coalition, particularly backed by the NDA, voting against our own candidate is uncalled for." Describing as ‘ridiculous’, he pointed out to the NPF that it was during the NDA regime that the DAN government enjoyed unprecedented economic and development packages and received certain status in the Naga political issue. Dr Lotha claimed that though Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had agreed to hold a discussion with the coalition partners over the Presidential election, it was never discussed. Instead, he said, the NPF chose to hold a separate meeting and unilaterally resolved on casting ‘conscience vote’.
He said it was not for the first time that NPF had betrayed the BJP. He alleged that even in the past the NPF had not allowed the BJP to field its own candidate in the elections. Dr Lotha, however said, despite all these, the BJP in Nagaland, continued to maintain the pre-poll coalition spirit. (UNI)

Heart of Darkness Source: IMPHAL FREE PRESS

Objections to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, AFSPA, is another matter, but so long as the Act is in force, the claim that the Army has the right to search a minister’s car or for that matter his office or residence, is plain. The AFSPA is unambiguous about giving the army the power to search any premises private or public without warrant. From the legal standpoint hence, the army major, Nikhil Thakkar, who stopped state cabinet minister Ph Parijat’s motorcade as it passed by the post he commands at Sagang and ordered the latter out of his car, may be perfectly okay, but what should not be ignored is, the unwritten norms of official propriety and social customs go beyond just the legal. There is no law that says you cannot swear at your parents or for that matter any elder, but social customs and intuitive civilizational sense of culture and decency, have ensured that these behaviours are seen as not correct. Only untutored juvenile delinquents do these things. The story of the present sorry episode goes far beyond the legal too, for it was not so much about legal immunity but of impunity and disregard of universally accepted norms of civility. The body language of the major in question said all this loud and clear. Thanks to press and cable TV cameramen who were in the ministerial entourage that day, everybody got to see the impudence of the soldier in casual shorts and T-shirt, confronting the senior minister, raising his index finger as if driving home a patronising point to someone who could by age have been his father, and by protocol certainly a man his bosses’ bosses would call Sir and salute. Even if he had to stop and search the minister’s car, couldn’t he have shown a little more respect for official formalities even if he does not believe in anything as manner and etiquette?

In any condition of lawlessness, anybody or any organisation with the raw power of arms at its command, un-moderated by civil norms, would tend to assume to be a law unto itself. Manipur should know this better than anybody else, for indeed its hapless citizens today have no choice but to live by rules of diktats and decrees on the threat of death and public humiliation on the one hand, and on the other, the intimidation of draconian laws. That power corrupts is a time-tested adage, and this corruption was what we witnessed in the major who presumed he could lord over a civil leader of the stature of a cabinet minister in the manner he did before the camera. And photo images do not lie. If the AFSPA has meant to be a traumatic experience for many a victim, its corrupting influences have not spared its masters either. The story is not very different on the other side of the fence of the state’s soul-eroding, endless conflict, tearing at its very moral being. One is reminded of Kurtz the protagonist in Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”, a novel on which the Marlon Brando-starer Hollywood classic of the 1980s “Apocalypse Now” was based. A line from the novel runs something like: “alone in the jungle he had a peep into his own soul, and beware, he went mad”. The prolonged lawlessness in Manipur has amplified the sense of raw power of those with arms, and beware many of them are inebriated on this insatiable intoxicant. Beware that you do not cross their path lest you end up mauled or gored, but the caution is also ultimately for them. Let them beware of the corrupting influence of power that their own souls are exposed to.

Maybe wars and conflicts are human destiny. This is also perhaps why arms have been almost an inalienable part of any human society. Civilisation, and indeed the very notion of democratic rule itself, has also been very much about sublimating the need for armed strength of any State under civil norms, values and laws. This is why in a democracy the supreme commander of its army is always the head of the civil government, and not generals. Not only are the top leadership of the Indian army, civilians, but India went a step ahead yesterday and for the first time in its history elected a civil woman, Pratibha Patil, to be the next commander-in-chief of its mighty army. But in pockets of wilderness as Manipur, even mere majors still think they can browbeat cabinet ministers and get away with it. We do hope the matter is straightened out appropriately and in proportion to the offence by army authorities.

Frans on 07.24.07 @ 09:59 PM CST [link]

Monday, July 23rd

`Positive outcome` in talks with GoI, says NSCN The Imphal Free Press

`Positive outcome` in talks with GoI, says NSCN The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 20: Representatives of the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, NSCN (IM), met today at New Delhi between 5:30 to 7:00 pm today. According to a release issued by the NSCN, both the parties discussed the ceasefire issue and the proposals of the NSCN with `positive outcome`. To speed up the process of the talk, a proposal to form consultative committee has been agreed upon and is under process, said the release.

`The positive outcome of the talk is the acceptance of most of the NSCN`s proposal presented earlier`, the release said but did not give details. It may be mentioned, the 10-year old ceasefire between the government of India and the NSCN(IM) is due to expire on July 31, 2007.

Apart from the extension of the ceasefire, the talks today were expected to centre on the NSCN(IM)`s demand for unification of Naga-inhabited areas in the north east, and issues relating to clashes between the Naga factions, as well as ways to carry forward the peace process in the North east states.

The next round of talks will take place at `Nagalim` on July 30 to 31, 2007, according to the release, issued by the ministry of information and publicity, GPRN.

The government of India was represented in the talks today by government interlocutor, Padmanabhaiah, Union minister Oscar Fernandes, home secretary Madhubar Gupta, special secretary (Internal Security, Home), joint secretary, North-East In-charge Naresh Verma and Deputy Director, IB. From the NSCN side, the talks were attended by NSCN(IM) chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah along with five other members.
People’s views before extension The Morung Express

DIMAPUR, JULY 22 (MExN): Before a decision on extension of ceasefire is taken, Naga civil society and public leaders have been invited to Camp Hebron on July 27 to hold consultations with the NSCN (I-M), according to information received today. A “massive” public gathering of civil society, including gaonburas and village leaders, are expected to vent their voice for or against the ceasefire, and lend their ears to what the armed organization has to say on the progress of the talks. Significantly, two “outsiders” from foreign countries, who are close to both India and the Naga side, have been inducted to review the legal scope and dimensions which may lead to any honorable political settlement.Sources also said the next four to five months would chart a course of future action and that the talks this time had reached a “crucial” point. The outcome of the latest round of negotiations was “very positive,” an NSCN (I-M) leader said. Keeping in view the demand for unification, he said that “one day the talks may also be held in Arunachal Pradesh depending on circumstances.” Earlier pegged to be held at Kohima, the ceasefire talks will now be possibly conducted at Dimapur because of official meetings at the capital on July 30.
‘Do not create confusion on Naga political issue’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JULY 22 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has lashed back at Jamir saying that in the 63 years of Naga struggle, the Naga people have been bearing the cross of the freedom struggle having tasted enough of Jamir’s ‘perilous policy’ that is not in keeping with the people’s political struggle. While disclosing that the Indo-Naga peace process was in a precarous position, the NSCN (IM) stated that any move from any quarter had the potential to cause symptomatic infection in the settlement. In this context, they pointed out that for the interest of unifying the national psyche of Nagas, the “misadventure” of Jamir was best avoided but at the same time stated that there was no denying that the Goa Governor’s too many policies are in contravention of Naga political desire.
The NSCN (IM) though admitting that a political personality of Jamir’s standing could have been a great asset for Nagas, lamented that he had gone astray too early in his career. This, according to them, was amply demonstrated by his strong opposition to the then Prime Minister, Nehru who had expressed his desire to invalidate the 16 point agreement of 1960 after realizing the blunder committed by the Government of India. The NSCN (IM) said that no attempt should be made to create confusion and leave room for undermining the Naga cause and hence no two meanings of Sovereignty should be made to appear in this critical period of reckoning.
The NSCN (IM) also stated that the political credentials of any peron had to be scrutinized from close angle if he were to fit into the scheme of a political mediator between them and the Government of India. They reaffirmed that in the scale of Jamir’s standing in the eye of the NSCN (IM) would not prevail. “Ironically, Jamir’s temperament at taking potshot against NSCN has not been taken in lighter vein by the NSCN” the press communiqué from the NSCN (IM) quoted.
Voting against our own candidate against coalition spirit: Dr Lotha By Oken Jeet Sandham - Asian Tribune
Kohima, 23 July (NEPS): The outcome of the Presidential Election has taken many particularly in Nagaland by surprise when over 50% of the ruling DAN members were found voting against their own NDA-backed Presidential candidate, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. The BJP-led NDA backs the present DAN coalition government in Nagaland.
As per the result, only 12 out of 43 ruling DAN members cast for NDA-backed Independent Presidential Candidate, whereas 40 including 17 Opposition Congress Members went in favor of Congress-led UPA sponsored Candidate. Five votes were found invalid. This means 23 non-Congress Members from the ruling DAN in Nagaland voted for the Opposition Congress-led UPA sponsored Presidential Candidate.
“This is unbecoming and against the spirit of coalition,” thundered Dr TM Lotha, Nagaland BJP Legislature Party Chief and who was also Polling Agent of NDA-backed Independent Presidential Candidate Bhairon Singh Shekhawat in the recently concluded Presidential Election in the State. “We should have some political principle and at least in a state like ours where the government is run by non-Congress coalition partners backed by NDA, voting against our own candidate is uncalled for.”
Dr Lotha also did not subscribe to ruling NPF’s time-to-time claim that latter’s support to the Congress-led UPA Government at the Center was issued-based. Such assertion was ridiculous after this very present DAN government had enjoyed unprecedented economic packages, development packages and more so in getting certain status to the Naga political issue from the previous BJP-led NDA government, he stated.
The Nagaland BJP leader further disclosed he along with some BJP leaders had earlier discussed that consultation among the coalition partners was necessary for the coming presidential election, which the Chief Minister readily agreed to. But such consultation did not take place rather the NPF had unilateral decision to go for conscience vote which was much against the pre-poll understanding, he pointed out.
This was not the first time that the major ruling NPF had betrayed the BJP. In the past by-elections and MP elections too, they had never allowed the BJP to field their own candidates. Even in the last two by-elections, which were necessitated due to the sudden unfortunate demise of their two BJP MLAs, they did not even make room for the BJP to play there. “Yet we still tolerate and continue to maintain the pre-poll coalition spirit,” Dr Lotha, who is also Minister in the present DAN Ministry, said.
Re-assuring that despite of all these un-friendly attitudes of the ruling NPF, they would do their best that the present DAN coalition ministry in Nagaland complete its tenure and never go against the wishes of the coalition spirit, Dr Lotha said, avowing, “We would never shy away from our responsibilities.”
Migrant surge triggers paranoia OUR BUREAU The Telegraph

Some of the suspected Bangladeshi migrants who were turned over to police in Guwahati. (AP)
Guwahati/Kokrajhar, July 22: The migrant purge that began in Sonitpur and Jorhat five days ago spread to the Bodo heartland today, swelling the ranks of the push-them-back brigade and forcing the government on the defensive.
Two influential students’ organisations representing the Bodos and the Koch Rajbongshis issued an ultimatum to the government to shunt out people of “doubtful nationality” from Kokrajhar district within three days.
The trigger for the deadline set by the All Bodo Students’ Union and the All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union was the alleged arrival of groups of suspected migrants in Bhotgaon and Kashipara. Both organisations said makeshift camps housing illegal migrants sprang up overnight in these areas.
Police admitted that 244 families surfaced in Kashipara and set up makeshift camps with the help of the All Bodoland Muslim Students’ Union.
“If the district administration does not take necessary action soon, we will take our own course of action,” Jiron Basumatary, the president of Absu’s Kokrajhar unit, said.
“It is really shocking to see so many people of doubtful nationality taking shelter in the area.”
Basumatary’s counterpart in the Koch Rajbongshi union, Jiten Roy, said his organisation would not allow “outsiders” in the area and warned of a “situation beyond control” if the district administration did evict the settlers immediately.
The Bodoland Territorial Council said action would be taken against any illegal migrant settling in an area within its jurisdiction. Hagrama Mohilary, the council’s chief executive, said “no foreigner will be allowed to settle in the BTC area at any cost and under any circumstance”.
In Guwahati, the youth wing of the BJP threatened to intensify its campaign if the government did not evict the suspected migrants pushed by Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland into Assam.
The All Assam Students’ Union, the original campaigner against migration from Bangladesh, accused the government of being overly concerned about the alleged Bangladeshi migrants.
The Congress-led government insists that the migrant workers hounded out of Arunachal Pradesh and blocked by activists of the BJP’s youth wing in Sonitpur were residents of Assam.
Arunachal Pradesh ostensibly shunted them out because they did not have valid citizenship documents. Hundreds of migrant settlers fled Mokokchung district of Nagaland on the same day to escape persecution at the hands of the Ao Students’ Conference.
The settlers evicted from Arunachal Pradesh said the government and the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union simply asked them to return to the place of their origin.
Assam’s boundary disputes with both Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh had flared up recently. On both occasions, the AASU retaliated by cutting off their supply lines.
Govt., NSCN-IM ceasefire decision by month-end The Hindu
New Delhi, July 22 (PTI): The government and NSCN-IM are expected to decide on extending the 10-year-old ceasefire in Nagaland in their talks to be held in Dimapur on July 30-31 amid indications that the rebels have hardened their stance on the demand for "sovereignty".
NSCN-IM's move to insist on another round of talks on extending the truce, which ends on July 31, is being seen in the Union home ministry as part of pressure tactics to get the government to agree to its controversial demands, including the unification of Naga-inhabited areas of the northeast.
There were indications that the ceasefire could be extended only for six months, unlike last July's one year.
Though top rebel leader, V S Atem, said talks between the NSCN-IM and government here on Friday were held in a "very positive" atmosphere and both sides respected each other's position, sources said the rebels had hardened their position on the key "sovereignty" issue and sought a commitment from the Centre on it.
"The issues of unification of Naga-inhabited areas and sovereignty indeed figured in the discussions," a senior NSCN-IM leader said.
Sources said the rebels wanted to know why the ceasefire should be extended if it "did not serve any purpose". They questioned New Delhi's response to their proposals made six years ago for a settlement raised queries about what the government is willing to commit to the Nagas, the sources said.
The answers to these questions, they said, will decide the fate of the ceasefire between the NSCN-IM and the government.
The Centre has "in principle" accepted certain proposals given by the NSCN-IM, including the setting up of a "consultative mechanism" to speed up the peace process.
The eight-member NSCN-IM team, led by chairman, Isak Chisi Swu, and general secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah, insisted that the issue of extending the truce should be discussed in the next round of talks in Nagaland. This was accepted by the Centre's representatives - Union Minister Oscar Fernandes, the interlocutor for Naga talks, K Padmanabhaiah, and Home Secretary, Madhukar Gupta.
The NSCN-IM had earlier submitted a charter of demands to the government, including a separate constitution for Nagaland, a "new and unique" relationship with New Delhi and unification of Naga-inhabitated areas of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
However, these states have rejected the demand. The Central government too has not made any commitment on the issue so far.
At a meeting in Bangkok last year, both sides agreed on a broad framework to define a relationship that could end the Naga insurgency. The operative part of the framework proposes that the two sides jointly analyse the Constitution to decide which parts of it will apply, not apply or apply with modification to Nagas, sources said.
The truce in Nagaland has been extended every 12 months since 1997, except in 2005 when it was renewed for just six months at the insistence of the rebels and further extended by another six months in February 2006. It was extended by a year on July 31, 2006 after hectic parleys in Bangkok.
UNC backed MLAs deny meeting Nagaland leaders on affiliation issue The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 22: The six UNC-supported MLAs of Manipur have categorically denied the report appearing in the IFP issue dated July 13, 2007 under the headline, `UNC backed MLAs request to Nagaland Govt to allow affiliation turned down`.

In a joint statement, the MLAs, namely Morung Makunga, Danny Shaiza, Dr Khashim Ruivah, K Raina, Wungnaoshang Keishing and Awangbou Newmai, have stated the whole contents of the report were completely baseless and misleading. `We strongly feel that it was purely a ploy to malign us and tarnish our status and image,` the statement said.

The joint statement clarified that they did not visit Nagaland and had not met anyone in the last week of June on the affiliation issue, as had appeared in the report. The MLAs, it said, had visited the neighbouring state in April to meet the victims and assess the situation in the aftermath of the arson in Wungram colony at Dimapur. `This was done only after proper intimation to both Manipur and Nagaland government,` the statement said, adding that while in Dimapur the MLAs met the chief secretary in-charge on the rehabilitation matter. It also said the MLAs paid a courtesy call on the chief minister of Nagaland on May 1, and Opposition leader L Imkong on April 30 and discussed issues of mutual interest. `The question of turning down or not turning down on the affiliation issue does not arise,`, it said.

IFP clarifies: The IFP reporter who wrote the report admits that he was in error as to the timing of the visit of the MLAs to Nagaland. However, he stands by his contention that the issue of affiliation of schools in the Naga-dominated districts of Manipur to the Nagaland board of education was raised in the meetings with the Nagaland CM, and the Leader of the Opposition.

At the same time, it is clarified that it was never the IFP`s intention to impute any connection, directly or indirectly, between the MLAs and the unfortunate incident of burning down of some schools in Ukhrul, Senapati and Chandel in the early part of this month. If such an impression has been inadvertently created, the IFP expresses its regret for it. It also regrets any inconvenience or harm caused to the MLAs on account of the report.

Expert panel to look into border row with Nagaland From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
DERGAON, July 22 – In a significant move, the Golaghat Deputy Commissioner has constituted an expert committee to prepare a detailed report on the Assam-Nagaland border problem. According to sources, the three-member committee headed by Someswar Bora, former minister, includes Devajit Phukan, journalist and Bidur Baruah, social worker. The committee will collect data on the border problem and will also take public opinion on the issue.

The State as well as the Central government has been showing negligence on the border issue becoming a complex one, alleged Golaghat district AASU. The district AASU has also initiated steps to prepare a report for submission to local commission headed by SN Varibha. The AASU district unit is organising two public meetings at Merapani on July 27 and at Sarupathar on August 9.

The Golaghat DC, Dipak Kr Goswami, has directed the committee to prepare the report at an early date. The report will be handed over to the local commissioner headed by SN Varibha.
Manipur: Initiating for a better era
Ibobi call UGs to come to negotiating table, Cease-fire ground rules drafted Newmai News Network
Imphal In a move to facilitate various underground organizations operating in Manipur to come to the negotiating table, the Manipur government has taken a decision to have ceasefire with the militant outfits based in the state.
The decision of the cabinet was taken last night at the meeting in the Chief Minister's Secretariat.
According to the reports, there has been a draft of ground rules for peace talks with the militant outfits. The draft ground rules have been prepared by the Manipur Administrative department.
As per the rules, there will be identification of designated camps of the militant outfits, prohibition of entering other underground groups to a camp designated for a particular group and also that peace talk will be immediately suspended in the event of militant outfit indulging in extortion, kidnapping etc. There will be a provision of necessary rations for UG cadres staying in designated camps, however, it has been reported that one point of the ground rules says that any militant outfit which has the agenda of demanding homeland which is against the territorial integrity of Manipur will not be accepted.
The state government will intimate this decision to the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and The Union Defence Minister.
As per the reports received, the Manipur government will first initiate talks with a Kuki militant outfit and a Muslim based militant organisation. Chief Minister O.Ibobi Singh has been inviting the militants to come to the negotiating table ever since he became chief minister six years ago but so far no underground outfits had responded to the call.

Frans on 07.23.07 @ 04:06 PM CST [link]

Sunday, July 22nd

Govt, NSCN-IM to decide on ceasefire on July 30-31 Hindustan Times

Govt, NSCN-IM to decide on ceasefire on July 30-31 Hindustan Times

The government and NSCN-IM are expected to decide on extending the 10-year-old ceasefire in Nagaland in their talks to be held in Dimapur on July 30-31 amid indications that the rebels have hardened their stance on the demand for "sovereignty".
NSCN-IM's move to insist on another round of talks on extending the truce, which ends on July 31, is being seen in the Union home ministry as part of pressure tactics to get the government to agree to its controversial demands, including the unification of Naga-inhabited areas of the northeast.
There were indications that the ceasefire could be extended only for six months, unlike last July's one year.
Though top rebel leader VS Atem said talks between the NSCN-IM and government in New Delhi on Friday were held in a "very positive" atmosphere and both sides respected each other's position, sources said the rebels had hardened their position on the key "sovereignty" issue and sought a commitment from the Centre on it.
"The issues of unification of Naga-inhabited areas and sovereignty indeed figured in the discussions," a senior NSCN-IM leader said.

Sources said the rebels wanted to know why the ceasefire should be extended if it "did not serve any purpose". They questioned New Delhi's response to their proposals made six years ago for a settlement raised queries about what the government is willing to commit to the Nagas, the sources said.
The answers to these questions, they said, will decide the fate of the ceasefire between the NSCN-IM and the government.
Naga Rebels defer dialogue on extension of new truce Gulf Times
GUWAHATI:A powerful separatist rebel group which began talks yesterday with senior government officials to extend a new 10-year-old ceasefire agreement deferred negotiations until end of this month, a senior rebel leader said.
A seven-member team of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac-Muivah) (NSCN-IM) and a group of Indian officials in New Delhi stopped discussions, without giving reasons.
"The next round of talks will be held in Nagaland on July 30," Tongmeth Wangnao Konyak, spokesman of the Naga rebels group, said.
He gave no reason for postponing the talks. The talks were earlier scheduled for two-days.
The Naga rebel leaders and Indian representatives were holding talks in Southeast Asian and European cities, besides New Delhi, over the past 10 years and for the first time talks between the two sides will be held in Nagaland.
On Friday both sides agreed to set up of a "consultative committee" to speed up the peace process, Konyak said.
The NSCN-IM agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process to bring an end to the country's longest-running insurgency, which has killed about 20,000 people since 1947.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels' main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India, which is being opposed by other ethnic groups in the region.
Nagaland is a mainly Christian state of 2mn people on India's far eastern border with Myanmar.
Security analysts say peace with the Nagas is crucial to a broader peace in the northeast - seven states connected to the rest of India by a thin strip of land and home to dozens of insurgent groups.
The cycle of violence, including the spate of kidnappings and extortions by separatists, have slowed the pace of investments in Assam, although the unsavoury incidents have failed to scare investors away.
"The recent incidents of violence did have some impact on the economic front but Assam is moving ahead compared to insurgency-afflicted states like Jammu and Kashmir. Investors are unscathed by such incidents and still showing interest," Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said.
The chief minister, however, said militants were trying to extort money from business houses to fund their rebel campaign.
"All these kidnappings were done purely for extortion purposes by the militants. Money is what they (rebels) want," Gogoi said.
The state has witnessed a spurt in abductions by militants - 13 people kidnapped since April, including 12 on Sunday night. Three of the hostages died in captivity.
Food Corporation of India executive director Phulchand Ram - kidnapped by militants of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) April 17 - was killed in crossfire on Thursday.
Kailash Jha, manager of the Cement Corporation of India, was found dead Monday, a day after he was abducted by tribal Karbi rebels.
Another state government engineer Ajay Deka - taken hostage was found dead a day later near Guwahati. A group of surrendered ULFA rebels was reportedly involved in the murder. – Reuters
Jamir responds to criticism The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 21 (MExN): Under a barrage of attack for political statements he is said to have made, Goa Governor Dr SC Jamir today a issued a statement clarifying his stand on ‘sovereignty,’ the ‘Bedrock of Naga Society’ and his position vis-à-vis Naga talks. In his clarification, Jamir also reminded that the concept of sovereignty has changed in tune with global realities.
The Goa Governor stated that while there definitely is a longing in the hearts and minds of the Nagas, the concept of sovereignty has changed with the times. “…the very concept of Sovereignty has also undergone a world of change and is no longer the same as it was fifty years back. Global realities have changed and so have the traditional concepts changed the world over” the Goa Governor reminded. Moreover, he expressed belief that the aspirations and urges of the Nagas do not really conform to the Western concept of Sovereignty which is generally subscribed by the Government as well as people of India. In this regard he called upon the younger generation to have a fresh look at the real meaning of Sovereignty in the context of the tribal communities.
On the “old issue” of the booklet ‘Bedrock of Naga Society,’ Jamir stated, has been raised and clarified ad nauseam in the past Its purpose of generating a debate has been served, he reminded. “But this is totally out of context with the present topic at hand, namely, the views on the concept of Naga Sovereignty, and revival of this old issue after such a long gap of time is quite mysterious” Jamir stated adding his conviction that this is a non-issue which does not deserve any more debate.
Jamir has appealed to all concerned to put to rest all speculations, surmises and conjectures which have appeared in the media in the recent past. He also appealed to all “not to jump the gun” after going through speculative and imaginary news reports, but to be reasonable and practical in one’s thinking or utterances.
In regard to the football friendly between the Tangkhul Shiroi Lily Club and the Longterok Ao Football Club on July 12 at New Delhi, where he pointed out that since Christianity was brought to the lands of the Ao and Tangkhul Nagas by Rev Clark in 1872 and Rev William Pettigrew in 1896 respectively, they, the tribesmen are enjoined upon with greater responsibilities to spread the message of peace, love, brotherhood and compassion in the region which has been afflicted by violence, bloodshed and turmoil all these decades.

Jamir expressed his happiness that the friendly was organized and held in a cordial, bordering to filial, atmosphere. He had stated that Nagas belong to the same family and that there is no reason why there should be hatred in the same family. He failed to understand why anybody or any organization can conclude that he is exploiting the tribes or using them, like the NSCN (IM) alleged, “as his political playthings.”
“Politics and religion are two totally different spheres of human activity, and how a call by a Christian to fellow Christians to spread the Gospels could be linked to politics or tribalism, is beyond comprehension. In a land ravaged by hatred, killings and misunderstanding all these decades; where the people are fed up with violence and abnormal prevailing circumstances; where the sole yearning of the people is for peace, peace and peace alone” he stated adding that no amount of argument or criticism can shake his faith that Christ-like living alone can heal the wounds, reconcile the Naga people with each other and solve the many ills of the Naga society.
He also expressed surprise in one of the national dailies “if” he could be “sold” to the NSCN (IM) as a “mediator” by the Centre and that the NSCN (IM) should hasten to respond critically to the speculative news report which did not have any named or verified source. “… There is no veracity in this speculation and he considers it as a figment of somebody’s wild imagination. To be very realistic, it is absolutely improbable that any Government will utilize the service of any Naga as a mediator in the on-going political talks between Naga groups and the Government of India since any Naga would naturally be in favor of his own people” Jamir reminded.
ANSAM says ‘NO’ to Manipur’s urbanization policy Newmai News Network Senapati Rejecting the policy of urbanization of hill districts by the government of Manipur, the All Naga Students Association (ANSAM) today said that the students’ body is compelled to initiate measures to stop the acquisition of indigenous land of the hill people.
“The hill areas traditionally has no khas-land, every village has its own boundary and owner, however the traditional lands of innocent and simple living hill people were virtually acquired through the enactment of legislations to serve the affairs of the dominant government of the state,” claimed the Naga students body. It said that on many occasions the ANSAM has expressed its stand against “crafty policy” of depriving the right to land ownership in the hills.
It also added that the recent “filthy policy, an obvious ploy to impose municipality status in Moreh”, a border town in Chandel district, is a threat to the existence of the tribals. Chandel is a hill district and the indigenous people owns the land and they are the rightful owners, stated the ANSAM statement, adding, “the dominant state agenda to buy off the simple-living hill people with promises of uplifting the hill areas is deep rooted policy to assimilate the minority hill people who are owners of 20,089 sq. kms”.
The ANSAM then expressed its appreciation on the decisions of the Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) of the General Headquarters and Kuki social organizations to oppose the move of the “dominant government to impose municipality status to Moreh”.
It then cautioned that the ANSAM as a facilitator to safeguard the hill people again announced the stand that without prior and informed consent is sought; the policy to impose urban status to the hill districts and sub divisional blocks will prove futile. The Naga students’ body warned that the policy of the Manipur government will rather invite the wrath of the people. The attempt itself is endangering the survival because hill people are likely to be swallowed by the richer and dominant forces of the state, alerted the ANSAM.
The Naga students’ body has also opposed any force to perpetrate the policy through investment of development fund in urbanizations of hill infrastructures. “It is just a face wash to conceal the sinister plan. The contractors, interested individuals, politicians, bureaucrats are cautioned not to dip their fingers and fortunes. Any person tantamount to disrespect the call shall be at risk,” further cautioned the ANSAM.
The ANSAM reminds the chief executive officers in charge of the Autonomous District Council of hill districts to cancel any notification issued to upgrade urban status within its jurisdictions.” If they are found executing against the interest of the hill people, ANSAM warned that “appropriate investigation shall be initiated and the findings which deserved action shall be done according to the customary and traditional practices of the hill people.”
Army busts Ulfa border camp - Huge cache of arms and ammo seized from forest hideout OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Dibrugarh, July 21: Intelligence agencies have long kept an eye on Singlopathar, which, because of its proximity to the border with Nagaland, has been serving as a transit route to camps in the neighbouring state for Ulfa rebels.
Today, the vigil, aided by a valuable tip-off, paid off as the 66 Field Regiment of the army busted an Ulfa camp at Singlopathar in Abhaypur reserve forest under Sonari police station in Upper Assam’s Sivasagar district and recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition.
Codenamed Operation Abhaypur, the raid was launched late last night and reportedly continued throughout the day.
Commanding officer of the 66 Field Regiment Col Narendra Babu said the troops seized a universal machine gun, a carbine, three .303 rifles, a 12-bore gun, a 5-bore gun, a G3 rifle, a pistol, four grenade launchers, four improvised explosive devices (IED), 121 rounds of UMG ammunition, 158 rounds of 12 bore gun and 32 rounds of G3 ammunition from the camp.
“We had specific information about the presence of six to seven Ulfa militants in the camp, which is located in a hilly area and along the Assam-Nagaland border. The inmates of the camp might have fled when our men advanced to the area,” Babu said.
The army, however, had not informed police about the episode till this evening. “As of now, we do not have any information about the operation carried out by the army,” Sivasagar superintendent of police Shyamal Saikia said over telephone.
Villagers in the area said they had seen choppers hovering around near the forest.
A source in the Dinjan-based 2 Mountain Division said General Officer Commanding Maj. Gen. N.C. Marwah had flown to the area in a chopper to inspect it.
“The Bravo company of the Ulfa’s 28 Battalion uses it as a transit point since the area is close to the bordering villages in Mon district of Nagaland. Some of the camps of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland’s Khaplang faction are located there. The camps also provide shelter to Ulfa cadre,” an official of the intelligence department said.
Unconfirmed sources said an encounter took place between the army team and Ulfa militants holed up in the camp today. There were also reports of two armymen sustaining injuries during the operation. The Singlopathar area has seen raids on Ulfa camps by security forces earlier, too.
In another incident, a suspected Ulfa militant was killed in an encounter with security forces at Lampara forest in Kamrup’s Boko area at 2.30pm today, a staff reporter adds from Guwahati. An AK-47 rifle, two Austrian grenades, 45 rounds of ammunition, three magazines and a mobile phone and camera were recovered from him. A police source said personnel of the 6 Rajput Regiment and police had launched a search operation in the area based on a tip-off.
“During the search operation, militants fired at the army and police team. In the retaliatory fire, one of the rebels was killed on the spot. Efforts are on to nab the remaining members of the group,” the source said.
Fear grips non-Mizos in Aizawl By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, July 21 – Fear has gripped the non-Mizos residing in Mizoram, especially in and around the State capital Aizawl, following the imposition of a ‘curfew’ by some Mizo organizations asking them not to venture out of their houses. “The diktat came on Friday morning, and was also carried in several local newspapers. The situation has since been one of fear and tension for the entire non-Mizo populace, including the Assamese,” a person, who did not want to be named for obvious reasons, told The Assam Tribune over phone.

The curfew comes in the wake of an incident near the Assam-Mizoram border at Vairengte on Wednesday where a Mizo youth was killed and another injured seriously. The incident was the result of an altercation between the Mizo youths and a group of non-Mizos.

The body of the Mizo youth was brought to the bordering Mizo town today.

Another local non-Mizo resident said that the situation for them was like a house arrest. “We are extremely worried, and our relatives outside Mizoram are equally tense, fearing for our safety. We have been in touch over phone constantly. We also appeal to the Assam Government to take up the matter with the Mizoram Government and diffuse the tension,” he said.

A few non-Mizos, who had moved out of their houses yesterday and today, were reportedly beaten up by groups of Mizo youths. There have, however, been cases where policemen gave protection to non-Mizos who had gone out.

The resident said that the student bodies like the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the North East Students’ Organization (NESO) should also step in to discuss the matter with Mizo student groups.

“The AASU and the NESO recently met the Nagaland Chief Minister besides holding talks with the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) following the violence in the Assam-Nagaland border in Sivasagar district,” he said. “We expect a similar move now,” he added.

It may be recalled that similar incidents had taken place on the Assam-Mizoram border in the recent past. “In 2004, we had to undergo a period of prolonged curfew here,” the resident said.
Assam locks horns with Arunachal - School hall demolished RIPUNJOY DAS The Telegraph
Dibrugarh, July 21: Assam today demolished a community hall at Tamlung basti, a village located on its border with Arunachal Pradesh. The move comes at a time when it is also embroiled in boundary disputes with Nagaland and Mizoram. The Sivasagar district administration and Charaideo subdivisional authorities demolished the hall, which also served as a school, this afternoon in the presence of magistrates, police and the CRPF.
They also arrested a teacher of the school, Nano Genzing, and registered a case against her at Borhat police station. She was later released.
Charaideo sub-divisional officer (civil) Vivekananda Phukon said the eviction and subsequent demolition of the hall-cum-school was carried out after the Tirap district administration of Arunachal Pradesh turned a deaf ear to its Sivasagar counterpart’s repeated requests to stop the construction of the school.
Sivasagar deputy commissioner N.M. Hussain said Arunachal Pradesh had been informed time and again about the school’s construction and was strictly asked to stop it.
“We acted according to law. Atrocities have been reported from the Kanubari circle of Tirap district and we are committed to maintaining law and order in the border areas,” he added.
Tamlung basti lies in an area that has been a bone of contention between the two states. Assam alleges that Arunachal Pradesh has illegally encroached upon 17,000 bighas of its land and set up villages and schools there, while its neighbouring state has steadfastly refuted the accusation.
Phukon, who was present during the eviction drive, said the police team even found signs that Arunachal Pradesh had established a police outpost in the village.
Refuting the allegations, Tirap deputy commissioner Talem Tapok said over phone: “We had constructed the school to meet the villagers’ demand and had informed the Sivasagar deputy commissioner about it in writing. It is very surprising that the Assam side carried out the eviction drive by force.”
He said he had sent his magistrates to the demolition site and was awaiting their report. “We will strongly take up the case with Assam.”
What has irked the Tirap administration is that “Assam chose to use force rather than dialogue to settle the dispute.” A source in Tirap administration said they had repeatedly asked Assam to sit for talks in order to settle border disputes, but the latter preferred to use force.
Assam’s inspector-general of police (border) R.M. Singh reached Sonari in Charaideo sub-division today. “We are monitoring the situation. Our forces have been posted in the sensitive areas to prevent any backlash,” he said.
Singh said the Assam government had agreed to deploy more forces in Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat districts and a plan had been chalked out to set up more outposts.
India and Myanmar Poised to Boost Ties Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury Morung Express
There lies a possibility that India-Myanmar counter-insurgency cooperation could shift from coordination to joint operations on Myanmar’s territory. Whether India should proceed with these proposed operations is a matter of debate. The bitter experiences of the Indian peacekeeping force in Sri Lanka (1987-90) dictate that New Delhi should proceed cautiously before opting to interfere in neighboring countries. There is concern that India might get drawn more and more into Myanmar’s internal politics and conflicts if Indian forces enter its territory.
However, if India wants to quell the insurgency in the northeast, the bases in neighboring countries must be dismantled, and since Myanmar does not have adequate firepower then India has to share the responsibility. In Myanmar, India would be launching operations in its own interests, unlike as in Sri Lanka. Sharing India’s broad perspective about Myanmar is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has included Yangon as a member. The Indian understanding is based on hard realities — the present ruling junta is there to stay, and it is best to deal with them directly. Myanmar also needs India, an established democracy, and would like to have an alternative to China for economic development assistance.
Counter-insurgency operations in northeast India cannot succeed unless neighboring countries refrain from supporting the separatist groups based on their territories. While Bangladesh has not launched any operations against the northeast insurgents on its soil, the military regime in Myanmar is cooperating with India and will soon initiate a military offensive to attempt to evict Indian separatists and insurgents from its territory.
Over the past three years, New Delhi-Yangon counter-terrorism initiatives have gained in momentum and there is optimism that the military junta will continue the operations as part of efforts to deepen bilateral ties with India. India and Myanmar share a 1,020-mile (1,640-km) long unfenced border, allowing militants from the northeast to use the adjoining country as a springboard to carry out hit-and-run guerrilla strikes on Indian soldiers. At least five major militant groups from India’s northeast, where numerous tribal and ethnic groups are fighting for greater autonomy or independence, have training camps in the dense jungles of Sagaing in northern Myanmar.
New Delhi has been deliberating with Yangon to launch a military offensive against such groups — mainly the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the United National Liberation Front (UNLF). There are at least 20,000 guerrilla fighters in Myanmar belonging to various groups. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland operates out of Myanmar with the outfit’s general headquarters located in Sagaing. The NSCN (K) has observed a ceasefire with New Delhi in Indian territory since 2001.
As previously noted, cooperation between the security forces of India and Myanmar in countering rebels based in Myanmar is poised to enter bold new phase, with the countries discussing joint counter-insurgency operations inside Myanmar. Myanmar’s ruler General Than Shwe has reportedly asked for helicopters, helicopter gunships, heavy rockets, navigation equipment and global positioning system devices from the Indian government. While India is willing to supply the equipment, it is concerned that Myanmar’s security forces are not trained to use it. India apparently has communicated this concern to Myanmar and, as a way to overcome the problem, suggested that the equipment be deployed in joint operations with the Indian military. Coordination between Indian and Myanmar security forces in counter-insurgency operations has grown dramatically in recent years, especially since 2004 when Shwe visited Delhi. During that visit he assured Indian government authorities that he would not allow his country to be used by anti-India militant groups active in the restive northeast.
Myanmar’s recent decision to crack down on Indian rebel bases was made by Brigadier General Tin Maung Ohn, who led an 18-member Myanmarese army delegation to India in April. The Myanmar team held extensive meetings with India’s army and paramilitary commanders in Nagaland and Assam. New Delhi would like Yangon to follow Bhutan, which launched ‘Operation All Clear’ to flush out ULFA militants in 2003.
During External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to Myanmar in January this year, the junta had agreed to India’s proposal to institutionalize cooperation between their armies for operations against ULFA and other insurgent groups in the northeast. Vice Chairman Maung Aye said that he would pass instructions to his commanders to determine, with their Indian counterparts, how to operationalize the understanding. During the visit, India agreed to initiate action on Myanmar’s pending request for supply of military equipment.
Earlier, in Dec. 2006, during a meeting between Home Minister Shivraj Patil and his counterpart Major-General Maung Oo in Delhi, Myanmar had agreed to set up a “police liaison post” at the border. The post, to be installed by both countries, will provide a platform of daily interaction, joint interrogation of arrested persons and help in joint sharing of information at the field and national levels. Both sides are in agreement to furnish details of Myanmar and Indian nationals arrested in either country on drug-related charges immediately after their arrest so that follow-up action can be taken simultaneously.
India has been trying for a while to get its neighbors to close down the camps and flush out the militants from their sanctuaries. In Dec. 2003, under considerable pressure from India, the Royal Bhutan Army launched military operations against camps in southern Bhutan along the India-Bhutan border. Some 30 camps belonging to the ULFA, the NDFB and the Kamtapur Liberation Organization and others were closed down and about 600 insurgents were killed. While the actual operations were carried out by Bhutanese forces, India played a quiet role planning the moves, supplying weaponry, helping transport casualties and so on.
For decades, insurgent groups like the ULFA, the UNLF, the People’s Liberation Army and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak have run their operations from bases and training camps on Myanmar’s side of the India-Myanmar border. For many years, the military junta in Myanmar supported these insurgent groups, partly because it saw them as useful to pressure India, which was openly supportive of Aung San Suu Kyi’s pro-democracy movement. Besides, there have been accusations in the past that sections in the military have strong interests in the lucrative arms-narcotics trade in the region, and have thus been reluctant to act against the insurgent groups as they are vital parts of the narcotics network.
ULFA continues to terrorize people in Assam and its survival, despite the lack of local support, has been attributed to the continuing sanctuary it receives from Bangladesh and Myanmar. Upper Assam, where ULFA targeted migrants in Jan. 2006, is separated from Myanmar by a narrow strip of Indian territory in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. ULFA cadres based in Myanmar slip across Arunachal into Assam, carry out attacks there, and then melt back into their sanctuaries in Myanmar. At a meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit at Cebu, Philippines, earlier this year, Myanmar’s Prime Minister General Soe Win apparently assured Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that Yangon would take all necessary action to end the attacks.
As noted, India has promised more military aid and training to Myanmar in return for the military junta’s full cooperation in flushing out Indian insurgent groups operating from its soil. Apart from two Islander surveillance aircraft, India is also transferring arms, including 105mm light artillery guns and T-55 tanks being phased out of Indian Army, to Myanmar. Indian and Myanmarese armies, in return, are conducting coordinated operations along the Indo-Myanmar border to flush out of the rebel groups, which have set up bases in the thick jungles there.
Last August, unmindful of British protests, the Indian Navy transferred two BN-2 ‘Defender’ Islander maritime surveillance aircraft and deck-based air-defense guns and varied surveillance equipment to Myanmar. Soon after the navy announced its intention of supplying the British-built Islanders to Myanmar following Indian Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash’s visit to Yangon in January, Britain declared that it would be unable to provide spare parts and maintenance support for them as it opposed the country’s military administration. Nonetheless, India had quietly transferred other hardware to the Myanmarese military. In the past India had given Myanmar 75/24 howitzers. Though the numbers were not huge, neither were they merely symbolic. Recently India’s Defense Secretary Shekhar Dutt finalized negotiations in Yangon to supply Myanmar varied military hardware in return for the military junta’s cooperation.
Over the last half-a-decade India has followed an independent foreign policy, driven more by realpolitik, to engage the military regime in Myanmar. New Delhi has reached out to the authorities in Myanmar, cultivated so far by China as well as Pakistan. The relationship now covers a wide spectrum of issues including energy, trade, counter-terrorism and defense. For India, good ties with Myanmar helps New Delhi to expand its “Look East” policy and connects it to southeast and east Asia.
New Delhi decided to revive the past relationship (1948-1962) between Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and U Nu. India had provided Myanmar with military and economic assistance during U Nu’s rule but in 1962 the then-military leader General Ne Win sided with China during the India-China war and ordered all Indians to leave the country. After almost three decades, Indo-Myanmar relations witnessed a major shift during Narshima Rao’s regime. The reasons were clear — contain China, the counter-insurgency and drug trafficking in India’s northeast, and New Delhi’s Look East policy. Concerned by the violence and drug smuggling in the northeastern states and by the growing support that Indian insurgents were receiving from the Bangladesh Government, Narasimha Rao undertook a review of policies towards Myanmar.
In the mid-1990’s, India began wooing the generals when India and Myanmar launched Operation Golden Bird. Troops from the two countries trapped scores of insurgents on the Mizoram border. However, the military junta halted the operation and even released many of the rebels it had rounded up. Since 2000, relations between the two countries have stabilized, with India extending Myanmar economic carrots in return for cooperation from the junta in dismantling insurgent bases.
Civil and military officials meet regularly to take bilateral ties further. India’s influence in the junta has increased and several top generals, including Vice Senior General Maung Aye, are said to be close to India. Trade has expanded from $87.4 million in 1990-91 to $569 million in 2005-06.
India’s rethink on its relationship with Myanmar dates from the uprising and coup d’etat in 1988 and the influx of refugees into northeastern Indian camps. Between 1988 to 1992, the idealist phase lingered on as Indian policy vacillated between support for the democracy movement and continuing with diplomatic isolation. In 1993, the “realist U-turn” took place, but it was the Look East policy that caused Indian diplomats really wonder whether ignoring a strategic neighbor like Myanmar was a good thing or not.
An overhaul of India’s policy towards greater engagement with Myanmar thus began, starting with the visit of India’s foreign secretary in March 1993. Since then, India has decided not to interfere in the internal affairs of that country and to engage its military regime. The period of 1994-96 saw an enhancement of economic cooperation between the two countries.
Recently, India announced plans to invest nearly Rs. 850 crores over the next three years to develop infrastructure for growth of regional trade. Apart from the plan to increase road connectivity, a regular bus service from Imphal to Mandalay and air cargo service between Imphal and Myanmarese cities are also in the pipeline. New Delhi is also keen on energy cooperation with Yangon that involves both exploration and sales, including transportation through ships and pipelines. It is estimated that Myanmar has 300 billion cubic meters of gas reserves and India is engaged in drawing out routes of pipelines to transport this gas to its northeast. Gas Authority of India Limited and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation are presently involved in this process.
India is pressing ahead with work aimed at building or developing roads in Myanmar, besides setting up a hydroelectric station and a communication and IT project. The most ambitious of New Delhi’s ventures is a link between ports on India’s east and Sittwe Port in Myanmar that would further connect Mizoram through river transport and road. This is the $100 million Kaladan Multi-Modal Transport Project. It is expected to provide an alternate route for transport of goods to northeast India.
The other project is upgrading the almost 100-mile (160-km) long Tamu-Kalewa-Kalemyo Road in Myanmar across Manipur. The Border Roads Organization originally completed this in 1997, but India decided in 2006 that the road needed to be resurfaced and repaired. India is also building more roads in Myanmar, which is woefully poor in infrastructure and communication, and a highway from Moreh in Manipur to Mae Sot in Thailand through Bagan in Myanmar. Besides all of the aforementioned, New Delhi is setting up an IT Park a Mandalay in Myanmar and two e-Learning centers in Yangon and Mandalay. It is also conducting an e-governance project to train Myanmar government officials. A hydroelectric project is coming up with India’s support on river Chindwin in Myanmar’s northwest, parallel to Nagaland and Manipur.
In 1994, India and Myanmar signed an agreement for maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas. In the maritime domain, the two sides have made substantial progress. Indian naval ships have on regular basis made port calls to Myanmar ports and Myanmar has participated in “Milan 2003,” a naval exercise involving India and several southeast Asian countries. When India launches operations on its soil, it alerts the Myanmar military, which then steps up combing operations in the western hill tracts. When the Myanmar army smashed ULFA bases along the Chindwin River couple of years back, India sealed the border in that area. Indian troops in turn have hunted down and evicted hundreds of Myanmar insurgents from Indian territory.
Together with Thailand and Laos, Myanmar is also part of the notorious ‘Golden Triangle’ region of the global narcotics trade, and is a source of drug trafficking and HIV/AIDS in Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland. To counter these non-traditional security threats, better management of the Indo-Myanmar border is required. The two armies are organizing regular meetings in border posts such as Moreh-Tamu in Manipur and have agreed to open four more posts for such meetings.
But concerns exist about the robust military cooperation between Yangon and Beijing. Most of the Myanmar military inventory today is of Chinese origin. China has also built strategic infrastructure that includes roads, communications and intelligence networks into Myanmar. Beijing has also constructed an electronic intelligence system at the Great Coco Island in the Bay of Bengal to monitor Indian naval activity in the Andaman Islands.
Myanmar must address these concerns to deepen friendship with India. China is also helping Myanmar modernize its naval bases at Sittwe, Coco, Hianggyi, Khaukphyu, Mergui, and Zadetkyi Kyun by building radar, refitting and refueling facilities that could support Chinese submarine operations in the Bay of Bengal. China’s influence in Myanmar can disturb India’s maritime strategic calculations as China can access the Arabian Sea via Pakistan’s Gwadar port and the Indian Ocean via Myanmar. In addition, China has also signed an agreement to develop the harbor of Hambantota in Sri Lanka. Chinese access to these strategic locations can provide the potential for a maritime encirclement of India by China.
India is also concerned about Pakistan’s long standing military ties with Myanmar, to whom it had supplied several shiploads of ordnance and other military hardware like 106 mm M-40 recoilless rifles and various small arms over the past decade. Pakistan also regularly trains Myanmarese soldiers to operate a range of Chinese military equipment like T-63 and T-53 tanks, Soviet fighter aircraft and 155-mm howitzers and instructs its air force and naval officers at many of its institutions. India is finalizing a comprehensive program to upgrade Myanmar’s vintage Soviet-era fighter fleet.
To translate the concept of military cooperation into effective operations against ethnic insurgents will require a great deal of joint planning, coordination and execution. Moreover, for meaningful results joint military cooperation between India and Myanmar should not be a one-time operation. The terrain of the border region is difficult for operations. The communication infrastructure on both sides is poor; on the Myanmar side it is abysmal. As the tertiary communication routes are almost non-existent, land operations will be slow and ponderous. Therefore good air support and lift will be required. Myanmar has very limited air support elements. The area is poorly developed and ineffectively administered. Forces operating in the region will have to be totally supported from the hinterland.
As the tribal population on both sides of the border, particularly in Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, are ethnically similar, there is close social and cultural affinity between them. Myanmar has not been able to exercise sovereignty over this region due to a number of powerful ethnic insurgent groups, who have been waging war against Yangon’s rule for over four decades. That was how the Naga insurgents, and with their blessing the Assamese insurgent groups had been finding refuge on the Myanmar side. Any military operations in this region need to be coupled with a social uplifting of the local population. Otherwise, it will be only a police action.
The Myanmar army is poorly equipped and administered. If they are to render meaningful support in the long term, it will have to be upgraded. The areas of operation are astride the routes of flourishing drug trade and traffic, as well as arms traffic. Vested interests, including those from the Myanmarese Army and criminal elements involved in such traffic will also have to be tackled. India has been engaged in peace parleys with the NSCN (I-M) since 1997 and has a ceasefire agreement with NSCN (K). Carrying out joint or closely-coordinated operations in areas of their proximity without jeopardizing the peace talks will require a delicate balancing act. Source: Worldpress
India cosies up to Burma to suppress Naga movement July 20, 2007: (Mizzima)
India and Burma cosying up in a bilateral relationship has had an adverse impact on the Naga movement for self-determination, a Naga human rights group said on Thursday. Speaking to Mizzima on the sidelines of a conference held in New Delhi, Dr. N. Venuh, Secretary General of the Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights, said increasing Indo-Burmese bilateral relationship has had a negative impact on the Naga's movement for autonomy and self determination. "This is India's policy. They want to suppress the [Naga] movement. That's why it has forged a relationship with the Burmese junta," Dr. Venuh said.
Venuh said India's policy of building bridges with the military rulers of Burma is part of its strategic plan to crush movements in northeast India states. Besides bilateral trade, India and Burma, in recent years, have stepped up military cooperation with India supplying military hardware and providing technical expertise.
In exchange for armament, India has demanded Burma flush out Indian insurgents operating from northwestern Burma. On Monday, Amnesty International said India plans to supply Burma Advanced Light Helicopters, which is made up of components from European Union member countries. AI said India's plan threaten the EU's arms embargo on the military ruled Southeast Asian country. However, Venuh said, the Naga movement, encompassing Nagas living in northwestern Burma, will continue a step at a time.
"We are one, so once we achieve this side [the Indian side] we are not going to leave them [Nagas in Burma] to fend for themselves," said Venuh. However, he admitted that there are difficulties in launching a movement under military rule and that has to come phase by phase.
Nagas, an ethnic minorities living both in Burma and India have long struggled to create an independent state that will include parts of India and Burma . The move for independence has been led by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, which waged an armed insurgency. However, in the late 1980s the NSCN split into two factions, with the Isak-Muivah led NSCN leading the struggle in India and Khaplang led NSCN leading it in Burma. In August 1997, the NSCN I-M entered into a ceasefire agreement with the government of India and launched a peace process to end India's longest running insurgency.
With the decade long ceasefire agreement expiring this month, Naga civil society groups are concerned over the prospects between the outfit and government of India.
Speaking at the "Convention on Indo-Naga Political Dialogue", held in New Delhi, Naga civil societies voiced their concerns and agreed to have a more sustainable and cohesive networking and enlarging a pressure group for progress in Indo-Naga peace talks.
Meanwhile, the NSCN in a statement issued on Thursday asserted its opposition to any idea, programme, policy or ideology which leads to disintegration of the Naga homeland in any way, whether as a 'union territory' or a separate state.
It states, "…all Nagas are totally against all artificial boundaries including the so-called international boundaries between Myanmar [Burma ] and India."
Mandalay-Moreh bus service cleared Indo-Burma News
July 20, 2007: (Mizzima) A direct bus service between Indian border town Moreh and Burma's second largest city, Mandalay is in the offing. This was announced by Manipuri's Transport Minister on Friday. Speaking to reporters, Manipur Transport Minister Langpoklakpam Jayantakumar said in order to give a leg up to bilateral trade relations both India and Burma will give the go ahead to the direct bus service.
"The concerned authorities have cleared the project," said the Minister adding that the bus link will be a historic milestone for trade between the two nations.
Though the Indian Commerce Minister Jairam Ramesh, during his visit to Moreh in September 2006, gave the green signal to the proposed bus service, the project got mired as Burmese authorities failed to respond to India's proposal then. The bus service, which is part of the proposed Trans-Asia Highway and Trans-Asian Rail link, would take Burmese traders and tourists from Mandalay only 12 hours to reach the Indian border town, the Minister added.
The Minister also said in order to work out a detailed programme, a meeting will be held in Manipur's capital Imphal on July 23, where Indian officials including security personnel and traders would participate.
"We will identify the number of stoppages along the route and other pros and cons of the bus service at the meeting," said Jayantakumar adding that the resolutions would be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Surface Transport in New Delhi for approval. Responding to a question by Mizzima, the Minister said a ministerial team along with officials will be visiting Mandalay shortly to study the ground situation. "Hopefully we're planning to go next month" he added. The Moreh-Mandalay bus service has been one of the major demands of the Indo-Myanmar Border Traders' Union."It is encouraging as it's going to attract tourists as well as traders," said Yumnamcha Dilipkumar, President of IMBTU.
Cabinet approves draft for UG talks, 7th IRB, another MCS recruitment exam The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 21: The state cabinet today gave its approval to the draft ground rules for peace talks with unlawful organizations, action plan to reduce violence, strengthening of the civil policing among other agendas that were discussed in its meeting held at the cabinet room of the chief minister.

Establishment of 7th IRB battalion, disaster management institutes, reservation for OBC in the recruitment of MPS, MCS, MSS, SDC, SDO MFS, opening of three more divisions of MSRRDA under state development department were also approved by the marathon meeting which was convened from 3 pm and went on till late around 9.30 pm.

The cabinet also decided to urge the Delimitation Commission of India to extend the deadline for completion of the exercise of delimitation in Manipur from September 30 as there is election for panchayat institutions in the state at that time.

A source said that the cabinet gave approval to the proposed ground rules for the peace talks with the underground groups operating in the state after a thorough discussion.

The underground groups which put conditions like demand for homeland etc. which would be against the integrity of the state will not be accepted, the ground rules reportedly stated.

The ground rules prepared by the state administrative department, said that the underground groups which came out for peace talks should remain at the designated camps and their expenditure while staying in the camps would be borne by the state government.

They should not engage in extortion of money, kidnapping of people etc. which are directly related with the law and order of the state.

The nature of talks may be at the ministerial level as per response from the UGs with third party negotiation (may be the government of India), the source said.

As regards the draft action plan to reduce violence in the state that was approved by the cabinet, the government will monitor the publication of underground propaganda in the print and electronic media under the rules and regulations of the Registrar of Newspapers of India act.

Necessary actions would be taken up against the media houses for publication of propaganda of the UGs unedited.

The whole of the state would be divided into three zones to combat violent activities as per the draft action plan to reduce violence.

Zone-I will cover the Imphal city and its surrounding areas, Zone-II will cover the remaining parts of the Imphal east and west districts not covered by zone-I while the remaining valley districts and hill areas would be kept under the jurisdiction of zone-III.

For effective implementation of the action plan, the cabinet also approved the requisition of 1197 civil police of different ranks to strengthen 32 select police stations in the state.

The police personnel to be requisitioned include eight inspectors, 70 sub-inspectors, 88 asst. sub-inspectors, 85 head constables, 859 constables and 87 drivers, the source said.

Apart from this, the cabinet also agreed to the establishment of 7th battalion IRB by recruiting 1007 personnel including one CO, three deputy commandants, seven assistant commandants, 198 havildars and 675 riflemen.

The financial involvement in the establishment of the new battalion has been worked out at Rs. 22.89 crores per annum by the state home department.

Meanwhile, the state government will reserve 17 percent seats for the OBC in the recruitment of MPS, MCS, MFS, MSS, SDO etc. through MPSC.

The reservation within the OBC of 12.5 percent for Meetei, 4 percent for the Muslims and .5 percent for Teles/Nepalese will be done under 200 point roster system.

The cabinet also agreed to treat ST, SC and OBC candidates as general without losing the percentage reservation if they are among the merit list in the general category.

The source also maintained that the MPSC is likely to conduct a competitive exam for the recruitment of MPS, MCS, MFS, MSS, SDO etc. to fill the current vacant posts after successful candidates in the recently declared result are utilized.

The cabinet also approved opening of three more divisions of Manipur state rural road development agency, MSRRDA under the state development department. It also agreed to appoint 21 staffs on contract basis for the MSRRDA which are currently lying vacant. It also gave approval for conduct of recruitment drive for appointment of three executive engineers, nine AE, 39 SO, three accountants, three UDCs, 18 LDCs, 36 road mohors, three drivers, nine tracers, six khalasis and 18 peons for the opening of the three new divisions.
The cabinet also unanimously resolved to extend the targeted deadline set by the Delimitation Commission of India to exercise the work of delimitation in the state from September 30 this year.

The cabinet discussed the matter thoroughly as the commissioner of the Manipur Election Commission is a member of the Delimitation Commission of India who will be involved in the exercise of the delimitation work. As the commission has already scheduled conduct of the panchayat election during the middle week of September this year with the process to be completed by September 24/25 at the latest, the state election commissioner will not be able to take part in the delimitation work.

The cabinet decided to urge the state government to apprise the matter to the Delimitation Commission for extension of the targeted deadline specially for the state.

Frans on 07.22.07 @ 04:11 PM CST [link]

Saturday, July 21st

Naga truce talks on July 30-31 Chennai Online

Naga truce talks on July 30-31 Chennai Online
New Delhi, July 20: The NSCN IM and the government today deferred a decision on extending the 10 year-old truce in Nagaland till July 30 31, when their next round of talks will be held in the northeastern state.
Senior NSCN-IM leaders, however, described as "positive" their discussions with the government here today amid indications that the rebel group had hardened its stand on key demands. The ceasefire in Nagaland expires on July 31, and the issue of extending it will be taken up in the next round of talks to be held on July 30-31 in Nagaland, they said.
"The discussions were held in a very positive manner. The atmosphere was cordial. There was marked mutual respect for each other's position," top NSCN-IM leader V S Atem, who attended the meeting, said. NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah represented the rebels while Union Minister Oscar Fernandes and the interlocutor for Naga talks, K Padmanabhaiah, represented the government in the talks. Home Secretary Madhukar was also present.
"The decision on extending the ceasefire is likely to be taken in the next round of talks to be held in Nagaland on July 30-31," NSCN IM spokesman Tongmeth Wangnao Konyak said.
The Centre has held several rounds of talks with the NSCN IM since New Delhi announced a ceasefire with the rebel group in August 1997. Sources said the government had "in principle" accepted certain proposals given by the NSCN IM, including the setting up of a "consultative mechanism" to speed up the peace process. Today's meeting, which lasted about 90 minutes, also discussed the group's demand for unifying Naga-inhabitated areas and bitter clashes between rival NSCN factions.
The NSCN IM had earlier submitted a charter of demands to the government, including a separate constitution for Nagaland, a "new and unique" relationship with New Delhi and unification of Naga-inhabitated areas of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
However, these states have rejected the demand. The Central government too has not made any commitment on the issue so far. At a meeting in Bangkok last year, both sides agreed on a broad framework to define a relationship that could end the Naga insurgency.
The operative part of the framework proposes that the two sides jointly analyse the Constitution to decide which parts of it will apply, not apply or apply with modification to Nagas, sources said. The truce in Nagaland has been extended every 12 months since 1997, except in 2005 when it was renewed for just six months at the insistence of the rebels and further extended by another six months in February 2006. It was extended by a year on July 31, 2006 after hectic parleys between government representatives and NSCN-IM in Bangkok. (Agencies)
`Positive outcome` in talks with GoI, says NSCN
The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 20: Representatives of the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, NSCN (IM), met today at New Delhi between 5:30 to 7:00 pm today.

According to a release issued by the NSCN, both the parties discussed the ceasefire issue and the proposals of the NSCN with `positive outcome`.

To speed up the process of the talk, a proposal to form consultative committee has been agreed upon and is under process, said the release.

`The positive outcome of the talk is the acceptance of most of the NSCN`s proposal presented earlier`, the release said but did not give details.

It may be mentioned, the 10-year old ceasefire between the government of India and the NSCN(IM) is due to expire on July 31, 2007.

Apart from the extension of the ceasefire, the talks today were expected to centre on the NSCN(IM)`s demand for unification of Naga-inhabited areas in the north east, and issues relating to clashes between the Naga factions, as well as ways to carry forward the peace process in the North east states.

The next round of talks will take place at `Nagalim` on July 30 to 31, 2007, according to the release, issued by the ministry of information and publicity, GPRN.

The government of India was represented in the talks today by government interlocutor, Padmanabhaiah, Union minister Oscar Fernandes, home secretary Madhubar Gupta, special secretary (Internal Security, Home), joint secretary, North-East In-charge Naresh Verma and Deputy Director, IB.

From the NSCN side, the talks were attended by NSCN(IM) chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah along with five other members.
Consultative Committee to speed up peace talks The Moring Express
Dimapur, July 20 (MExN): The NSCN (IM)-GOI talks which is being in New Delhi, proposed to form a ‘consultative committee’ and has been agreed upon. It is being processed to speed up the peace process. An MIP press release from the NSCN (IM) informed that both the GOI and the NSCN (IM) met this evening at around 5 and discussed the cease fire issue and the proposals of the NSCN with positive outcome. “To speed up the process of the talk proposal to form consultative committee is agreed upon and is under process.” “The positive outcome of the talk is the acceptance of most of the NSCN’s proposal presented earlier” informed the release.
Meanwhile, speaking to the Reuters news agency, Kilonser Tongmeth Wangnao Konyak said “Apart from extension of ceasefire we want a firm commitment from the government of India on our demands during this round of talks.” On the question of integration, the key demand of the NSCN (M), the Reuters quoted Konyak as asserting “We will not compromise on our demand for a single Naga homeland. There can’t be any solution without it.”
Security analysts say peace with the Nagas is crucial to a broader peace in the northeast, reported Reuters.
CPI blames Nagaland for dispute A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, July 20: The CPI has blamed Nagaland for the flare-up along the Assam-Nagaland border.
CPI’s national executive committee member Promode Gogoi told the media today that “quest for Greater Nagalim” was the trigger for the recent attempt by the Nagas to occupy vast swathes of fertile land in Assam villages.
“The Nagas have been making incursions into these areas. Eighty per cent of Assam’s oil fields are located in this belt. Besides, rich forest cover and tea gardens make this stretch a treasure land for them,” he added.
Two persons were killed and several houses torched by a Naga mob during its raid on several villages in Geleki area of Sivasagar district.
“Lack of development in the border areas has forced most of the villagers to leave for greener pastures and the Nagas are taking the fullest advantage of the situation,” he said.
Encroachers from Nagaland have occupied 80 per cent of land in Desoi, Desoi Valley and Tiru Hills reserve forests.
“There is no harm if they want to settle in Assam but their attempt to forcefully occupy lands of a neighbouring state has to be condemned,” he said.
Dialogue without ultimatum NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph
New Delhi, July 20: Political posturing aside, there was no ultimatum served by either side on the first day of the talks between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah).
The ceasefire agreement signed in 1997 is likely to be extended beyond July 31, taking the talks into the 11th year of negotiation. The issue of a separate constitution, as demanded by the outfit, came up for discussion today, sources said.
Union minister Oscar Fernandez, who heads the three-member group of ministers on Naga talks, made a speech, while NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah made remarks on the outfit’s behalf, sources said. K. Padmanabhaiah is the Centre’s interlocutor while V.S. Atem attended as the outfit’s special emissary. Senior NSCN (I-M) leader A.K. Lungalang also participated in the talks.
Swu, however, left after the invocation prayer that heralds the proceedings.
One of the major fears in Nagaland months before the Assembly polls was of breakdown in talks and return to violence. That possibility has been discounted by the Centre but the NSCN (I-M), though positive about today’s discussion, did not commit that the ceasefire would be extended after tomorrow’s meeting. The rebel leaders will return to Nagaland on Monday.
Meanwhile, NGOs from Nagaland yesterday made a joint declaration stating that “the continuity and relevance of the Indo-Naga Ceasefire must be translated into peace strategies through political solutions and that the peace process must not only mean mere respite from hostilities.”
They stressed on a “decisive solution” for the conflict that would demonstrate the vibrancy of Indian democracy in negotiating with multiplicities.
Last but not the least, the NGOs emphasised on a solution outside the existing framework of the Indian Constitution.
Representatives of the Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers Association and Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights said yesterday that there was “uneventful progress” in the ten-year negotiation.
Statehood call at Naga door - Demand for new state while NSCN-IM talks peace H. CHISHI The Telegraph

Kohima, July 20: While the NSCN (I-M) leadership held discussions with the Centre today to bargain for “Nagalim”, another statehood campaign was gathering steam in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
The demand for a separate state, comprising the three districts of Mon, Tuensang and Longleng, and Kiphire subdivision in Nagaland, and the districts of Tirap and Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh, surfaced in the eastern parts of the Northeast.
The Naga outfit has been harping on the integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas under a single administrative unit to push forward the ongoing peace process with Delhi.
But showing how divided the house of the Nagas is, the three districts and subdivision in Nagaland — with a total population of some 10 lakh — have raised their own cry for statehood.
The main reason why they have sought a separate state within the Indian Union is because they feel short-changed; complaining that the Nagaland government is indifferent towards them, they feel they have been deprived of many welfare programmes.
Confirming the move, leaders of the newly-floated Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation said they have mooted the proposal for a separate state with these areas in Nagaland and Changlang and Tirap in Arunachal Pradesh within the Indian Union.
Organisation president Pohwang Konyak said over telephone from Mon that the proposal was aimed at ensuring uplift of the backward Naga tribes.
Organisation secretary Lemba Chang also admitted that such a proposal was being circulated among its members, which comprises several Naga tribes: Konyak, Chang, Sangtam, Phom, Yimchungur and Khiaminungan.
“We’re discussing the issue, but till now we haven’t submitted any memorandum to this effect to the Centre or the state government,” Konyak said.
He said the organisation was also considering the option of seeking Union Territory status, but this would depend on the collective opinion of the people.
Asked why they wanted a separate state, Konyak complained that residents of these districts have not only been denied access to many welfare programmes, but have also lost out in terms of employment opportunities in government departments. “We’re all Nagas and should be treated equally,” he asserted.
The organisation, however, clarified that the Neiphiu Rio government was indeed taking steps to accelerate development in the four districts. “We have no objections as far as progress on the development front is concerned,” the organisation’s president said.
A signature campaign in support of the statehood demand has already begun in some localities of these districts.
The campaign is also planning a declaration endorsing and authorising the tribal organisations to negotiate with the Centre over this demand.
The demand for a new state, comprising parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, is significant, given the fact that the Naga peace process has entered a crucial phase.
NSCN (IM) cautions- Warning to New Delhi to keep aside Jamir from Indo-Naga Talks. Nagaland Post
In the heat of the political atmosphere in New Delhi where things are doing round about the likely induction of the Goa Governor S.C Jamir as a Cabinet Minister to eventually facilitate his role in the scheme of things, vis-à-vis the Indo-Naga peace talk, the absurdity of such political wisdom on the part of the Indian Government will cause uproarious drama and rejection. Having exposed himself as the most outspoken political personality with venomous anti-Naga sting by way of authoring the most controversial booklet entitle "Bedrock of Naga Society" where he twisted and distorted every piece of historical facts to demean and to denigrate the undeniable existence of the political underground force under NSCN leadership, the chance of Jamir getting such unwarranted status as "Negotiator or Mediator", is extremely remote.
Jamir's political extremism with his antiquated approach to the long pending Naga issue is now like a gospel revelation to the Nagas. To the Nagas, his booklet is like an act of treason and nothing else a political crime Naga history will record. A person behind the infamous 16 Point Agreement who goes to the extent of disagreeing with the then Indian Prime Minister Nehru who wanted to invalidate the agreement by signing a new sorts of agreement with the very people who matters. He is also the very person who make his stand very clear in one 'All Chief Minister' in New Delhi where he openly hinted that under no circumstances Indian Army units should be reduce or withdrawn from Nagaland, indicating that military solution should be applied in tackling Naga issue. Notably, he is favoring the very counter revolutionary forces like Khaplang group, NNC/FGN who are paid and armed by Indian intelligence agencies, to be given place in the political dialogue but ridiculously rejected by NSCN.
Sensing something of NSCN's concept of 'Sovereignty' Jamir pushed himself into limelight again by harping on the subject by desperately trying to teach his vocabulary interpretation of 'Sovereignty' and at the same time exploiting the name of Aos and Tangkhuls as his political playthings. This is a narrow game of his politics he loves to indulge to bring division among the Nagas on tribal line. Nobody in Nagalim can gainsay that Jamir's rhetoric attack against the NSCN is guided by his anti Tangkhul stance.
In the light of the not so colorful politician that Jamir is, in the context of the 63 years of Naga political struggle, New Delhi should do well not to bring further insult to the Nagas by bringing such controversial face whose concern for the Naga's cause is only symbolic, most often than not exploited for his political survival. The universal practice of appointing a mediator in any historically important political talk is a person with outstanding political credibility and impartiality. Unfortunately, Jamir failed to fit himself into the scheme of things.
Ministry of Information & Publicity
GPRN NSCN-IM
Naga rebels hold talks on truce extension Biswajyoti Das, Reuters Hindustan Times
Guwahati: A powerful separatist rebel group involved in a 60-year-old insurgency in India's northeastern Nagaland state began talks on Friday with senior government officials to extend a ceasefire agreement. A seven-member delegation of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac-Muivah) (NSCN-IM) and a group of Indian officials in New Delhi met to discuss prolonging the ceasefire due to expire on July 31.
"Apart from extension of ceasefire we want a firm commitment from the government of India on our demands during this round of talks," Tongmeth Wangnao Konyak, spokesman of the Naga rebels, group told Reuters by phone. The NSCN-IM agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process to bring an end to the country's longest-running insurgency, which has killed about 20,000 people since 1947. The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with Indian officials since the start of the ceasefire.
"Yes talks started this evening in New Delhi and it will continue till tomorrow," Rh. Raising, a senior Naga rebel leader, told Reuters by phone from Nagaland.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels' main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India, which is being opposed by other ethnic groups in the region.
"We will not compromise on our demand for a single Naga homeland. There can't be any solution without it," Konyak said. Nagaland is a mainly Christian state of two million people on India's far eastern border with Myanmar. The NSCN -- which split into two factions in the late 1980s -- has been fighting for the freedom of millions of Naga tribespeople living in northeast India and neighbouring Myanmar since 1947. Security analysts say peace with the Nagas is crucial to a broader peace in the northeast -- seven states connected to the rest of India by a thin strip of land and home to dozens of insurgent groups.
Border issue brings Naga tribes closer Limalenden Longkumer
Mokokchung WITH GREAT expectations for ushering in positive socio-economic transformation, representatives of eight Naga tribes, which included leaders of the apex organizations of the Konyak, Phom, Chang, Yimchunger, Khiamniungan, Sangtam, Sumi and Ao tribes, today held a joint meeting at Longkumer Kilem, Mokokchung. The main objective of the meeting was to evaluate the current issues pertaining to Assam-Nagaland border and its inter-related consequences.
The joint meeting was convened by the Ao Senden with the expectation that the outcome of such a meeting as this should have far-reaching positive impact on the socio-economic transformation and develop sound neighbourhood relationship with Assam maintaining traditional co-existence in peace. Representatives of each of the participating Naga communities in the meeting shared their views and opinions pertaining to the various issues and problems being faced by the Naga society today, ranging from the Assam-Nagaland border dispute and the economic blockades imposed upon the Nagas by the various Assam-based organizations, to the unabated influx of illegal migrants into Nagaland state. The august house deliberated on promulgating possible ways and means to face the challenges of the day with the active participation of all Naga communities in general and ‘northern block’ in particular.
The house at one stage even deliberated on forming a strong social organization or a forum comprising of the member-tribes present. After deliberating on the various agenda polled, the house unanimously resolved to adopt a resolution to be passed. Accordingly, a resolution committee was nominated by the house comprising of a representative each from the member communities present with Prof. Lanunungsang as the Convener. The resolution committee brought to the floor an eight-point resolution which was unanimously accepted and adopted by the house.
Earlier on, the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung Abhishek Singh, who was also present, delivered the key note address for the meeting. It was resolved to keep on record its appreciation to the Ao Senden for convening the meeting, bringing eight Naga communities to enable to discuss various burning issues in time as this.
Considering the on-going disturbances in Assam-Nagaland border, it was resolved to appeal to the State Government of Nagaland to deploy adequate Nagaland Police Force to safeguard the Nagas and their territory with immediate effect to the following vulnerable places: Mon District - Namtai, Yanpan, Naginimora and Tizit and others, Longleng District- Latigarh, Loshei, and Yonglok and others, Wokha District - Bhandari and Merapani and others, Mokokchung District - Anaki ‘C’, Yajang, Aosungkum and others.
In order to safeguard against constant economic blockade in the border areas and to encourage intra-district trade and business activities, the meeting resolved to appeal to the State Government of Nagaland to complete all road connectivity making usable roads connecting all district headquarters and sub-divisional administrative headquarters in the state.
The meeting further impressed upon the State Government of Nagaland to complete the entire foot-hill roads avoiding Assam State at the earliest without further delay. It resolved to appeal to the Government of India and the state Governments of Nagaland and Assam to settle the on-going Assam-Nagaland border issue maintaining traditional boundaries with the Ahoms, and to continue to maintain peace and harmony in the areas. On this matter, the meeting endorsed its appreciation on the steps taken by AASU and NSF.
The meeting earnestly urged upon the State Government of Nagaland to make all the proposed international trade centers such as Pangsha in Tuensang district, Longwa in Mon district and Mimi in Phek district of Nagaland, creating road connectivity of international standard and other required infrastructural facilities.
The meeting felt that there is a need to meet and interact between all the affected districts of other Naga communities from time to time, aiming at rapid socio-economic development and promotion of peace in the region. For this matter, the Ao Senden is entrusted to convene meetings as and when required.
Naga Hoho asserts NO separate ‘statehood’ Affirms strong resistance to any further division Morung Express News
Dimapur Shocked by reports that ‘some districts’ in Nagaland have reportedly ‘merged’ to carve out a separate ‘state,’ the Naga Hoho has strongly declared that it would resist any force that attempts to cause further division. The Naga Hoho is expected to meet very soon to discuss the latest development.
An emergency meeting of the Naga Hoho was held today at Kohima to deliberate on various relevant issues, including the ‘statehood’ reports. Unless the issue is addressed with political correctness, such a sensitive matter would have far-reaching consequences then ever, said Naga Hoho vice president Keviletuo Kiewhuo. More so at this juncture when the peace process is on, it would be a problem, he said. Kiewhuo also felt that the matter could be a “breakup” of a much larger issue. He however did not elaborate.
ENPO clarifies on ‘statehood’ demand

The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has clarified that it is unaware of any demand for statehood from the Government of India as reported. It however, observed that “such reports would only encourage the ENPO for the same.” A statement from ENPO president Pohwang Konyak expressed surprise at the reports as no representation of any kind was submitted to the Government of India. The ENPO wondered whether this has been done “by our own fellow Nagas or the Government of India to create misunderstanding and disturbances.”
It stated that the ENPO has no such intentions of creating any “disturbances” among its fellow Naga brethren, especially at this juncture when the GoI-NSCN (IM) talks are on. “The ENPO considers such motives and reports as disruptive and dubious…” it observed and assured to enquire into the matter from all sources including the state and the Center keeping in mind harmony and Naga brotherhood. The ENPO however, stated that such reports would “only encourage the ENPO for the same.” If any such demand or decision is made, then the same would be made public and “not through backdoors,” the ENPO stated and appealed to all for “steady minds and hearts.”
NSCN (I-M) fomenting feud: DHD (N)

Posted by admin on Friday, July 20, 2007

DIPHU, JULY19 [NPN] : The Dima Halam Daogah, Nunisa Faction, DHD (N) has accused the NSCN (I-M) of attempting to ignite another internecine feud between the United Peoples Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) and DHD (N) by “entangling one of the groups” to indulge in “misadventures.”

The two Karbi Anglong separatist groups are currently observing separate ceasefires with both the Centre and Assam Government. Secretary commanding officer, Eastern Command, GR-1, UPDS (N), Khokhu Dimasa in a press release said on July 11 last, a combined force of twenty rebels including six NSCN (I-M) men and six each from UPDS and ‘Black Widows’ DHD (J), swooped down on Mugungadisa village near Misibailum village, Dhansiri, under Diphu Police Station.
The heavily armed rebels took as hostage four villagers namely Dejo Hojai, Sanjay Kemprai, Kohin Maitharphangsa and Denon Nunisa, who were engaged in pruning bamboos near the village, Khohku said.

According to DHD (N), the combined group was led by ‘Maj’ Asang Tangkhul of the NSCN (I-M) and ‘Lt’ Joles while the UPDS group, which was mainly engaged in scouting duty, was led by ‘Lt’ Sarmen Teron and ‘Sgt’ Long Sing Tumung.
The finance secretary of DHD (J) faction Pherbam Dimasa was also with the combined group, DHD (N) said. Three of the abductees who were released returned to their village on July 12. The DHD (N), who also informed police about the development, swung into action and later located the combined NSCN (I-M), UPDS and DHD (J) group on July 14 at a place 15 km from Borlangfar police outpost under Diphu PS, the release added.

On reaching the place, which was inside a deep forest, the DHD (N) sprang a surprise pre-dawn attack on the combined group and the clash lasted for about three hours after which the combined NSCN (I-M) led group retreated, leaving behind the lone captive Denon Nunisa who was ultimately rescued, DHD (N) said.
The release also informed that when the DHD (N) men accompanied by Assam Police and CRPF personnel reached the site of the clash the next day, they recovered a pair of “bloodstained uniforms and one incriminating document,” suggesting that two members from the combine group received “fatal injury.”
DHD (N) further alleged that the UPDS and the DHD (J), a breakaway faction of the DHD, with active support from the NSCN (I-M) were engaged in “target- oriented rebellious missions” in both NC Hills and Karbi Anglong, which has led to heightening of tension in the two hilly districts, adjacent to Nagaland.

Duping Govt, ultimately duping the Asomiyas
If an elected Asomiya representative could do this as minister after having been mandated by the Asomiyas to serve them, there might be several others of his ilk doing similar things at the height of power. But the irony is that time catches up with everyone. Dr Zoii Nath Sarma By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, July 20: Former Asom minister and senior AGP leader Dr Zoii Nath Sarma allegedly duped the Asom Government by misusing his position and power during his stint as Revenue Minister during the Prafulla Kumar Mahanta-led AGP Government from 1996 to 2001. The once-powerful minister got several bighas of Government land allotted to his organizations and institutions adjacent to the Fancy Bazaar Central Jail. He did not even hesitate to sell that allotted Government land again to a Government organization for a huge sum, that too without seeking permission from the Revenue Department. And with this former minister, two organizations — North Eastern Regional Institute of Management (NERIM) whose director happens to be Sarma, and Assam State Co-operative Housing Federation Ltd (HOUSEFED) — are entangled.
Sarma, then Revenue Minister, tried to procure a plot of land at minimum price in the Fancy Bazaar area of the city. And for this he used his educational institute NERIM and the State Government-owned HOUSEFED. The Sentinel received a lot of allegations against this issue, and so it took the help of the Right to Information Act and several legal procedures to unearth the truth. In this sting operation The Sentinel took the help of an MLA who was fully unaware of the move. And then The Sentinel procured some crucial documents revealing the unfair means of the powerful AGP leader who came to power by chanting the ‘push-back Bangladeshi’ mantra.
As part of the operation, The Sentinel tabled a question on the floor of the Assam Assembly through an MLA as to whether the State Government had allotted Government land to the HOUSEFED in the Fancy Bazaar area of the city. And on March 27 this year, Revenue Minister Dr Bhumidhar Barman replied on the floor of the Assembly: “The State Government did not allot any plot of land to the HOUSEFED directly. However, according to the data available with the Kamrup (Metro) district, the Revenue Department allotted (vide order No. RSS 610/96/8 dated September 27, 1996) 2 bighas, 4 kathas and 13 lechas of land under Dag No. 230 in Part 2 of Gauhati Town under Mouza Gauhati to the NERIM. The land records of the authority concerned reveal that after payment of the total premium value of Rs 4,39,500, two kathas and 13 lechas of land were registered in the name of NERIM, and 2 bighas and 2 kathas of land in the name of HOUSEFED under Myadi Patta No. 1107.”
Dr Barman also stated in the Assembly that the NERIM transferred that portion of land to the HOUSEFED by an agreement without any permission from the Revenue Department.
The answers of Dr Barman in the House brought to the fore the hidden truth: the State Government allotted land at Fancy Bazaar to the NERIM which later transferred the major part of that land to the Government agency, HOUSEFED. It may be mentioned here that Dr Sarma earned huge amount of money in the deal.
When The Sentinel contacted the HOUSEFED office in this regard, it said that the HOUSEFED bought 2 bighas and 2 kathas of land (under Dag No. 230, Village/Town Gauhati Part II, Mouza Gauhati) from NERIM in 1997 for Rs 55 lakh by an agreement between the NERIM and the HOUSEFED. The HOUSEFED is constructing a Rs 12.97-crore international trade centre on that plot of land. This seems to prove that Dr Sarma pocketed about Rs 55 lakh by selling the Government land again to the Government, all by unfair means. It is a disgrace that such leaders, at whose call more than 800 Asomiyas sacrificed their lives, were busy in earning money for their families when they were at the helm of affairs at Dispur.
But to whom the State Government allotted this plot of land where the HOUSEFED is now constructing the trade centre? What are the facts available with the Kamrup (Metro) district administration? Do these facts contradict the statement of Dr Bhumidhar Barman of March 27? The Sentinel will reveal all these in its next report.
Is it correct to bracket region as ‘NE’? Sentinel
Every nation in the world has a region to its north-east, but there are a very few nations where cities, towns or villages located in that direction come to be described or called by that name, north-east. India and Sri Lanka are among those countries where the territory located in that particular direction are popularly known or called north-east (that the north-east of both these countries are insurgency ravaged is another matter!)
But, to my mind, there is a serious problem with the bracketing of our region of nearly 40 million people, spread over eight states that cover a vast 2,63,000 square kilometre stretch, into what has come to be called the ‘North-east.’
By bracketing the eight northeastern Indian states, with its diverse tribes, customs and cultures, into what is called the ‘North-east,’ we tend to ignore the distinct identity and sub-national aspirations of the ethnic groups who inhabit this area. More so, such clubbing together of the region, in an attempt to look at it as a single entity, has led to stereotyping of the problems that plague the area. The fact that each state has a different set of location-specific concerns and grievances often get blurred in the scheme of things of policy framers and government leaders who are supposed to address these issues.
It is true that the region has as many as 30 armed insurgent organizations operating and fighting the Indian State to push demands ranging from secession to autonomy and right to self determination. Besides, there are a plethora of ethnic groups clamouring for their rights and distinct identity, making the region one of South Asia’s hottest trouble spots. It is also true that strategic alliances between rebel groups in the region often transcend inter-state and international borders.
For instance, the United Liberation Front of Asom’s (ULFA) earlier links with the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) are well known. The ULFA’s highly potent 28th Battalion, that has a crack bomb squad, operates out of NSCN (Khaplang) bases in Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh. Again, the ULFA’s nexus with the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) and the Kamatapur Liberation Organization (KLO) was established beyond doubt with the busting of camps of these three rebel groups in close proximity inside Bhutan during the Bhutanese military assault on the insurgents in December 2003.
Having said this, it must be borne in mind that even these rebel alliances are only for military reasons, for the basic purpose of survival. The only commonality among or between them is that all of them are fighting the Indian State or symbols of the Indian State to push ahead with their respective agenda. But, none of them would agree to fight for the liberation of the ‘North-east’ in general. After all, their main battle is for territorial supremacy over areas they seek to represent. The internecine battle between the Kukis and the Nagas in Manipur in the nineties, aided by insurgent groups representing both communities, is a case in point. Closer home in Asom, the Karbi-Dimasa feud falls in this pattern.
The ULFA could have been an ally of the NSCN-IM at one point of time, and has a strategic tie-up with the NSCN-K now, but the group did not take long to warn the NSCN-IM against setting its eyes on Asom’s territory as part of its (NSCN-IM’s) ‘greater Nagaland’ dream. Again, take the case of the so-called alliance between the various student organizations in the North-east to the extent that there is something called the North East Students Organisation (NESO). But, when there is a major inter-state dispute or feud, these student organizations, quite rightly, sides with the State they represent. The recent attack by Naga raiders in Asom’s Sivasagar district, in which three Asom villagers were killed, is a case in point. Student groups from Asom have launched an ‘economic blockade’ on Nagaland as a mark of protest over the incident. The only silver lining perhaps of the so-called alliance between these student organizations is that they have, of late, started making attempts to defuse such border flare-ups.
Now, it has come to light that the Delhi Police has come up with a ridiculous list of dos and don’ts for people from the North-east, particularly youths, living in the national capital. It is a clear case of region-specific social profiling where it has bracketed the area as a single entity called the ‘North-east’. But, one is aware that the culture of the people of Asom, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh or Sikkim is vastly different from each other. Well, the Delhi Police, or for that matter any mainstreamwallah, might think that people from this region look different and are perhaps more closer to the cultures of those who live in the neighbouring Southeast Asian nations. But, tell us how does an Indian look like? Or, if the North-east Indian culture is not Indian culture, what is it? Perhaps, the Delhi Police has an answer!

Frans on 07.21.07 @ 03:26 PM CST [link]

Friday, July 20th

Will the Decade long Cease Fire and talking peace lead to war or peace?

A Naga International Support Center, NISC, www.nagalim.nl

A human rights organization

NISC Press Statement, Amsterdam, July 18 2007
Will the Decade long Cease Fire and talking peace lead to war or peace?

The current Indo-Naga Peace Talks will conclude a decade full of hope and expectations. But, apart from some recognition concerning the unique history and situation of the Naga Peoples, so far these talks did not yield any result.

On the grounds of genuinely reaching out for a peaceful solution to the decades old Indo-Naga conflict The Naga International Support Center urges both the Government of India and the Government of the Peoples Republic of Nagaland, GPRN, to extend the ceasefire

To pave way for an honourable solution it is absolutely essential for India & Nagaland to extend the Ceasefire for if the Government of India, while talking peace remains stubborn and undermines the talks by playing the divide and rule game. this time around it may get serious indeed. The stand of the GPRN of the Naga Peoples is serious and clear: when India persists in its unwritten policy of subjugating the Nagas militarily or otherwise, there will be trouble; when the cease-fire breaks now more than ever there is bound to be loss of life on both sides.

To avoid further and more extensive bloodshed the Naga International Support Center calls on the International Community, in particular the United Nations, UNPO, all Human Rights Organizations and the International Press, to urge India and the Nagas to extend the ceasefire. Allow this festering wound to be dressed thoroughly and urge India to allow others to mediate in finding an honourable exit out of this already five decade old quagmire.

For more information visit www.nagalim.nl or get in touch with us nisc@nagalim.nl">nisc@nagalim.nl

Frans on 07.20.07 @ 12:19 PM CST [link]

Delhi Convention declares ‘Translate ceasefire into peace’ The Morung Express

Delhi Convention declares ‘Translate ceasefire into peace’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 19 (MExN): The convention on Indo-Naga political dialogue which was held in Delhi July 19 has come out with three declarations where the imperative for translating the ‘relevance’ of the GoI-NSCN (IM) ceasefire into peace “strategies,” was highlighted.
The declaration stressed that the ‘continuity and relevance of the Indo-Naga Ceasefire must be translated into peace strategies through political solutions and that the peace process must not only mean mere respite from hostilities. A decisive solution for the six-decade old Indo-Naga conflict would demonstrate the vibrancy of Indian democracy in negotiating with multiplicities. The declaration stated that the political talks between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM must be enhanced further, by upholding the three-point principles on which the Ceasefire was signed, and, the political dialogue must in all earnestness be pursued to resolve in mutually honorable and acceptable agreements outside the existing framework of the Indian Constitution.
Delegates and representatives of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Naga Mothers Association, Naga Students’ Federation and the Naga Hoho along with various representatives and leaders of Indian civil society, including students’ organizations, mass-based movements, academicians, concerned citizens, eminent personalities, political parties and Human Rights groups had a one-day convention on the Indo-Naga political dialogue at the Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi. The convention deliberated on the “uneventful progress” of the Indo-Naga ceasefire bilaterally declared on July 25, 1997 and political negotiations between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (IM). The cease fire period is also about to expire on the July31, 2007.
The convention was organized by the NPMHR, NSF, NMA and the Naga Hoho. The convention comes in the background of the decade-long Indo-Naga ceasefire and political talks, which has been breeding only “negative peace.” An integrated approach – where the democratic spaces for peoples’ struggle need to encompass the civil societies of India and Nagas – in resolving protracted conflicts and political negotiations – were shared by various leaders, it was informed.
At the convention, Naga speakers highlighted the “Naga story,” the status and trends of the present negotiations. Some important messages of solidarity and sharing from the Indian and other nationality includes personalities like Surendra Mohan (Socialist leader and former MP), Sai Baba(Revolutionary Democratic Front), Tapan Bose (South Asia Forum for Human Rights, Nepal), Ravi Hemadri (The Other Media), John Pulamte (All Tribals’ Students Union of Manipur), Kumar Sanjay Singh (Delhi University), Radhika Menon (Forum for Democratic Initiative), Kumar Swapnil (Krantikari Yuva Sangathan), P.K Sahai (Trade Union Leader), Geelani (Kashmiri Leader), Ritupan (Jawaharlal Nehru University), Dr. Mrigank (Naujawan Bharat Sabha), Dr. Sivmagal Shishankar (Indian Council of Trade Union) etc.
The dialoguing members expressed their concerns and agreed to have a more sustainable and cohesive networking for enlarging a pressure group for enhancing the Indo-Naga peace talks.
Declaration of the Convention on Indo-Naga Political Dialogue

Gandhi Peace Foundation, Delhi

Delegates and representatives of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Naga Mothers Association, Naga Students’ Federation and the Naga Hoho along with various representatives and leaders of Indian Civil Societies, including Students’ Groups, Mass-Based Movements, Academicians, Concerned Citizens, Eminent Personalities, Political Parties and Human Rights Groups held a One-Day Convention on Indo-Naga Political Dialogue, on July 19, 2007, at the Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi to deliberate on the uneventful progress of the Indo-Naga Ceasefire bilaterally declared on 25th July 1997 and Political Negotiations between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). The cease fire period is also about to expire on the 31st July, 2007.

The august house hereby, state/declare that:

1. the continuity and relevance of the Indo-Naga Ceasefire must be translated into peace strategies through political solutions and that the peace process must not only mean mere respite from hostilities.
2. a decisive solution for the six-decade old Indo-Naga conflict would demonstrate the vibrancy of Indian democracy in negotiating with multiplicities;
3. the political talks between the Government of India and the NSCN must be enhanced further, by upholding the three-point principles on which the Ceasefire was signed, and, the political dialogue must in all earnestness be pursued to resolve in mutually honourable and acceptable agreements outside the existing framework of the Indian Constitution.
Naga leaders demand concrete assurance from centre Posted July 19th, 2007 by Tarique Indian Muslims
New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) Leaders of various Naga organisations said Thursday they want the central government to come up with some concrete assurances on the issue of Greater Nagaland in the next round of talks with the main Naga separatist group later this week.
"The government is just using the ceasefire to create hostilities between Nagas," Neningulo Krome, general secretary of Naga Hoho, said at a convention on Indo-Naga political dialogue here. "Everytime the ceasefire is extended, nothing concrete in terms of assurance comes from the Indian government," he charged. The next round of talks between the centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) is scheduled for July 21-22.
A delegation of leaders from the Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers' Association (NMA), Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) is currently camping in the capital ahead of the talks to lobby the government.
The ceasefire, which began in 1997, completes a decade at the end of this month. The latest extension ends July 31 but another extension is widely expected. However, the Naga civil society leaders are adamant that the ceasefire should not just be extended without the centre giving due consideration to the NSCN-IM's demand for a Greater Nagaland comprising adjacent areas in Assam, Manipur and Arunchal Pradesh with Naga populations.
"As a people, we can't accept a solution without 'Greater Nagaland'," Krome said.
"In all these years of ceasefire and dialogue, nothing has happened that could bring peace to Nagaland. Yes, clashes between the Indian armed forces and NSCN-IM decreased. But fratricidal clashes between Nagas increased with the government using the opportunity to create differences between the Nagas," he said.
He said that if any headway has been made at all, it is that the Centre had said that it will not insist on a solution within the Indian constitution and the NSCN-K had reciprocated that it would not insist on sovereignty.
"Now that headway has also been lost with the home ministry again speaking about finding a solution within the Constitution," he said.
Earlier this month, the peace process was thrown into jeopardy following the home ministry's renewed call for a settlement within the constitutional provisions. The government has ruled out the demand for Greater Nagaland and is only willing to give further autonomy within the given constitutional benchmarks.
"We will not agree to the proposal of the government of India...We will just walk away from the talks," Alezo Chakhesang, NSCN-IM 'deputy minister' for information and publicity, was quoted as saying. At Thursday's meet, NSF president Imchatoba Imchen said that a ceasefire holds no meaning if there is no tangible outcome from it.
Stating that his organisation not only represents students of Nagaland but also Naga students in neighbouring states, he said, "We have supported the Indo-Naga peace dialogue so long. But now, again if there is no outcome, there is no point. We cannot accept this."
NMA president Khesheli Chisi said that for Naga women, the peace process has made no difference. "We expected some peace after the ceasefire. But nothing has changed. Even now, Naga women are being raped and our houses are being burnt," she said.
Covering Note: Press Release

Organized by the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Naga Mothers Association (NMA), and the Naga Hoho, a Convention on Indo-Naga Political Dialogue was held today, the 19th July, 2007, at Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi – with leaders from various mass-based Indian civil societies and students’ organizations, imminent personalities, academicians, human rights groups, concerned citizens, and press media.

The Convention comes in the background of the decade-long Indo-Naga Ceasefire and Political Talks, which has been breeding only negative peace. An integrated approach – where the democratic spaces for peoples’ struggle need to encompass the civil societies of India and Nagas – in resolving protracted conflicts and political negotiations – were shared by various leaders.

The Naga speakers highlighted Naga story, the status and trends of the present negotiations. Some important messages of solidarity and sharing from the Indian and other nationality includes personalities like Surendra Mohan (Socialist Leader and former MP), Sai Baba(Revolutionary Democratic Front), Tapan Bose (South Asia Forum for Human Rights, Nepal), Ravi Hemadri (The Other Media), John Pulamte (All Tribals Students Union of Manipur), Kumar Sanjay Singh (Delhi University), Radhika Menon (Forum for Democratic Initiatve), Kumar Swapnil (Krantikari Yuva Sangathan), P.K Sahai (Trade Union Leader), Geelani (Kashmiri Leader), Ritupan (Jawaharlal Nehru University), Dr. Mrigank (Naujawan Bharat Sabha), Dr. Sivmagal Shishankar (Indian Council of Trade Union) etc.

The dialoguing members expressed their concerns and agreed to have a more sustainable and cohesive networking for enlarging a pressure group for enhancing the Indo-Naga peace talks. A joint declaration between the Naga and Indian delegates was issued (see Annex).
‘One Nagaland’: ‘Eastern’ NSCN-IM leaders reaffirm The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 19 (MExN): The threat of a separate state or ‘union territory’ within the already strife-torn Nagaland has led NSCN-IM leaders from the so-asserted “Eastern” Nagaland to reaffirm in one, complete, proper Nagaland. Twenty-two NSCN-IM leaders from Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphire districts today issued a joint statement opposing any idea, program, policy or ideology to further disintegrate the Naga homeland in any way, whether as a ‘union territory’ or a separate state. “We will take such move as anti-Naga activities instigated by the enemies and hence we will not be held responsible for any consequences that would follow” the NSCN-IM leaders warned. They reminded that the Nagas, as a people have been fighting for the last 60 years to live together with dignity and honor among the nations. “…all Nagas are deadly against all artificial boundaries including the so-called international boundaries between Myanmar and India” they stated adding that a solution for the Naga issue from the GoI-NSCN(IM) talks is “at the doorstep.”
‘Peace through ceasefire extension’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JULY 19 (MExN): The Naga International Support Centre has urged the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) to extend the ceasefire which expires on July 30 on the grounds of genuinely reaching out for a peaceful solution.
“To pave way for an honourable solution it is absolutely essential for India & Nagaland to extend the Ceasefire for if the Government of India, while talking peace remains stubborn and undermines the talks by playing the divide and rule game, this time around it may get serious indeed,” a statement said.
Expressing concern over the stretched period of a decade of negotiations, the support centre said “apart from some recognition concerning the unique history and situation of the Naga Peoples, so far these talks did not yield any result.”
The statement titled ‘Will the Decade long Cease Fire and talking peace lead to war or peace?’ remarked, “The stand of the GPRN of the Naga Peoples is serious and clear: when India persists in its unwritten policy of subjugating the Nagas militarily or otherwise, there will be trouble; when the cease-fire breaks now more than ever there is bound to be loss of life on both sides.”
“To avoid further and more extensive bloodshed the Naga International Support Center calls on the International Community, in particular the United Nations, UNPO, all Human Rights Organizations and the International Press, to urge India and the Nagas to extend the ceasefire. Allow this festering wound to be dressed thoroughly and urge India to allow others to mediate in finding an honourable exit out of this already five decade old quagmire.”
Not breaking any new grounds NAGA TALKS Our Correspondent Sentinel
New Delhi, July 19: Though the Nagas think of the ongoing period of ceasefire with the Govt of India and the NSCN-IM as an opportunity to address the deeper issues pertaining to the Indo-Naga ‘political coflict’, secretary general of Naga Hoho Neingulo Krome has said that the ceasefire agreement has been nothing more than a ‘ceasefire of military hostilities’ on the ground.
“Some concrete steps have to be taken on our demands. We have been having talks for the past 10 years and things are not moving forward,” said Krome.
“Things have been moving very slowly. We should leave the extension issue to the wisdom of the negotiating team,” Krome told The Sentinel on the sidelines of a convention on the Centre-Naga talks.
“We feel that sustainable peace between the two sides would not be possible only through a negotiated political agreement. We feel that a dialogue to create understanding is a pre-condition in which the Naga people must share their experiences and retain their history that has been distorted,” said Khesheli Chishi, president of the Naga Mothers’ Association.
“Negotiators from the Northeast also failed to help resolve insurgencies in the region as well as key issues like the demand for a unified Naga state despite 10 years of talks,” she said.
N Venuh, secretary general of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights said: “Given the past experience, we do not see any breakthrough. But we still hope that something fruitful takes place.
“The government is not at all serious in solving the political impasse,” he said. The Centre has held several rounds of talks with the NSCN-IM since New Delhi announced a ceasefire with the rebel group in August 1997.
Naga groups seek solution Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, July 19 – Naga groups today demanded “some concrete steps” from the Centre and not just the extension of the ceasefire between security forces and NSCN-IM, which ends on July 30, to pave the way for solution to the insurgency in Nagaland, reports PTI. “Some concrete steps have to be taken on our demands. We have been having talks for the past 10 years and things are not moving forward,” said Neingulo Krome, secretary general of Naga Hoho, an apex tribal council.

“Things have been moving at a snail’s pace. We should leave the extension issue to the wisdom of the negotiating team,” Krome told PTI on the sidelines of a convention on the Centre-Naga talks.

“Repetition of the government’s old strategy of delaying tactics won’t help our cause,” said Khesheli Chishi, president of the Naga Mothers Association. “Negotiators from the North East also failed to help resolve insurgencies in the region as well as key issues like the demand for a unified Naga state despite 10 years of talks,” she said.

N Venuh, secretary general of the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights said: “Given the past experience, we do not see any breakthrough. But we still hope that something fruitful takes place.
“The government is not at all serious in solving the political impasse,” he said.

The Centre has held several rounds of talks with the NSCN-IM since New Delhi announced a ceasefire with the rebel group in August 1997.

The Naga Students’ Federation echoed similar views.

“The government should show sincerity in the talks and try to find a solution as soon as possible,” said its president Imchatoba Imchen.

The NSCN-IM’s demand for unification of Naga-inhabited areas in the North East and issues related to clashes between rival Naga factions are expected to be taken up during the upcoming two-day talks on July 21-22.

The NSCN-IM delegation, led by its chairman Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, are already camping here for the talks with a Group of Ministers headed by Oscar Fernandes.

The NSCN-IM has submitted a charter of demands to the government, including a separate constitution for Nagaland, a “new and unique” relationship with New Delhi and unification of Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

However, these three states have rejected this demand. The government too has not made any commitment on the issue so far. Naga NGOs invoke Gandhi - Hoho leader reminds Delhi of Mahatma’s assurance NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph
New Delhi, July 19: Organisations from Nagaland reminded Delhi of Mahatma Gandhi’s views on “Naga aspirations” on the eve of another round of talks between the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) and government negotiators.
A portrait of the Mahatma at the Gandhi Peace Foundation formed the unlikely backdrop for this expression of Naga sentiments.
Accusing Delhi of dragging its feet on the Naga issue for 10 years, leaders of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, Naga Mothers’ Association and the Naga Hoho said they would not regret it if the ceasefire ended because of such dilly-dallying tactics.
The general secretary of the Naga Hoho, Neingulo Krome, said Delhi’s recalcitrance was frustrating given the fact that even the Mahatma understood the uniqueness of the Naga situation.
“It was on this day that Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, acknowledged the aspirations of the Naga people in no uncertain words,” he said.
Gandhiji is said to have admitted before a delegation of Naga leaders at Old Delhi’s Bhangi Colony on July 19, 1947, that “the Nagas have the right to be independent”.
Krome said the words of Naga leaders should not be construed as unwillingness to support the peace process any longer. “We want the talks to end on a positive note. Something new should emerge, though one round of dialogue is not enough.”
Naga rebel leaders, including leaders of the NSCN (I-M), have criticised the Centre on many occasions for not fulfilling the promises made in the Akbar Hydari Agreement of 1947.
They found support from an “old friend”, parliamentarian Surendra Mohan.
The ceasefire has to culminate in a settlement, he said.
“The Centre never heeded the Mahatma’s advice, otherwise the problem would not have remained unresolved,” the MP told The Telegraph later.
It was Surendra Mohan who had suggested a solution beyond the Constitution but “within the Indian Union” to the Naga leadership. This, among other things, led to the NSCN (I-M)’s demand for a “special federal relationship between Nagas and India”.
As Krome pointed out, “thousands of Nagas will die but thousands of Indians will also die” if the talks fail.
Burma is Key to India's 'Look East' Economic Strategy Graham Lees World Politics Review Exclusive
BANGKOK, Thailand - Ethnic clashes that have led to 11 deaths in Moreh, an Indian town on the border with Burma, have barely raised a blip on the global news meter but have brought much trade between the two countries to a standstill.

Moreh is a fly-blown place in a remote corner of India's troubled and underdeveloped northeast region and remains largely under lock and key guard by units of the Assam Rifles regiment. And yet Moreh is regarded by the central government in faraway New Delhi as the gateway to Southeast Asia in its "Look East" economic growth policy. The ethnic unrest at the end of May is a repeat of similar violence one year ago when the only official trade crossing along the 1,100-kilometer (680-mile) border between India and Burma was closed for a month.

For arms and rebels, however, this is a very porous border, dividing as it does several tribal communities, not least the Naga, whose aim is to be neither Indian nor Burmese.

More than 30,000 automatic rifles have been seized in the last five years by Indian army units on border security patrols, sources say.

Some illegal weapons movement from Burma into India is very likely Indian small arms that were officially supplied to the Burmese military as sweeteners to improve New Delhi's relations with Burma, a senior Indian army officer suggested a few weeks ago.
Some of the supplies are turning up in an unofficial arms market in Tamu, the Burmese town opposite Moreh, Maj. Gen. B. K. Chengapa of the Assam Rifles said in local Indian newspaper reports.

That's a rare hint of Indian criticism of what goes on in Burma, where New Delhi not only seeks to buy large quantities of natural gas to fuel its northeast states' development but also wants to use as a conduit for land trade links into the rest of Southeast Asia.

Stymied by poor relations with Bangladesh, New Delhi is seeking to develop road, rail and waterway routes into and through Burma for its northeast region. Even while Moreh has been under curfew, senior Indian officials were busy promoting its status as a gateway.

"Moreh is the most strategic international trading point in the region," the chief minister of Manipur State, Ibobi Singh, told the state capital Imphal's Sangai Express while admitting that the Burmese border area is a hotbed of disaffection.

Singh's hopeful view eastward was shared by Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, on a rare visit to northeast India in June to discuss the region's promised development.

"Geography is opportunity and the very geographical location of the northeast makes it the doorway to Southeast and East Asia and vice versa -- a doorway for these economies into India," the minister said in Shillong, capital of Meghalaya State.

It's a view that might not be shared by a large percentage of the estimated 35 million inhabitants of the seven landlocked Indian states surrounded by four international borders, and connected to the rest of India by a narrow corridor less than 15 miles wide between Nepal and the top of Bangladesh, known as the Chicken's Neck.

Assam is the only state among the seven -- including Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh -- with some degree of economic development.

Much of the region was part of a greater Assam until the 1960s and early 1970s, when ethnic unrest forced New Delhi to carve out six new states to give some degree of autonomy to various ethnic groups.

Armed groups of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland have been waging an independence war with India since the 1950s and operate out of jungle bases inside northwest Burma.

Much of the 1 million population of Arunachal Pradesh, part of which is claimed by China, are of Tibetan or Burmese origin.

The entire northeast region was absorbed into British Imperial India in the early 19th century as the British began to confront Burmese empire builders who were encroaching westwards.

But there has been little economic development since that time, aside from Assam's famous teas.

Now New Delhi's Look East policy hopes to bring beneficial change -- if Burma will oblige.

India has been seeking to buy large quantities of Burma's offshore gas and to pipe it into the northeast to improve energy infrastructure. Two Indian state oil firms, the Gas Authority of India Ltd. and the Oil and Natural Gas Company (ONGC), are involved in developing Burma's largest gas find to date, the Shwe field.

New Delhi is also planning to invest $100 million in modernizing the old British colonial era port of Sittwe on the west Burmese coast at the mouth of the River Kaladan, which flows from Mizoram State. The Indian government envisages also using the river as a trade route to the sea.

But China has loomed large as an obstacle to these ambitions.

"India thought it would be first choice when the Burmese sought buyers for the six trillion cubic feet of gas in the Shwe field," said Bangkok energy commodities analyst Sar Watana. "Two Indian companies are in the foreign consortium developing that field and New Delhi has been making a lot of friendly gestures to the military regime. But then China came into the picture with a bid to buy all the Shwe gas.

"It's hard to see New Delhi paying to develop Sittwe port if it only benefits the Chinese."

Indian media and opposition politicians have accused New Delhi of dithering over pressing its case for the Burmese gas -- a slowness which seems to afflict much of India's northeast.

But New Delhi might now be waking up to the realization that it cannot rely solely on the goodwill of the self-centered Burmese regime, which many Rangoon watchers see as having opted to cozy up to China in return for Beijing's diplomatic protection in the U.N. Security Council.

Instead, New Delhi seems to be formulating a three-pronged approach to its Look East ambitions: continue seeking rapprochement with Burma, redouble efforts to develop the northeast, and engage with its other regional neighbor, China.

New Delhi and Beijing have agreed to redevelop the disused Stillwell Road, named after World War II U.S. Gen. Joseph Stillwell, who ordered its construction.

The two Indian energy companies, which have seemingly failed to secure Burma's gas, are to explore for hydrocarbons in the northeast state.

The ONGC has been directed by New Delhi to invest about $2.4 billion on exploration in Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Assam. (ONGC disclosed this week it is negotiating to invite Canada's Canoro Resources to invest in exploring for gas in Nagaland.) Some industry analysts see this as a snub to the Burmese regime for reneging on a memorandum of understanding with New Delhi over its offshore gas seemingly in favor of China.

The Stillwell Road linked Assam with China via the northwest tip of Burma to supply weapons to the Chinese after the Japanese occupied of most of Burma in 1942.

The road fell into disuse when China closed up after the 1949 communist takeover, but New Delhi and Beijing are now keen to redevelop it as a commerce route.

Most observers agree that with China's desire to develop its isolated southwest Yunnan Province -- and its influence over the Burmese generals -- a revived Stillwell Road holds better prospects for India's Look East policy than New Delhi's other idea of redeveloping a railroad through Burma.

Trains haven't run eastwards out of Burma since the end of the Japanese occupation in the mid 1940s. Using captured Allied soldiers and local civilians as forced labor, the Japanese carved a vital supply railroad through mountainous jungle to link Rangoon with Bangkok. But perhaps in memory of the many captured Allied troops who died in its construction, it was bombed into oblivion by resurgent U.S. and British forces.

Successive isolationist Burmese regimes have shown little inclination to revive it -- apart from nodding vaguely at New Delhi's proposals.

Graham Lees, a WPR contributing editor, has worked in several countries in East Asia over the last ten years covering regional business and political affairs.
ANSAM remembers agitation victim Newmai News Network
Senapati While reminding the people that the 52-day long economic blockade imposed on both the national highways leading to Manipur in the summer of 2005 by the Naga students was a measure to counter the "anti-Naga movement" initiated by the government of Manipur, the All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) today observed the second anniversary of the victim who was killed during that agitation. According to ANSAM Information and Publicity Secretary Daniel Leivon, Late Namthiurei Abonmei had succumbed to the accident on July 20 while dismantling the Irang Bridge along the National Highway 53 in the previous night (July-19). ANSAM statement claimed that Late Namthuirei Abonmei, a supporter of the blockade had decided to take up the challenge and that he had single-handedly dismantled the bridge at Irang and in the process lost his life on July 20, 2005 leaving behind a hope for the Naga people.
"Namthuirei Abonmei was talented, hardworking and industrious. Right from his childhood he displayed outstanding skill in technical field", ANSAM heaped words of praise to the late volunteer.
The Naga students body said that it deeply mourned his death who had sacrificed for the cause of the Naga people and future. It also shares the suffering and agony of the bereaved family members on the second death anniversary of Namthiurei Abonmei. While observing the martyr’s day, ANSAM appeals all sections of the Naga people to pray for the departed soul and renewed "our commitment to the struggle of people’s movement".
With this observation ANSAM chronicles the recent development related to the Naga political context and stated, "After more than 5 decades of battle between the Nagas and the Indians, a ceasefire was finally signed between the two entities in 1997, ushering in an era of peace and hope."
The Naga students body also recalled that in the year 2001, in order to facilitate the Indo–Naga peace talks, the ceasefire was extended to all the Naga areas but the dominant majority community in the Manipur valley was against this and resorted to violent agitation; burning the Indian national flag, Assembly hall and shouting slogans against the Nagas and their religion, Christianity.
In 2005 the Manipur State government officially announced its support to Anti–Naga movement, alleges the Naga students body while adding that the Naga Students Federation (NSF) and ANSAM and the Naga people protested and launched an economic blockade against the government of Manipur on both the National Highway 39 and 53. "The State government ignored it and used force. This had to be stopped. The operation was perilous but someone had to do it", claimed the ANSAM statement.
Hmar Students questions UNLF Newmai News Network
Imphal The Hmar Students Association (HSA) today said that the association was disturbed over the recent press release by the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) that appeared in The Sangai Express on July 16, 2007 edition in which the "outfit continues to deny the involvement of any of its cadres in the Tipaimukh mass rape and molestation of 27 Hmar women and minors in January 2006". HSA advised that it was immature on the part of the organization to shed its credibility and defend the serious crime of its undisciplined cadres.
The statement issued by Lalthlamuana Hmar, general secretary of the HSA, General Headquarters said that the Hmar students body is also dismayed by "the UNLF’s immature proposal to rope in the International Committee of Red Cross Society (ICRCS) to independently probe the case as if the matter cannot be handled by Human Rights agencies in India", adding that, "As a responsible organization, the UNLF should be aware that ICRCS or any other International Human Rights agencies, leaving aside the United Nations (UN) agencies, hardly intervene on behalf of non-state actors where a democratically elected Government is in place and that Government is recognized by the UN and the World Nations. Sad to say, the UNLF have been wrongly ill-advised by its frontal Human Rights organizations. If the need be, the H.S.A is aware of more effective international organizations to investigate not only on the serious crime of rape, but also on torture, force labour, landmines, and forced displacement".
The Hmar Students Association then reminded that the State Government of Manipur instituted the Rajkhowa Judicial Enquiry Commission in March 2006 to investigate the rape and molestation case of Hmar women in Tipaimukh. However, outside interference (as was feared by Hmar organizations) in the independent Judicial investigation by supposedly Human Rights organizations in Manipur who represents the perpetrators of the crime made it impossible for the Judicial Commission to make its investigational report public, alleged the HSA.
"Twenty-seven raped and molested women testified before the Rajkhowa Commission in April 2006. Also, Malini Bhattacharya, member of the National Commission for Women (NCW), visited Lungthulien and Parbung villages in Tipaimukh subdivision on May 10 and 11, 2006 and the Sakawrdai refugee camp on May 12, 2006 and recorded the testimonies of the victims and internally displaced villagers. The NCW already made its report public and truth prevails in the report," claimed the Hmar students body.
It further alleged, "Moreover, other human rights and civil society organizations that investigated the rapes, tortures, displacement, and landmine charges have even made their reports public. The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), which was part of the Civil Society Fact Finding Team on Internally Displaced People (CSFFTID), have also independently came out with its report in January 2007 in spite of the hindrance posed by some of the team members whose vile intentions were to unpublicised the team’s report, as is the case with the Rajkhowa Commission". The Hmar students body also alleged that one of the team members, Human Rights Alert (HRA), is now representing and defending the perpetrators and questionably indulging in withholding justice to the rape and molested victims.
"The Hmar Students Association (HSA), as part of the said team, on its Special General Assembly sitting held on April 14, 2007 unanimously endorsed the independent report of the NPMHR, and a press release for the endorsement was also published in the Imphal Free Press on April 21, 2007. The HSA will do all the necessary to defend and protect the interest of the Tipaimukh rape victims", continued the Hmar students body.
The statement expressed that it also seriously doubts the accountability and integrity of some of the supposedly Human Rights organizations in Manipur, who, instead of seeking justice for the victims of human rights abuses, are shielding and representing the perpetrators of crime against humanity.
"The persisting efforts of such organizations who are supposedly upholding human rights should not be allowed to continue at all cost. Such organizations should be immediately crosschecked for its inhuman and undignified stand. No one should tolerate and accommodate such narrow and divisive activists, not at least in the interest of human rights. A thousand lie or denial would never save the UNLF and Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) for the serious crime that it inflicted on the tribals in Churachandpur district. At the same time, the HSA appeals to all perpetrators to immediately stop planting landmines, forced displacement of villagers and violating human rights in Chandel district. The HSA would like to remind everyone that respecting human rights could only save Manipur", asserted the Hmar students Association in a statement today..
To ensure and grant the long denied justice to the rape and molested victims, the HSA, therefore, demands the State Government of Manipur to make the report of the Rajkhowa Judicial Enquiry Commission public without any further unnecessary delay. The H.S.A. also considers any attempt to move the crime scene as a deliberate attempt to hoodwink justice and infringe on the rights of the indigenous tribals in Manipur. The HSA will vehemently oppose any such moves that would cause further indignity, physical and psychological injuries to the violated women.
India eyes military favors for Myanmar oil Siddharth Srivastava
It appears that India is not going to make it easy for China to extend its influence in Myanmar to get a share of that country’s rich gas resources. While recent oil negotiations have faltered between India and Myanmar, increased military cooperation might be New Delhi’s second-best option to obtain favor and influence in the secretive Southeast Asian country.
Amnesty International this week quoted “credible sources” saying New Delhi has plans to sell military helicopters to Myanmar that will undermine a European Union arms embargo on the military-ruled country.
India’s proposed sale of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) made by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, and which includes components from Britain, Germany, France, Sweden, Italy and Belgium, may harm the EU’s almost 20-year restriction on such sales, whether “directly or indirectly”, the London-based group said. However, India has denied Amnesty’s assertions, and a Foreign Ministry spokesman in New Delhi called them “completely baseless”.
But despite New Delhi’s denial of the Amnesty report, there is reason to believe that India will not take China’s influence in the area lying down. Indeed, official sources say there is a possibility that an India-Myanmar counterinsurgency-cooperation project could shift from independent tactics to joint operations on Myanmar’s territory. New Delhi believes that insurgent groups in India’s northeast derive support from Myanmar rebel groups.
Apart from terror strikes, Indian insurgents have been running kidnapping and extortion rackets in northeastern states such as Nagaland, Assam and Manipur. Recently, a kidnapped senior official of an oil company was killed in crossfire between the police and United Liberation Front of Asom militants in Assam.
Recently, India’s Ministry of External Affairs scolded the Petroleum Ministry and its Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) for failing to secure the Myanmar government’s initial offer of gas from two offshore blocks where two Indian state-owned companies hold 30% equity. At a recent meeting called by the Prime Minister’s Office, Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon said the Oil Ministry and GAIL did not make “concerted efforts” and did not act on a letter of intent from Myanmar issued in February 2004.
Meanwhile, irked by the delays in implementing the Myanmar-Bangladesh-India pipeline and buoyed by China’s strategic support at international forums, Myanmar recently signed a memorandum of understanding with PetroChina to supply 6.5 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas from Block A of the Shwe gas fields in the Bay of Bengal for more than 30 years.
The decision came as a major blow to India’s bid to tap gas from its eastern front. Myanmar’s gas resources were estimated at 18tcf in 2005. Myanmar and China have also agreed on a project to build a pipeline to transfer oil to southern China.
GAIL has also been looking to exit from the A-1 and A-3 blocks in the Rakhine Offshore area over what it claims has been the “difficult” attitude of the Myanmar government toward India’s attempts to secure gas. India’s largest explorer, Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), also holds a stake.
Indeed, the thinking in New Delhi seems to be that India, beyond just the economics of buying gas, will have to extend strategic support to Myanmar to stand a chance to outwit China. Official Indian delegations have visited Yangon periodically to convey New Delhi’s concerns.
With a pipeline through Bangladesh more or less ruled out because of the intransigent attitude of Dhaka over trade issues and domestic problems in the country, the only other options are to avoid Myanmar by building a longer, more expensive pipeline or to use ships to transport the gas.
Indian intelligence agencies cautioned New Delhi this year about the possible shutting out of Indian interests in Myanmar by Russian and Chinese oil firms. The agencies argued that the decision by oil-savvy Russia and China to veto a US-led move in the United Nations Security Council to address the Myanmar junta’s human-rights violations was a critical move in the evolving relationship with Russian and Chinese companies now in the Southeast Asian country.
Now it is apparent that India is also prepared to dirty its hands over Myanmar.

India’s gas problems This is especially true in light of the government’s recent dramatic reduction in the estimated amount of domestic gas reserves that were initially announced with much fanfare. This month, ONGC and the Gujarat State Petroleum Corp (GSPC) announced that finds at blocks off India’s east coast were much lower than initially projected. ONGC cut its estimate of the Krishna Godavari basin find to 2tcf from the enormous 21tcf that was initially announced last December. GSPC has also lowered its estimates from the 20tcf first announced in June 2005 to 1.38tcf. Observers have been saying for long that the Indian government should tighten the norms for announcing oil and gas discoveries to prevent exploration companies from over-reporting or drawing economic and political capital from new finds. And, of course, the latest revised projections cast doubt on New Delhi’s recent claim that India will be a gas-surplus nation in the near future.
Last month, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora announced that India would source 1.25 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Algeria by 2009. India’s Petronet will source the gas from Sonatrach, which will add to the supplies from Qatar. ONGC has also kicked off negotiations with the ExxonMobil consortium for importing 8 million tonnes of LNG from the Sakhalin gas fields in Russia.
India, Iran and Pakistan have been trying to sort out pricing, transit and security issues related to the US$7.5 billion Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline. Tehran has said that it hoped to send gas to India by 2011. However, until the deal is finally inked, there is no certainty.
The latest twist in the pipeline negotiations has seen India and Pakistan saying they are opposed to the draft agreement submitted by Tehran that would allow it to revise the price at any time during the contract period. Some observers add that kinks have developed in the Indo-Iranian energy dealings because of US pressure on New Delhi to shun Tehran on all energy matters.
‘Don’t detain anyone at transit points’ By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, July 19: Following hordes of suspected Bangladeshis being pushed into Asom from the neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland for the past few days, the State Government today sprung up with reaction, mostly defending itself.
After there were reports from Lakhimpur and Jorhat districts, where thousands of people of suspected nationality had landed from the neighbouring States following quit notices, the State Government has come up with a directive that no organization can detain any suspected person at the transit points. The people who land up from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland would be sent with security to whatever district they claim to hail. The district administration concerned would check the documents properly. According to the government, the reason for providing such security is to ensure that no Bangladeshi flees away.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has also asked Chief Secretary PC Sharma to discuss the latest scenario with the counterparts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. The Chief Minister is also in favour of taking up the matter with the Union Home Ministry.
A whole lot of worried Congress minority MLAs and ministers met the Chief Minister today and expressed their anxiety that some genuine citizens were also being harassed by the local committees in the name of Bangaldeshi nationals.
The delegation informed the Chief Minister that though most of the fleeing people had proper documents and inner line permits (ILPs), they were being harassed by some organizations. “They should be given an opportunity to prove their identity. We want that no Indian should be harassed and no Bangaldeshi should go scot-free,” the delegation reportedly told the Chief Minister.
Later in a press meet, the delegation alleged that the administrations of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland seized the ILPs of the fleeing people and torn them, and then asked for documents.
On the other hand, Government spokesman and Education Minister Ripun Bora, who was also at the press meet, said that after verification it was found that all the people who were handed over to the Sonitpur police few days ago by the BJYM activists, were from Uttar Pradesh. “They showed their valid voter identity cards. They had been working in Arunachal Pradesh for long,” Bora said.

Frans on 07.20.07 @ 12:16 PM CST [link]

Thursday, July 19th

Naga peace talks on Jamir radar - Goa governor upholds ‘Indian’identity NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph

Naga peace talks on Jamir radar - Goa governor upholds ‘Indian’identity NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph
New Delhi, July 18: Days before the peace talks between the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) and the Centre begin here, Goa Governor and former Nagaland chief minister S.C. Jamir told college students that the “alien” English word, sovereignty”, was the main hurdle in the dialogue between the Centre and the NSCN (I-M). Sources said Jamir may be inducted into the cabinet during the next reshuffle, which is likely after the monsoon session, or brought within the Congress’ organisational structure.
Sources added that Jamir would visit Nagaland to enhance the Congress’ prospects of wresting power in the next elections. “But he does not wish to contest the polls,” said a source. Jamir’s decision may make many in the militant groups and the Congress in Nagaland happy. But the politician in Jamir may not sit quietly in Delhi.
If he can be “sold” to the NSCN (I-M) as an able mediator who understands the Naga issue — the militant outfit hates Jamir and is accused of attempting to assassinate him thrice while he was chief minister — by the Centre, things could change for the Nagas.
Observers here said it is due to a dual resolve of finding a permanent solution to the Naga problem and utilising the senior Congressman’s political acumen that Jamir may be brought to Delhi. Close aides of the governor refused to comment on the matter but indicated that “Jamir is a politician forever”.
The former chief minister addressed students of the Ao and Tangkhul Naga communities in Delhi as the chief guest at Kirorimal College here.
“We feel a sense of acute restlessness, as if there is a vacuum in our souls, as if something very important is missing. When we think about India, that feeling of closeness or common identity is not as strong as it should be. The feeling is of ‘we’ and ‘they’, not of ‘us’. There is some mental block, some psychological hurdle, which prevents Indian nationalism or ‘Indianness’ from taking roots in the region,” Jamir was quoted as saying in a press release from his office. Jamir is an Ao while NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah is a Tangkhul Naga.
‘Danger of heightened bloodbath looming’ Convention on Indo-Naga political dialogue The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 18 (MExN): Naga civil society will be holding a convention on the Indo-Naga political dialogue on July 19 at Gandhi Peace Foundation, Delhi from 3pm onwards. An invitation was received from the Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers Association, Naga Students’ Federation and Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights.
“We are certain that you are aware, that the cease fire period is expiring on July 31, 2007. Another round of negotiation is likely to be initiated from 20th July 2007. Mass-based Naga Organizations like, the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, the Naga Hoho, the Naga Mothers’ Association and the Naga Students’ Federation, feel that at this point of time, a public exchange of views is imperative” the invitation stated.
It was observed that after periodical ceasefire extensions for the last ten years now, the ‘peace process’ has showed no signs of tangible progress. Rather, the process has been reduced to a mere cessation of hostilities, Naga civil society stated. Further there is an increasing and unprecedented military built-up in the Naga areas. “This is creating suspicion and insecurity in the minds of the people. The Government of India has questionably displayed lack of political will, courage and sincerity in their approach to the Indo-Naga Political Negotiations” the invitation stated. It asserted that the interference from the Indian state intelligence agencies and her Armed forces has severely hampered the progress of the Indo-Naga political negotiations.
“We are aware that the people of India and the Nagas together share and cherish freedom, fraternity, liberty and human dignity. Reflecting these values, the Nagas are convinced that the Government of India is deliberately bogging the dialogue down and is noticed to be shifting its responsibility to states” the invitation stated. If the Government of India does not render the political dialogue its due place and in earnest…the peace that has been observed for the last ten years would but spell a more dreary and tragic phase to come for both the parties, it added.
It also warned that renewed armed confrontation with heightened vigour and intensity will ensue. The Nagas, committed to the peace, do not resort to violence but also do not yield to subjugation, the Naga frontals stated.
The Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland had jointly announced a three-month Ceasefire Agreement and a cessation from armed confrontation on July 25, 1997 with effect from August 1, 1997 on the principles that the talks would be unconditional; at the highest level, i.e. at the Prime Ministerial level and that the talks would be held in a third neutral country.
Students at Rio door for border peace OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, July 18: The student communities of Nagaland and Assam have sought an early solution to the simmering tension along the boundary line of the two states.
After stepping out of Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio’s chamber this evening, leaders of the Naga Students’ Federation, All Assam Students’ Union and the North East Students’ Organisation (Neso) said their meeting with Nagaland officials had ended on a positive note.
Many senior Nagaland government officials attended today’s meeting. The chairman of Neso, Samujjal Bhattacharyya, said students “are not empowered” to solve the border disputes between two neighbouring states. “It is the duty of the two state governments as well as the Centre to solve the problem at the earliest.”
He said a resolution had been adopted to establish “people-to-people” contact as a confidence-building measure. Bhattacharyya said they had also demanded adequate security for villagers living in the disputed areas.
Secretary of Neso, N.S.N. Lotha, said Rio had lauded this initiative of the students of Nagaland and Assam and assured them of all possible help. He reportedly promised that the Nagaland government would lend support to the charter of demands which the Centre is yet to fulfil. Neso appealed to the state governments to “act fast as they are people’s guardians”. Lotha said the problem “needs to be addressed by Assam and Nagaland in a holistic manner”. “Nagaland is committed to address the issue outside the court and relationship between people of the two states should be taken into consideration.”
During their meeting with Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi and central leaders, the office-bearers of the three student organisations will raise the issue of illegal migrants, besides the border problem.
Few ‘diehard’ politicians refusing ‘ground reality’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 18 (MExN): Goa Governor Dr. SC Jamir is an “enigmatically dangerous and destructive” leader who is more an “obstructionist” that the nationalist image he presents himself to be, the NSCN-IM in a press release stated.
“Election in Nagaland is not far off and Jamir know too when to strike by way of projecting a new image of himself” observed an NSCN-IM MIP issue. The “habit” of Dr Jamir projecting a “wrong picture” of the Naga political movement is no secret at all, the NSCN-IM stated. It cited an instance: During the ongoing ceasefire, Dr. Jamir “has all along been making a futile effort to disengage the people from having genuine consultations with the Collective Leadership by smearing all sorts of negative on the Collective Leadership’s attitude and approach.”
The Goa Governor even goes to the extent of suggesting to the government of India to station maximum number of Army units in Nagaland, the NSCN-IM alleged. “This only goes to prove his image as a greatest obstructionist figure on the road to Naga solution” the organization stated. The NSCN-IM termed as irony that a few “diehard” politicians like Dr SC Jamir and others refused to go along with the “ground reality.”
Further, the booklet ‘The Bedrock of the Naga Society’ published under the ‘cover’ of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee is an “exact replica of the obstructionist personality of Jamir who will do anything under the sky to mudsling the Naga issue.” The NSCN-IM added that “as part of his never-ending criticism” against the Collective Leadership, Dr. SC Jamir is “again desperate” to gain upper hand in the interpretation and application of the concept of sovereignty in the “Naga context.” However, this time around he may find it hard to hoodwink the Nagas on the issue concerning sovereignty, the MIP added.
DON?T SEND THE NAGAS AWAY EMPTY-HANDED
Twenty-Twenty / Bharat Bhushan

Lessons in friendship
On February 2, we are likely to witness the beginning of a substantive and sustained dialogue for peace with the Nagas. The expectations from the dialogue are high but its success depends almost entirely on the attitude of New Delhi. There are likely to be three major obstacles to successful negotiations with the Nagas: the attitude of those directing the peace process on behalf of Delhi ? especially to federal relationships; sticking to impractical bottom-lines; and not learning from the Congress party?s own history on dealing with the Nagas.
The untimely demise of J.N. Dixit, and the exit of Ajit Doval as the intelligence chief of the country by the time the talks begin, could prove to be a setback to the peace process. Institutional memories and mechanisms in India are weak and, therefore, the role of individuals assumes exaggerated importance. Dixit viewed the Naga issue in a political perspective and was liberal in his approach to settling insurgencies. In his short tenure, Doval had developed an excellent relationship of trust with the Naga leadership. The Naga leaders saw in him someone who was not interested in doing them down but was genuinely keen to settle the dispute. With his exit, they will lose a guiding hand.
If those directing the Naga peace talks now continue with the openness of mind required, there may be nothing to worry. Any reversion to a hard line, no-concessions approach is likely to be counter-productive. If we have policy-makers who believe that India made a mistake in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947 by agreeing to a special status for the state, then they cannot resolve the Naga issue.
A flexible approach to the Naga negotiations and recognizing the immense possibilities of Indian federalism could become a model for settling other northeastern insurgencies. One must not, therefore, try to tire out the Nagas through prolonged negotiations and to beat them down hoping that eventually they would settle for something acceptable to New Delhi.
The Nagas are not politically na?ve and cannot be easily fooled. There is no point, therefore, in arguing that the negotiations must begin with the easier subjects first. Some initial understanding can, of course, have a positive impact on more intractable issues in the subsequent negotiations. However, if there is no understanding on issues of crucial importance to the Nagas, then agreement on peripheral subjects is meaningless.
It is imperative, therefore, that the Nagas be assured that whatever the ultimate contours of their relationship with India, there would be institutional mechanisms to protect their distinct identity.
They must also understand that a close relationship can be forged with them, based on a mutually acceptable division of competencies ? that is, a division of the subjects of governance by re-allocating the sub- jects that would be under the purview of the Central and state governments and those that would be governed jointly.
At one extreme, this might mean that the Centre would only keep with it key subjects like external affairs, defence, currency and communication ? the rest could go to the state. If there are Naga interests to be protected which impinge on foreign policy, then the state would naturally have to be consulted; for instance, the rationalization of boundary with Myanmar along areas that have Naga population. Similarly, it might be worthwhile to explore whether the state?s interests may also be affected by the Centre?s policy on defence or communications.
One common refrain in New Delhi is that the Naga demand for integration of territories cannot be conceded. This is a stupid slogan which people love to repeat unthinkingly. If anyone believes that Naga peace can be achieved without accepting, even if in principle at this stage, the desire of all Nagas to live together in a single administrative unit, then New Delhi can forget about peace. The Nagas living in the area contiguous with Nagaland will have to be given a time-bound process to decide whether they want to live together or whether they are happy where they are.
The United Progressive Alliance government works, however, through a mechanism of lowest common consensus. It has committed itself in its common minimum programme to not changing the boundaries of the north-eastern states. Narrow political interests have managed to tie the government?s hands down even before negotiations began with the Nagas.
The constitution of a second states? re-organization commission can provide the process by which not only the Nagas outside Nagaland but also the other ethnic groups and states which might be affected by the integration of Naga areas can argue their case. Such a commission must be time-bound and its tenure must not exceed two to three years. This is the only democratic way of taking decisions. It is also a way out of the present impasse.
Most importantly, there would have to be a transitional agreement that would usher in an interim government into power. This transitional agreement in effect would be an instrumentality for implementing the final Naga settlement.
Only when some broad understanding is reached on these crucial issues can negotiations on other subjects make any sense. Indian negotiators may claim that there are no roadmaps for dealing with such situations, but vibrant democracies make their own roadmaps.
Yet, the government would do well to delve into its institutional history of dealing with the Nagas. It might like, for example, to refer to the final round of negotiations between the then prime minister, Indira Gandhi, and the Naga delegation led by Kughato Sema ? which included Isak Swu, the current chairman of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah). This was the culmination of a peace process initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru before his death.
Indira Gandhi had told the Nagas that she was willing to settle all differences on the basis of friendship and unity with India. In the last meeting of the Naga leaders with Indira Gandhi on January 2, 1967, the Indian prime minister told them that if they left key subjects like defence, external affairs, currency and communications entirely to the Central government, she would be happy to leave the governance of other subjects entirely to the state.
The meeting with Indira Gandhi was followed by a more detailed discussion. Indira Gandhi?s external affairs minister, Dinesh Singh, home secretary L.P. Singh, external affairs secretary T.N. Kaul and joint secretary to the prime minister, S. Bannerjee represented the Indian side. From the Naga side, Z. Ramyo, Zashie Huire and Megamato Angami participated in discussing the division of subjects in the Union list, the state list and the concurrent list of the Constitution.
Surely the minutes of these meetings would be available in the archives of the ministry of external affairs that handled Naga affairs at that time. Our present policy pundits may be able to learn a thing or two from them. Some Nagas, including Thuingaleng Muivah, the general secretary of the NSCN(I-M), blame factionalism within the underground for rejecting the proposals made by Indira Gandhi in 1967. However, today there is an opportunity for the government of India led by a Congress prime minister to revive the Indira Gandhi proposals instead of listening to overly cautious advice about the disastrous consequences of re-negotiating division of competencies.
Some within Government scuttling talks: Naga leader Sentinel
KOHIMA, July 18: A dominant tribal separatist group in Nagaland on Wednesday accused a section of the Indian government of deliberately lingering the peace process by going back on their promises.
“Some people within the Indian establishment do not want a solution to the Naga problem and simply wish to drag the peace process,” RH Raising, a senior leader of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), told IANS.
The NSCN-IM and the central government entered into a ceasefire in August 1997. The present truce expires on July 31.
Fresh peace talks between the two sides are scheduled in New Delhi on Saturday with guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah arriving in the capital.
“We don’t know for sure if the ceasefire would be extended or not. It all depends on the Indian government’s attitude... the ball is in Delhi’s court,” Raising said.
“We cannot say anything if the situation in Nagaland would turn violent or not if the ceasefire is not extended. It is obvious that 10 years after the ceasefire was signed, people are getting restive with no solution in sight.”
The NSCN-IM has been struggling for nearly six decades to create a ‘Greater Nagaland’ by slicing off parts of three neighbouring states to unite 1.2 million Nagas. The demand is strongly opposed by Asom, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
“Some of the Indian leaders are really committed to the peace process, but still we find the government going back on their promises, thereby delaying a solution,” the rebel leader said.
The talks on Saturday between the Group of Ministers headed by Oscar Fernandes and top NSCN-IM leaders would also be attended by K Padmanabhaiah, the government’s chief interlocutor.
“A delay in arriving at a solution and not extending the ceasefire would magnify the problem. The talks scheduled later this week would discuss certain substantive issues,” Raising said. “We are still positive of a permanent solution to this historic issue.” (IANS)

On S.C. Jamir’s politics- Nagaland Post
In the eye of any Naga with simple way of thinking, S.C.Jamir may just be a season politician with harmless way of political and social dealings. But to those persons who have been keenly following his political activities from a very close angle, he is best described as 'enigmatically dangerous and destructive'.
Like a chameleon, Jamir changes colour to suit his political hypocrisy. He is of such typical character to maneuver the Naga political movement to serve his own political survival rather than to help bring Naga solution closer. This is the true colour of Jamir who is now making noise under the garb of a true Naga nationalist and at the same time that suits him best. Election in Nagaland is not far off and Jamir knows too when to strike by way of projecting a new image of himself.
True to his enigmatic character, Jamir's fondness for the Biblical verse in the book of Ecclesiastes that says, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to kill, and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to love and a time to hate, a time of war and a time of peace", is being enacted out of expediency and nothing much to do with principle and love of Bible teachings. Interestingly, Jamir is exploiting the name of Aos and Tangkhuls in the manner that is absolutely repugnant and malicious. Divisive also in the proper interpretation of his utterance. No Naga tribe should be used as his political play thing. The Nagas have crossed 63 years of political struggle and every single Naga tribe have equal responsibility to spread the message of peace, goodwill and brotherhood of all people in Nagalim. Christianity may have started in the region from the land of the Aos and Tangkhuls, but going by the true biblical and political meaning, equal responsibility is the compulsive demand of the present situation. The principle of equality and equal contribution to the maximum possibility are always stressed as the working guideline of NSCN and nothing other than this should be taken at face value.
If we go by the meaning of this Ecclesiastes verses, Jamir have sponsored and tried the killings and breaking of Naga people and society to saw seed of hatred among the Naga brothers causing irreparable damage to the Naga political and social cohesion. Naga history will always remember the horror when the Tangkhuls were hunted down like animals during the 90s when Jamir was at the helm of affairs. In one occasion connected with the first ever effort on Naga reconciliation organized by Naga Hoho in Kohima dated December 20, 2001, Jamir's paper on achieving genuine reconciliation was presented by I. Imkong on his behalf where he is said, "Nagas are Nagas and therefore, they have to live together under the same roof as brothers and sisters, love and affection should be the centre of this family" but this sounds more like a demagogue than anything.
The habit of Jamir in projecting wrong picture of the Naga political movement is no secret at all. During the ongoing ceasefire, Jamir has all along being making a futile effort to disengage the people from having genuine consultations with the collective leadership by smearing all sorts of negative image on Collective Leadership's attitude and approach. He even goes to the extent of suggesting to the Government of India to station maximum numbers of Army units in Nagaland. This only goes to prove his image as the greatest obstructionist figure on the road to Naga solution.
The irony of situation in Nagalim is reflective of the fact that few die hard politicians in the person of Jamir and others refused to go along with the ground reality and contribute everything for the sake of the Nagas' long cherished goal.
"The bedrock of Naga society", published by SC Jamir under the cover of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee is the exact replica of the obstructionist personality of Jamir who will do anything under the sky to mudsling the Naga issue. Fortunately, the Nagas' stand to gain immensely by way of learning to tackle Jamir's political gimmick.
As a part of his never ending criticism against Collective Leadership, he is again desperate to gain upper hand in the interpretation and application of the concept of Sovereignty in Nagas' context. But this time round, he may find it hard to hoodwink the Nagas on the issue concerning Sovereignty. Ministry of Information & Publicity, GPRN, NSCN (IM)
Will the Decade long Cease Fire and talking peace lead to war or peace? Nagalim.uk
Press Statement
Amsterdam, July 16 2007: The upcoming Indo-Naga Peace Talks will conclude a decade full of hope and expectations, but apart from some recognition concerning the unique history and situation of the Naga Peoples, so far these talks did not yield any result.
On the grounds of genuinely reaching out for a peaceful solution to the decades old Indo-Naga conflict The Naga International Support Center urges both the Government of India and the Government of the Peoples Republic of Nagaland, GPRN, to extend the ceasefire

To pave way for an honorable solution it is absolutely essential for India & Nagaland to extend the Ceasefire, but this time seriously indeed for if the Government of India remains stubborn and while talking plays the divide and rule game strongly, the stand of the GPRN of the Nagas is serious and clear: when India persists in its unwritten policy of subjugating the Nagas militarily or otherwise, When this cease fire breaks in fact more than ever there is bound to be great loss of life on both sides.
The Naga International Support Center calls on the International Community, so the United Nations, UNPO, all Human Rights Organizations and the International Press to urge India and the Nagas to extend the ceasefire to avoid further and more extensive bloodshed. Let this wound be dressed thoroughly and India allow others to help you out of this five decade old quack mire which you began.
Source: A Naga International Support Center, NISC, www.nagalim.nl
Nagaland follows Arunachal, pushes migrants into Assam
From A Correspondent Assam Tribune
JORHAT, July 18 — The situation has turned tense in the railway township of Mariani in the aftermath of the influx of large groups of suspected Bangladeshi nationals which has been on since Tuesday. These suspected illegal immigrants have been pushed into Assam by the Nagas in Mokokchung district of Nagaland.

Sources said that hordes of these Bangladeshi labourers fled in a Guwahati-bound train yesterday itself. However, as many as 21 of them have been detained at the Mariani police station. Their interrogation is on. There were reports of more such incidents of infiltration today.

Meanwhile, the Jorhat District Students’ Union has asked the State Government to instruct the district administration to take immediate steps to identify these suspected nationals and deport them if their foreign antecedents are established. The district administration should take care to herd these suspected Bangladeshis together so that they do not get scattered, JDSU president Biren Saikia said. The student leader warned that the AASU unit would be forced to start a strong agitation if such incidents recur.

President of Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba-Chatra Parishad Putul Dutta has asked the State Government to clarify its stand on the identity of the Bangladeshi infiltrators who have been pushed into Assam by the neighbouring States.
Assam's tribal-dominated Karbi Anglong area to be a spice export hub By ANI by Peter Alex Todd
Guwahati, July 19 (ANI): Assam's Karbi Anglong Autonomous Area is all set to become an export hub of Indian spices. Two companies, with tribal farmers having a 51 percent stake in it, will produce ginger, chilli, and turmeric, the three main products of the region. Coinonya Farms Producers Company Limited (CFPCL) will deal with turmeric, while the Karbi Farms Producer Company Limited (KFPCL) will produce ginger and chilli.
At least 600 farmers have joined hands to have their share in the CFPCL, while 400 farmers will be working together at KFPCL. Minister of State for Commerce, Jairam Ramesh, recently launched a new initiative of the Spices Board to promote the products processing and export in Karbi Anglong.
"We should not be satisfied by just growing crops, but also try and rope in private investors. This will help us in emerging as a potential market not only in the country, but abroad too," Ramesh said. "We are very much encouraged with the participation of our people. We are not seeking any personnel profit. We want to employ the local people here. Because our local people do not get good scope of employment in other areas," KFPCL Director K Khatar said.
The Kargi Anglong Autonomous Area was formed in 1952, and efforts are on to make it emerge a new centre for export products. (ANI)
We reproduce below what the ULFA’s mouthpiece Freedom, in its July 15, 2007 issue, said about The Sentinel. We also present here our reply to Freedom.
From Freedom
Why such smear campaign? Sentinel
The English daily The Sentinel in its editorial on 19 June, 2007 has accused ULFA for the increase in Muslim population in Asom. The Sentinel alleged that ULFA was oblivious of the issue of Bangladeshi infiltrators in Asom and held responsible for the demographic change of Asom. In the editorial two contradictory issues like birth of ULFA and increase in Muslim population are mixed-up. Since long, this paper has been continuously trying to defame ULFA in order to enjoy colonial blessings. However, alertness on the part of the masses prevented each attempt from being fruitful. Was the number of Bangladeshi infiltrators less before the birth of ULFA? Didn’t they try to deny the relevancy of long 6 years of bloodshed in Asom for banishment of thousands of Bangladeshi intruders before the inception of ULFA? We again assert that we are against all kinds of infiltration in Asom - whether Bangladeshi or Indian. We don’t entertain varied point of views for infiltrators and our stance regarding any illegal infiltrator is same.
They accused us for keeping quiet over the issue of Bangladeshi infiltrators in Asom. In order to conceal truth of oppression and repression behind the birth of ULFA, The Sentinel fabricated the story saying ULFA’s link with Bangladeshi communal rebel groups and Pakistani secret service ISI. If ULFA would have been a terrorist organization master-minded by alien powers then it would have been doomed long ago. These stories are circulated from time to time to hide the issue of restoration of sovereignty by intellectuals so as to reap political harvest. Both BJP and Congress blame each other for exploiting religious minority in Asom. And now they target ULFA and blame it for having relationship with communal powers, Bangladeshi infiltrators and also describe it to be a puppet in the hands of ISI. Motive is now crystal clear behind such campaign. That is to perpetuate Indian colonial rule in Asom.
Our Reply
The ULFA’s mouthpiece Freedom, in its July 15, 2007 issue, has said that “the leading English daily The Sentinel in its editorial on 19 June, 2007 has accused ULFA for the increase in Muslim population in Asom”. We fail to understand what editorial the ULFA is talking about. The Sentinel did not write any editorial on the ULFA in the June 19, 2007 issue. However, in the June 19, 2007 issue, what The Sentinel did carry was a front-page report on the increase in the number of Muslims in Asom due to illegal immigration from Bangladesh and after the ULFA was formed in 1979. We stand by what we reported that day.
Secondly, the ULFA has said that The Sentinel “has been continuously trying to defame ULFA in order to enjoy colonial blessings”. Let it be clear here that in the dictionary of The Sentinel there is nothing like “colonial blessings” for the simple reason that Asom is an Indian State, that the Asomiyas are Indian citizens, and that the Asomiyas were liberated from the colonial British power way back in 1947. If any, the so-called colonial blessings that the ULFA talks about is nothing but indeed the blessings that all Indian citizens get from their motherland — India. So do the Asomiyas who are Indian citizens, and so does The Sentinel which is an Indian newspaper.
Thirdly, the ULFA has said that “in order to conceal truth of oppression and repression behind the birth of ULFA, The Sentinel fabricated the story saying ULFA’s link with Bangladeshi communal rebel groups and Pakistani secret service ISI”. The Sentinel would like to ask the ULFA as to what its top brass is doing in Bangladesh. If the ULFA wants to ‘liberate’ the Asomiyas from “colonial” India, what stops its top leaders from openly fighting the Indian Army in Asom itself?
The fact is that the cause of a “sovereign Asom”, as espoused by the ULFA, has no takers in today’s Asomiya society except for some frontal organizations that work for the rebel group to further their own ‘business’ interests and, of course, except for a negligible section of the Asomiya populace who still feel that the ‘sons of the soil’ would one day return back to the State and do something for them by being in the mainstream — which means even in this case of a negligible section of the Asomiyas who seem to be sympathetic to the ULFA, the question of “sovereignty” does not arise because they know that it is just not possible, while at the same time they nurse the hope that the ULFA would join the Indian democratic mainstream one fine day and then work for the overall development of Asom. It is another matter that the ULFA does not want to confront this reality.
Interestingly, in Freedom (July 15, 2007) the ULFA says: “We again assert that we are against all kinds of infiltration in Asom — whether Bangladeshi or Indian.” Then what stops the ULFA from initiating action against illegal Bangladeshis in Asom? Why should the ULFA target only one kind of ‘infiltrators’ as it likes to call them — Hindi-speakers in Asom, who are Indian citizens? And, worse, why should the ULFA kill even the Asomiyas? The point is simple: if the ULFA is against illegal immigration from Bangladesh, it should prove that. Mere words will just not do.
15-member students’ team meet Nagaland CM on border issue
Now, exodus from Nagaland Sentinel & UNI
JORHAT/GUWAHATI, July 18: In yet another glaring instance of extreme intransigence on the part of a neighbouring State, hordes of suspected Bangladeshis are being pushed into Asom near the New Sonowal area along the Mariani-Mokokchung Road in Jorhat district. Large groups of labourers with dubious antecedents were forced to leave Nagaland yesterday.
According to reports available, a big group left Mariani and headed towards Guwahati in a train after arriving at the railway township. Another 45 suspected immigrants have been detained at the Mariani police station. Their interrogation is on, informed sources said.
There are allegations that these suspected Bangladeshis had been beaten up by the Nagas. The bodies of some of the labourers reportedly bear injury marks. The sources pointed out that the fleeing labourers might get down at safe havens during their Guwahati-bound journey.
Police said some people who descended from Nagaland claimed they hailed from Karimganj and Cachar, and they were taken to their respective places for verification.
Nagaland’s Ao Students’ Conference (ASC) gave a ‘clarion call’ yesterday that illegal immigrants from Bangladesh should leave the State immediately, and those Nagas who harbour them in their houses would be treated as traitors of Nagaland.
“Trade permits are issued to locals only, and therefore local businessmen employing Bangladeshis as their salesman or renting out their permits will be dealt befittingly,” the students’ body warned.
With allegations doing rounds that the student activists were harassing genuine Indian citizens, the ASC clarified that the campaign against Bangladeshis, christened as ‘Survival 2007’, is in no way connected or related to the Asom-Nagaland border problem.
The ingress of suspected immigrants from Nagaland comes close on the heels of a similar threat issued against the immigrants by students’ bodies in Arunachal Pradesh.
In the wake of the threat, suspected Bangladeshis numbering thousands entered Asom through Lakhimpur district till today. Lakhimpur police has so far arrested 65 suspected people who have failed to produce valid citizenship documents.
Meanwhile, the Jorhat District Students’ Union (JDSU) has strongly reacted to the latest development. The State Government should instruct the district administration to take immediate steps to identify the suspected immigrants, JDSU president Biren Saikia said. “Care should be taken to herd the labourers together in a secure place so that they do not get any opportunity to mingle with the floating population of Bangladeshis here,” he stressed.
The student leader maintained that the State Government should act immediately to avoid any volatile situation arising out of the latest influx of suspected Bangladeshi infiltrators. “If there is a repeat of such exodus of migrants from neighbouring States into Asom, we will be forced to adopt strong measures on our own,” Saikia warned. In such a scenario, the district administration alone will be responsible for any eventuality, he added.
Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba-Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) president Putul Dutta has asked the State Government to clear its stand on the identity of the suspected Bangladeshis who have been pushed into Asom’s border areas. It is the duty of the State Government to deport the illegal immigrants once it is established they are not Indian citizens, he said.
Instead of acting tough on such incidents, the Tarun Gogoi-led Government seems to be more concerned with providing a safe refuge to the Bangladehis, Dutta said.
Meanwhile, a 15-member team of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), North East Students’ Organization (NESO) and Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) met Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in Kohima today, and urged him to find out an amicable solution to the vexed border problem. The delegation also met Nagaland Chief Secretary and DGP, and asked them to arrest the miscreants behind the Geleky incident of July 5. The delegation included NESO president Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya, secretary NSN Lotha, AASU president Shankar Prasad Rai and secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi, NSF secretary Hectoi Chiswi, among others

Frans on 07.19.07 @ 05:03 PM CST [link]

Wednesday, July 18th

Back for talks with old script - Naga leaders refuse to ‘compromise’ OUR BUREAU The Telegraph

Back for talks with old script - Naga leaders refuse to ‘compromise’ OUR BUREAU The Telegraph

Isak Chishi Swu at Camp Hebron. A file picture
Kohima/New Delhi, July 16: Naga rebel leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah reached New Delhi today carrying the burden of a restive community’s expectations and a script that has not changed since the last round of deadlocked talks with the Centre.
Before leaving Camp Hebron, the NSCN (I-M) headquarters near Dimapur, Swu asked the rank and file of the outfit to go back to their respective bases and prepare for “any eventuality” after July 31. The 10-year ceasefire will lapse on the last day of this month if either side refuses an extension.
Karaibo Chawang, a member of the NSCN (I-M)’s steering committee, said the July 20-21 round of talks would determine the course of the peace process. He declined to say whether Swu and Muivah would meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh this time.
As usual, Union minister Oscar Fernandez and interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah will lead the government team in the talks.
Alezo Chakhesang, a senior member of the NSCN (I-M)’s information and publicity wing, said Delhi was putting “maximum pressure” on the Naga leadership to agree to a settlement on its terms. He was alluding to the Union home ministry’s recent statement on “maximum autonomy to the Naga community within the ambit of the Constitution”.
The Naga leader said the NSCN (I-M) was ready to go back to the jungle if that is what Delhi wanted. Official sources said the government was aware of the delicateness of the Nagaland situation and would not do anything to queer the pitch ahead of Assembly polls early next year.
One person the NSCN (I-M) will miss going into the next round of talks is Angelus Shimray, who died recently. Shimray had led the committee that drafted the outfit’s constitution, which it insists will ultimately define the “special federal relationship between India and Nagalim”.
Although Delhi has given no indication of ever accepting a separate constitution for the Nagas, an official source said the “negotiations will carry on”.
Swu and Muivah came to India separately last year. They have since been conferring with tribal leaders on how to break the deadlock in the peace process. The team that reached New Delhi from Dimapur today has 15 members, including A.K. Lungalang, the “speaker” of the Tatar Hoho (parliament), V.S. Atem and Samson Jojo.
Burmese junta divides Naga homeland: NSCN Indo-Burma News
July 5, 2007: (Mizzima) The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isaac-Muivah faction), one of the more powerful rebel outfits in India's northeastern region has accused Burma's military junta of dividing the homeland of the Naga community.
The NSCN (IM) which is into a dialogue for peace with the government of India since August 1, 1997, monitored by its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), has published a book titled Naga Homeland in Danger: The politics of Constitution making in Myanmar (Burma).
Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman of the NSCN-IM, formally released the book from its general headquarters in Hebron near Nagaland's commercial capital Dimapur during the first day's session of the Joint Council meeting of the Government of People's Republic of Nagalim on July 4, sources said. The book release function was attended by Thuingaleng Muivah, the General Secretary of the NSCN-IM, along with other top officials of the outfit.
Giving a vivid account of the plight of the Nagas in Eastern Nagalim under Burma, divided by British imperialists from Western Nagalim in total violation of Nagas' right to live as one political body, the book claims that the manner of exploitation of the Nagas is nothing but unfair and inhuman "as the boundary is made to run through villages, fields and even homes."
The Naga community living on the Indian side used to call those who live across the international boundary in Burma as eastern Nagas.
These eastern Nagas used to visit their neighbours in Manipur's Ukhrul as well as Nagaland's border district during annual festivals. In Manipur, they visit during the time of Naga's seed sowing festival Lui-Ngai Ni which falls on February 15 every year.
"The political plight of the Nagas and the gross injustice done to the Nagas by successive governments in Myanmar (Burma) can no longer be tolerated by the Nagas in general and the NSCN in particular," said a press release issued by the outfit's Ministry of Information and Publicity, while informing that this is the reason why it had brought out the book to expose to the whole world what the military junta is doing to further divide the Naga homeland.
"This book is meant to drive home the point that the world should no longer remain silent to the act of treacherous imposition by slicing away Nagas' land in the guise of creating a Naga state but which excludes most important townships and mineral-rich areas," the statement of the outfit further said. The book also exposes the condition of Eastern Nagalim under the coercive control of the Burmese military junta, which commits excessive human rights violations. Further the book points to the dirty politics or game plan of drafting a new constitution putting the Nagas at the receiving end, the MIP release said.
"In the storm of controversy is the National Convention. What exactly is the National convention? Find out from the book and its implication on the Nagas," it added. The NSCN (IM) asserted that importantly, the book is worth its weight in gold in pushing forward the Nagas' aspiration for a homeland now divided across two countries, subdivided under different state controls and facing further division in Eastern Nagalim which is presently in Burmese territory.
AASU to launch stir from July 24 By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, July 16 – Bemoaning the lack of intervention from the Prime Minister while the people of Assam along the Nagaland border were passing sleepless nights due to depredations by Naga miscreants, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) today said that it would resort to a series of agitations from July 24 to draw the attention of the Centre to the contentious Assam-Nagaland border issue. “It is unfortunate that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh — a representative from Assam in the Rajya Sabha for three successive terms – should turn a blind eye to the burning border issue. He must give a serious look at the problem of the people whom he represents,” AASU general secretary Tapan Gogoi and adviser Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya told the media.

The AASU, which met Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi yesterday, said that Gogoi had assured of some positive initiatives to resolve the border imbroglio but “we will be assuaged only when his words translate into action.”

Asserting that both talks and stir would go on simultaneously till some concrete developments took place on the border dispute, the AASU leaders said that there could be no compromise on the safety and security of the people living in the border areas. “We want a permanent solution to the border issue, and this can materialize only when both the Centre and the State government take up the matter seriously. On our part, we will continue to pressurize the authorities,” they added.

An AASU delegation will also call on the Nagaland Chief Minister in Kohima on July 18.

On July 24, the AASU will observe a sit-in demonstration on railway tracks from 11 am to 3 pm in every district. On July 26, it will keep an effigy of the Prime Minister with a lamp in public places, urging him to open his eyes to the border problem.

In addition, the AASU will embark on a weeklong awareness campaign from July 30 for helping people to submit their views before the commission formed by the Supreme Court.

Pointing out that the poor road conditions along the border was complicating the job of the police to keep vigil in the area, the AASU dasked the State Government to ensure proper road conditions at the earliest. “The distance between two border outposts is 15 km but it takes two hours to cover the distance,” it said.

The AASU also stressed the need to facilitate more people-to-people contacts for restoring the goodwill between the people on both sides of the border. “We are taking some initiatives with support from our Nagaland counterparts,” it said.
Some within government scuttling talks: Naga leader© 2007 Indo-Asian News Service
Kohima, July 18 (IANS) A dominant tribal separatist group in Nagaland Wednesday accused a section of the Indian government of deliberately lingering the peace process by going back on their promises.
'Some people within the Indian establishment do not want a solution to the Naga problem and simply wish to drag the peace process,' R.H. Raising, a senior leader of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), told IANS.
The NSCN-IM and the central government entered into a ceasefire in August 1997. The present truce expires July 31. Fresh peace talks between the two sides are scheduled in New Delhi Saturday with guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah arriving in the capital.
'We don't know for sure if the ceasefire would be extended or not. It all depends on the Indian government's attitude... the ball is in Delhi's court,' Raising said.
'We cannot say anything if the situation in Nagaland would turn violent or not if the ceasefire is not extended. It is obvious that 10 years after the ceasefire was signed, people are getting restive with no solution in sight.'
The NSCN-IM has been struggling for nearly six decades to create a 'Greater Nagaland' by slicing off parts of three neighbouring states to unite 1.2 million Nagas. The demand is strongly opposed by Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
'Some of the Indian leaders are really committed to the peace process, but still we find the government going back on their promises, thereby delaying a solution,' the rebel leader said.
The talks Saturday between the Group of Ministers headed by Oscar Fernandes and top NSCN-IM leaders would also be attended by K. Padmanabhaiah, the government's chief interlocutor.
'A delay in arriving at a solution and not extending the ceasefire would magnify the problem. The talks scheduled later this week would discuss certain substantive issues,' Raising said. 'We are still positive of a permanent solution to this historic issue.'
‘Delhi police security booklet’ In the eye of the storm Morung Express Longrangty Longchar
Dimapur THE HULLABALOO over the ‘profiling’ of north east students by the Delhi police which has stirred strong resentment among the people of North East has simmered for the moment, with the Delhi Police today calling for a meeting with the various students unions from north east region at Delhi. An active student leader from a North East state disclosed that almost all student unions of North East region in Delhi attended the meeting and they had a positive interaction with the police. “We had a nice time with the Delhi police,” said the student leader and added that the students’ delegation also met with the author of the booklet on ‘security tips for north east students’.
This is the cover of the book authored by Deputy Commissioner of Police Robin Hibu. This book claims to be for ‘security tips.’ Initially Hibu had claimed it to be a ‘personal initiative,’ the book bears the name of the West Delhi Police.
However, she refused to divulge any further information on the meeting. Instead, she said that the author, Robin Hibu, Deputy Commissioner of Police, West Delhi, had always helped the north east students and that he would always be there to help the students in Delhi. The student leader instead blamed the media for blowing the story out of proportion and requested the media not to drag it any further.
“That booklet was meant to be circulated only among the students from the north east region living in Delhi, and somehow it was passed on to the media and the story was blown out of proportion,” she said and added that the booklet was meant as a guideline for the students of northeast region only.

Booklet not a profiling at all: Hibu
Robin Hibu, speaking with the Morung Express, said that that the publishing of the book is purely his initiative and not the official publication of the Delhi Police Department.
He said that booklet is simply an information brochure containing all the important telephone numbers of Delhi and not a profiling of the north east students. “It is more of an elder brotherly attempt to help out the north east people here,” said Hibu.
The booklet, he said, contains mostly telephone numbers which one can use during any kind of emergencies. He lamented that the whole issue has been misinterpreted by the media without knowing the real background of the booklet.

He said that as a top police official in Delhi, he has helped many youths and people from the northeastern region who land up in jails and who face other problems with police.
On being asked about the dress code and food habits which he mentioned in the brochure, which has drawn a lot of criticism from different sections of north east people, Hibu said that he has added that point about dress and food habits “humorously”.
“In fact I like akhuni very much,” said Hibu and added that he is a very good cook. He also clarified that he is not telling the girls from the north east region what to wear but simply to dress decently. He said that he really felt very sad when he read the news. Hibu said that a lot of people in Delhi have praised the brochure published by him, commenting that it is the first time that such a brochure has come out for the north eastern people.
However, one noted women rights activist in Delhi, Bela Bhatia, speaking with The Morung Express expressed her shock and disbelief that the Delhi Police could do such a thing as publish that controversial book.
“I think that such racist comment on a community or people should not be made,” said Bhatia on the topic of food habits and dress codes.
She termed as ‘perfect nonsense’ about the advice by the Delhi police to avoid smelly food like bamboo shoots and akhuni.
“That (the advice not to cook smelly food) should be protested, we should protest. I love bamboo shoots, and in fact bamboo shoots are found not only in the north east region but also in many parts of India. WE are lucky that India have so many diverse cuisines, we should be proud of it. Even in India there are many other smelly food items, but that should not be restricted to community or a region, but should be accepted as the taste of the food concerned.
On the question of the dress code, she said that the cases of rapes and molestation cases might sometimes be because of scanty, but she strongly said that there is a conception, a psyche that women are not safe in lonely bye lanes and are provocative when scantily clothed. Bhatia strongly opined that the people should fight that ‘psyche’, the ‘patriarchal norms’, instead of telling what women should wear or not.
“Women have the own freedom for choosing their dress,” said Bhatia.

A Human Right activist from North east region based in Delhi said that the intention of the book and its author might have been good but the booklet tends to generalize the whole north east people living in Delhi.
The activist opined that some sporadic cases of rape might have happened because the woman was scantily dressed, but it does not mean that it does not happen to other well dressed women.
The activist said that the assumption that rape occurs to only scantily dressed women makes a concerned person ‘uncomfortable’.
However, despite all the comments and the hullabaloo over the whole issue, The Morung Express got hold of the booklet today, and the content was stark. Just as the author, Robin Hibu, said, it had telephone numbers and some general advice and safety tips.
However, it does tell the women not to wear scanty clothes and implied to dress decently, not to disturb neighbours with smelly food like akhuni and bamboo shoots, not to have disturbing parties and so on. However, the question yet to be answered is simply, ‘Are north east people the only one wearing scanty clothes, eating smelly food cuisines, having parties? And do the north east people really need a security measures to be followed in what is called the nation’s capital?’ The answer is simply not forthcoming from the Delhi police.
Youth forum critical of NSCN-IM cadres Morung Express News
Dimapur, July 16 (MExN): Cadres of the NSCN-IM are exacting heavy toll from the people of Tirap and Changlang district in Arunachal Pradesh, a youth organization from Arunachal Pradesh states. Developmental activities have been put to “extinction,” the locals intimidated and even personal income are taken away by the NSCN-IM cadres, in the name of Naga nationhood, the Tirap and Changlang Youth Welfare Forum stated in a statement received here.
The letter, appended by executive of the youth forum highlighted instances where NSCN-IM cadres in the two districts are said to be subjugating the people in various ways. The letter mentioned one “Lieutenant Colonel” of the NSCN-IM who along with his cadres has pushed all development activities to “extinction.” Even local non-locals in the areas have come to ‘enjoy,’ the forum lamented. The poor locals work hard to make ends meet but they are forced to surrender their hard-earned money; they are unable to provide for their wives and children even with basic needs, it was stated. Notwithstanding the immense misery and suffering they are subjected to, the locals bear and carry out the dictates of the cadres for fear of their lives, the forum informed. “They have become like slaves…there is no freedom to weep even” the forum cited.
The lives of the locals are one under constant fear; top-ranking cadres of the outfit have also become contractors, threatening the natives at gun-point to hand over their earnings. And this is all in the name of Naga nationhood, the youth forum stated.
“Such great are the woes and affliction of the native people here and the great lamentation is in the fact that there is not a single soul to protest against such inhuman acts; no one dares to face the gun” the forum stated. Submitting this grievance, the forum queried what crimes have the locals committed that their happiness should be sacrificed for the sake of some selfish motives. The forum has called upon the competent authority in concern to look into this matter at the earliest and bring the misery of the people of Tirap and Changlang to end.
No unification under Indian union–FGN Morung Express
Dimapur, July 17 (MExN): Referring to the NSCN-IM’s declaring to treat as “anti-nationals” all who oppose the unification of Naga territories, the FGN states that the “Nagas will never accept the move for integration or unification of Naga territories under the union.”
“Indeed whosoever stands or speaks for the unification/integration of Naga territories under the Indian union is anti-national and anti-Naga nation” stated a response from assistant secretary Thihu Khamo of the FGN. Before Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah completed their “graduation, the Naga National Council (NNC) was formed and through which the Nagas were united and integrated into a nation” it stated. The Nagas then reaffirmed the declaration of the NNC and “voted” to remain as an “independent nation in May 1951, the FGN stated.
The two NSCN-IM leaders joined the NNC in 1960s and by that time the Nagas had well-founded as a nation, Khamo asserted adding that up to 1980, they defended the cause under the banner of the NNC/FGN. “Who can deny these facts? But they vividly converted and deviated from the Naga national stand and they are now demanding integration/unification of the Naga areas/territories under the Indian union” the FGN lamented. “As they became traitors” how could they, Khamo stated, treat the Nagas who are ‘opposing the unification but defending the sovereignty of Nagaland as the enemies of the Nagas.”
The FGN stated that the Nagas will never accept the move for integration or unification of Naga territories under the Indian union. “This is the most treacherous word and anyone or group who works or supports for unification of Naga territories under the Indian union is traitor and they shall be dealt with as treason” the FGN added.

Frans on 07.18.07 @ 06:28 PM CST [link]

Tuesday, July 17th

Thrust on ‘issue’ before ceasefire extension Morung Express News

Thrust on ‘issue’ before ceasefire extension Morung Express News
Dimapur Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah today flew to New Delhi from Dimapur to continue dialogue with the Centre, albeit with a purpose of discussing the ‘issue’ first before touching on extension of the ceasefire. The NSCN (I-M) collective leadership is accompanied by 14 others, including security men.
Two elderly Naga women raise their voices in prayer for peace at a public meeting at Camp Hebron. (MExPix)
A top official of the organization which has been engaged in parleys with the Union government for the last 10 years said: “Ceasefire is just a means to a solution. Something tangible has to be worked out.” Based on the Centre’s response to the issue, discussions on the ceasefire will be carried out, he said.
He blamed the Centre for not being able to take “bold steps” even after the NSCN (I-M) had submitted its proposals for a solution “mutually acceptable to both sides.” On the much-debated topic of unification, he said, “The people and their land cannot be separated.” There is no basis for the talks if unification is not taken into account, he added. “This time, the talks cannot be taken lightly.”
The next round of talks is to begin on July 20, sources said. The ceasefire expires on the last day of this month. The NSCN (I-M) team will discuss issues with a central team of ministers led by Oscar Fernandes and interlocutor for the talks, K Padmanabhaiah.
Before leaving for the airport, Swu and Muivah addressed a hurriedly-called meeting of civil society and a gathering of the public, where both leaders asked cadres to repent. “We do not know the outcome (of the talks) but pray for us,” Swu said. He said that “the Indo-Naga political process is the longest political negotiation in the world and it is in the hands of God and if we have faith, He will open up ways for the Nagas.”
Muivah left the fate of the talks in “Jehovah’s hands.” He reminded that “so long as the Nagas realize their mistakes and repent we will not achieve anything.” “Let us dig into the past and realize our mistakes. We have the obligation to confess our sins,” he said.
Naga Council Dimapur President, Savi Liegise, speaking at the occassion said: “We are with you. Do not be afraid to speak for God is with us.We should have an honourable solution because people deserve it.”
The Human Side Young faces offered polite smiles with looks of innocence, curiosity and even shyness but when asked what would happen if the 10 year old Ceasefire was not extended, there was only one answer, “We fight”. Smartly dressed in the uniforms, these young cadres stood on guard as the team of the collective leadership held a public meeting before leaving for the peace talks in Delhi. As the entire gathering stood up for a mass prayer before the Naga delegates left for the airport, a young soldier could be seen with bowed head, eyes tightly closed and unmoving lips, offering God his own silent application.
On the “national Ahza” ordering their cadres to return to the designated camp, one cadre said that they were just alert but not really tense. “After our long patience, if the Ceasefire is broken because of their (GOI) arrogance, then we are ready for anything”, the cadre stated adding that they would fight if they had to.
Though admitting that after 10 years of ceasefire, they were more vulnerable with the Indian Army having access to new information, another cadre reaffirmed that there was no two ways about it. They were ready to fight. That’s why they had joined the NSCN-IM and they would not back out from their duties.
There was no doubting their simple straight answers and the resolution in those young eyes. As one groped for words in the face of such calmness, the young solder smiled and said, “Let us just pray for the best”.
NSCN-IM declaration
The president of the NSCN (IM) has declared that all the forces which are opposed to unification of the Nagas will be treated as National enemies. In another statement, the Zeliangrong region of the outfit today said that anyone found collecting money in its name will be sternly dealt with
UNC pledges to uphold historical and political rights Newmai News Network
Senapati While reiterating that the Nagas will never accept the present arbitrary geographical boundaries drawn by the colonialists "which had divided the Naga family", the United Naga Council (UNC) today said that the relation between different ethnic communities or groups in the "present state of Manipur" before and during the British period had been clearly documented. With this comment, the Naga body pledged that historical and political rights of the Nagas would never die and the "struggle will continue so long as our aspiration is not fulfilled".
Given the above situation, the UNC explained its reason for endorsing the 6 Naga MLAs in the 9th Manipur Assembly Election saying that these "MLAs have been elected so with the peoples' mandate to pave the way for expressing the birthrights of the Nagas on land and the people which have been suppressed and deprived off till date and also that the need of the hour is to have committed and dedicated Naga leaders like them (MLAs) to create history. They do not interfere in the political affairs of other communities -therefore leave them alone".
This statement of the United Naga Council came as a reaction to the United Committee. Manipur (UCM)'s comment on the 6 UNC backed MLAs and the Lok Sabha MP (Outer), all from Manipur who met the Prime Minister and other Central leaders few days ago. Issuing this statement to Newmai News Network in Senapati today by its information and publicity secretary S. Milan, the UNC affirmed that the 6 MLAs and the MP are ought to be "appreciated and honoured by all communities irrespectively for displaying their courageous commitments towards the genuine cause as true representatives of the people".
It then cautioned that attempts made to victimise these MLAs and the Lok Sabha MP socially and politically by throwing dust on their faces by any individual or organisation will never be tolerated under any circumstances. "The Nagas will always support and defend them at all cost", declared the UNC statement.
Terming it as very unfortunate regarding the statement issued by the United Committee, Manipur (UCM), the United Naga Council said that the UCM had pointed its finger against "the Lok Sabha MP (Outer) and the 6 Naga MLAs who are at present in New Delhi to express the aspirations of the Nagas living in the present state of Manipur but the UCM called them as communal, notorious which are baseless allegations."
The Naga body also said that the Nagas have endorsed them the mandate to correct the wrongs being done to the Nagas by speaking and acting inside and outside the Parliament/Assembly for the fullest exposition of the Naga movement. The United Naga Council then clarified that none of the 6 MLAs backed by the UNC had sought any party tickets to contest in the 9th Assembly election of Manipur.
Students take uncompromising stand on illegal immigrants Morung Express News
Mokokchung While standing firm in its call for ‘Survival 2007’ till today, the Ao Students Conference (AKM) sought to clarify all doubts on the actions carried out on July 17, 2007 at Mokokchung Town. The union stated that since the clarion call was given by the AKM, respectable non-local citizens of India had abided and left Mokokchung Town by the July 11, 2007. However, it was noticed that illegal immigrants from Bangladesh (Miyas) are still at Mokokchung Town defying the call given by the AKM Therefore, the union resolved to issue verbal ultimatum to all Miyas irrespective of their year of entry to Mokokchung and added that the ultimatum does not only bind them but also those Nagas who harbor them in their houses either rental or private. The AKM also conveyed that it would not tolerate the residing of Naga women married to those Miyas at Mokokchung as they are Miyas by relation/marriage according to their custom.
The AKM also informed fellow Nagas that the people of Mokokchung would consider those people who testify as guarantors to the Miyas as traitors of the Nagas and will be dealt as befitting for them. Also in view of the fact that trade permits are issued to locals only, the union informed that any locals, businessmen employing Miyas as their salesmen or renting out their permits to them will be dealt befittingly. Further the release issued by the AKM president Aodongnok stated that in the process of issuing verbal ultimatum to the Miyas, no volunteer has ordered any individual/shopkeeper to close down their shops in the town. However a large number of shops had been closed as soon as the AKM duty began. Therefore the student body said that it took this action as disclosure of their identity as Miyas, when all Biharis, Marwaris and UPs and other communities’ shops remain opened. Therefore, they said that a close observation would be kept on those shops that had closed during the incident.
While acknowledging those individuals who had volunteered for the cause, especially well wishers who had donated in kind for the success of their endeavor, the AKM said that the public should carefully discerned the rumors being circulated by the shrewd Miyas. Also the AKM called on the inhabitants of neighboring districts to be vigilant for those Miyas being driven out of Mokokchung. The AKM has never thought of harassing Indians of any state and therefore we expect close co-operation from all, the student body stated.
Meanwhile the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Abhishek Singh gave out an order to ensure security and law and order in Mokokchung Town that any person indulging in forcible closure of shops or harassment of anyone will be arrested immediately by Police. It also informed that sufficient security personnel would be deployed in the town to provide security to all shops. Moreover the DC informed all shopkeepers to ensure that shops are open as normal since security was being provided and added that willful closure of shops would attract stern actions including cancellation of trade permits. The order also informed that ILP checking drive would be launched by administration and police from July 18 onwards.
Hokheto lashes out at conspirator Staff Reporter Nagaland post
DIMAPUR: NPCC president Hokheto Sumi Tuesday alleged some elements were trying their best to cause dissidence among Congress leaders in the State as they know that Congress is making progress everyday.
Inaugurating a new office building of DCC here, Hokheto said some Congressmen were collaborating these conspirators. He cautioned party workers to be "very careful" of these people.
Hokheto in his speech said that, "Dimapur is very important" as it is not only the gateway to India and business hub but also for politics, and further urged the party workers to choose the right candidate for the ensuing elections to get elected and show to others. In this regard, he said that choosing a candidate without considering the realities of Dimapur would be a disaster.
"Under Indian National Congress (INC) there is every means of protection" said Hoketo while stating that some agencies are threatening the party workers.
The NPCC president also congratulated the party workers for completion of its office building despite being in the opposition with all the hardships and urged them to be courageous and work towards the success of Congress.
Congress MLA Rokonicha, in his brief speech said that it was only individuals and not politics that is, "useless and good for nothing." He said that there are some people with dictatorial attitude who do not consider the opinion of others and added that this kind of people will not last long.
While pointing out that Nagaland is being ruled by the policies of a national party, Rokonicha said politics control everything to the extent of "religion, army and social" and politicians were only elected members in a democracy.
He also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the "undergrounds and overgrounds" to overthrow the Congress regime in the State, and making the DAN government come to power.
Indicating on the prospects of Congress coming to power in the next state assembly elections, the MLA said that the ruling party at the centre determines the power in the state.
Earlier, the NPCC president, Hokheto inaugurated the office, invocation was offered by Rakhu Livi, pastor of Police Baptist Church, Dimapur, a report on behalf of the Building Construction Committee was delivered by Toshi Imsong, general secretary of DDCC, while Alem, secretary Disciplinary Action Committee proposed the vote of thanks. The meeting was chaired by Roben Lotha, president of DCC Dimapur.
The programme was attended by Congress party workers from the five constituencies under Dimapur district, including former chief minister, K. L. Chishi and former minister S. I. Jamir.
Who stands for unification of traitor?- Nagaland Post
The statement of Isak Chishi Swu for the unification of Naga territories under the Indian Union is needed to respond for the larger interest of Naga people who said, "The ceaseless work of a handful of forces opposing the unification of Naga area/territories are anti-nationals. They shall be treated as enemy of the Nagas", which appeared in Nagaland dailies on July 17.
Indeed, whosoever stands or speaks for the unification/integration of Naga territories under the Indian Union is anti-national and anti-Naga nation. Before Th. Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu completed their graduation, the Naga National Council (NNC) was formed and through which the Nagas were united and integrated into a nation. And then the sovereign existence of Naga nation was formally made known to the outside world before India and Myanmar were granted their independence on August 15, 1947 and on January 4, 1948 respectively. The Naga people reaffirmed the declaration of the NNC and voted to remain as an independent nation in May 1951.
In March 1956, a federation of the Nagas of South-west and the free Nagas in North-west was made and established the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN). It is a fact that before Isak and Muivah joined the NNC in 1960s to serve the Naga nation, the Nagas themselves had well founded as a nation. And Isak and Muivah also vigourously defended the sovereignty of Nagaland as the enemies of the Nagas? Who are they to give up the sovereignty of Nagaland? Can there be some Indian leaders like Isak and Muivah who attempts to give up the sovereignty of India and demand for the integration of Indian territories under the Chinese Union? Can such move be accepted by the Indians?
So also the Nagas will never accept the move for integration or unification of Naga territories under the Indian union. This is the most treacherous word and anyone or group who works or supports for unification of Naga territories under the Indian Union is a traitor, and that they shall be dealt with as treason.
Thihu Khamo,
Asst.secy,
FGN.
Booklet for NE students triggers protests Nagaland post
New Delhi, July 15 (Agencies): A Delhi Police booklet suggesting a code of conduct for students and visitors from the northeast has sparked outrage among people from the region, with an MP planning to take up the issue with the Union home ministry.
While a section of the people from the northeast termed the booklet titled "Security Tips for Northeast Students/Visitors in Delhi", issued by the West District Police, as "helpful", many have taken strong exception to what they described as its "insensitive" advise.
The booklet advises girls from the region to avoid wearing any "revealing dress" and has suggestions about cooking "smelly" food without creating a "ruckus" in the neighbourhood.
"If they are dictating food habits and a dress code, then it is a cultural imposition," said Khiren Rijju, a Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal Pradesh
"If it is true, I will meet Home Minister Shivraj Patil and lodge a strong protest," he told PTI.
A committee of students from the northeast has convened a meeting on Saturday to discuss the issue, said Lalzarliana, president of the Mizo Students Association.
"We strongly object to the remarks on food and dress. These comments are not in the proper spirit," said Savanai, vice president of the Naga Students Union.
Subhromitra Gogoi, the secretary of the National Students Union of India who hails from Assam, said the booklet was helpful for northeastern students coming to Delhi but police should not have given suggestions on food habits and dress.
In the booklet, deputy commissioner of police (west Delhi) Robin Hibu, an IPS officer from Arunachal Pradesh, advised women from the region to dress according to the "sensitivity of the local populace" and described north-eastern food as "smelly".
"Revealing dress (should) be avoided," is the blunt guideline. There’s more: "Avoid lonely road or bylane when dressed scantily."
The IPS officer, who has spent his youth in Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), defends his counselling: "We are not denigrating women and not asking them to lose their identity. It is only advice to adjust with the system."
"There are times when wearing revealing dresses can provoke untoward incidents. One has to be very careful," he adds.
Calling "bamboo shoots and akhuni" smelly dishes, the booklet says that they "should be prepared without creating a ruckus in the neighbourhood." Though Hibu recognises that bamboo shoots are a most popular food item in the north-east, and akhuni, fermented soyabean, a favourite among Nagas, he says, "The smell that comes out of the shoots while cooking is not tolerable at all. So, one has to be careful that the neighbourhood shouldn’t feel disturbed."
On Sovereignty and what the Naga struggle is all about Kaka D Iralu
Having written about the Naga struggle for over nine years and having written over one thousand pages about it, some fellow Nagas (and perhaps even Indians) may already be fed up with me and my opinions. I am also quite aware that I have repeated myself on many occasions. However, allow me to once again express myself with the following article.
Yes, what is Sovereignty and the Naga struggle all about? Here I would like to emphatically restate again that our struggle is to be sovereign and Independent. In other words; it is to be a nation among the nations of the world. This assertion on our part is based on irrefutable, historical, anthropological, political and legal facts that bind all nations on earth.
Now, on the basis of these universal facts, what is the meaning and implication of sovereignty and independence with relation to the Naga struggle?
In the present Naga context, though the ordinary Naga soldiers and villagers are quite clear as to what sovereignty is and what they are fighting for, our leaders on the other hand – both Over grounds as well as Undergrounds – seems to be totally confused as to what sovereignty is all about. For example some of our senior Nagaland (Indian) state politicians are now saying that sovereignty has changed its meaning over the years and that economic sovereignty has now overtaken the meaning of political sovereignty. They go on to say that in the peculiar North Eastern context, we have to redefine the meaning of sovereignty and adopt one that will suit our own context.
Then there are some of our national leaders who, despite the fact that India had invaded our sovereign lands in 1954, and despite the fact that ever since, a foreign Indian flag and Burmese flag have been flying over our lands; they are still continuing to insist that sovereignty of the Nagas is still with the Nagas. These leaders are now talking about a Federal relationship with India- the invader country.
Now to clear up all these confusions created by our own leaders, let us examine the meaning of the word Sovereignty in its linguistic and political context: Here, let us begin by stating this linguistic truth that: “Words” apart from their association to material objects has no meaning in themselves.
For example, if I, an Angami Naga is talking to an African in my own dialect, and I am saying “ This is my mouth,”( Haw ame) without pointing to my mouth , the African gentleman will not understand what I am saying. All that he will be hearing will be some phonetic sounds with no meaning whatsoever! However, if I point my fingers to my mouth and say “This is my mouth;” then though he doesn’t understand my language, he will comprehend that I am talking about my mouth.
Words therefore have no meaning in themselves apart from their association to material objects. This is true of any words and their association to material objects, whether it is in relation to the stars, the moon or the whole planet earth and all that is in it.
Conforming to this linguistic law, the word sovereignty too, has no meaning apart from its association to material geography and material human beings.
Now in the context of this linguistic truth, what is the meaning of the word “Sovereignty” or its synonym – “Independence” in relation to the Naga struggle? In the context of political science and sociology, to be sovereign is to be self governing in one’s own geographical territory. It is to be free and independent of any other nation’s political dictates or Constitutional control. Here, like the word “My mouth,” the word “Sovereignty” also has no meaning apart from its association to a concrete material geographical land and a material self governing people inhabiting that land with their own distinct history, culture and laws.
That being the definition of sovereignty and independence, a people and nation like the Nagas whose lands have been invaded by two other sovereign powers is no longer a sovereign country. After all when the writ and laws of India and Burma are controlling our national affairs and when their flags are flying in our national lands, how can we claim that we are still independent? We have in fact become “Subject” nations of these two invading nations. In such a situation, the only option left for the citizens of the suppressed nation is to take up arms to defend their declared sovereignty against the occupational forces. In this context such armed, self defence activities of a suppressed nation can never be termed as “Unlawful Activities.” Far from it being “An unlawful activity,” it is in fact the most “Lawful activity” waged against the “Unlawful activities” of the aggressor nations. In our case, these two nations are India and Burma who are, against all political and international laws accusing us of indulging in “Unlawful activities” under Regulations like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 etc.
This is exactly why Naga citizens and its soldiers have been waging a war of self defence against the invasion forces of India and Burma for the past 60 years (1947-2007)
Now, on the basis of the above stated facts and also in exercise of my Naga traditional democratic rights, allow me to address the following questions to both our respected over ground as well as Underground leaders of our nation. I am posing these questions to you because confusions over political terms and their meanings have brought us into a state of fratricidal killings and even the bleak prospects of a very bloody civil war among ourselves:

Questions to our over ground (Indian Nagaland State) leaders.
1. What do you mean by saying that as long as we improve our economic and human resources, we can become sovereign within the Indian Union?
2. While appreciating the importance of economic sovereignty of a nation, is there one single nation in the whole modern world where such a particular nation has complete economic sovereignty to the extent1 that, that country does not need any imports-technological or material- from any other countries for their economic survival? Also, can economic sovereignty be equated with political sovereignty?
3. Are not political sovereignty and economic sovereignty two different issues altogether? In my understanding, political sovereignty means a country that is politically independent from any other nation’s interference in their national affairs. As for economic sovereignty of a nation, it means the economic self sufficiency of that particular nation. In other words, in a general sense, when we talk about political sovereignty and economic sovereignty, we are talking about “Freedom” (Political and legal in nature) and “Food” (Material and physical in nature). In this politico-economic context, as far as I am concerned, a full stomach will not automatically result in a sound sleep if, as in our case, the Indian army under AFSPA can enter our houses and even shoot us to death on mere suspicion.
4. Can we Nagas, spitefully redefine such an important and universal political term as “Political sovereignty” into “Economic terms” so that our COMPROMISED political stand- caused by the 16 Point Agreement- can be justified before India and the world? Some of our over ground national leaders indeed betrayed our political sovereignty in order to gain economic benefits from India, when they signed the 16 Point Agreement in 1960. Here, please do not try to justify that treacherous betrayal by mixing political terms with economic terms. If we, a small nation try to do that, then the rest of the world can sue us in an international court of law for trying to twist political terms that are crucial for the political survival of any nation on earth. After all many nations have gone to war with many other nations when their political sovereignties were threatened by external invasions. Here we have absolutely no right to redefine political terms with economic terms and insult the sacrifices of other nations who have also suffered like us in human history.

Questions to our Naga national leaders.
1. As you go for final crucial talks with the Government of India for a federal relationship with her, what do you mean by a “Federal relationship with the country that has invaded our lands?”
2. Do we not already have a Federal relationship with India because of our over ground leaders who treacherously signed the 16 Point Agreement and made Sovereign Independent Nagaland into an Indian State in 1963? Are you trying to further consolidate this betrayal and condemn all future generation of Nagas into Indian citizens and Indian subjects?
3. When our Naga Yehzahbo in Article 1, with reference to the integrated Naga territories of Nagaland had clearly stated that “The territory of Nagaland shall comprise of all the territories inhabited by the Naga tribes…,” what integration of Naga territories under the Constitution of India are you talking about with India? Does one sovereign nation ask another nation to demarcate its national boundaries and integrate its people under the political umbrella of that other nation?
4. What do you mean when you say “We have not given up sovereignty; sovereignty is with the Naga people?” When a foreign flag is flying in our country and foreign soldiers are empowered to even shoot us to death on mere suspicion, can sovereignty of the Naga nation be still with the Naga people? Is political sovereignty a feeling or a spirit that can still reside in the hearts and minds of a nation even when their leaders have surrendered their political freedom and political geography in a federal relationship with the invading nation?
5. At the beginning of the present peace talks, India had clearly stated that independence of the Nagas is an issue that cannot be discussed in the talks. What then have you been talking for the past nine years? When the real issue is not being addressed, can there be a solution to the issue? “When will this nine years “Diplomatic dance” with India finally come to an end?”( The phrase; “Diplomatic dance” has been borrowed from an African lady who recently spoke in the CNN over the Darfur imbroglio where the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU) and the UN have been talking and talking diplomatically without bringing out any concrete solutions for the suffering millions of the Darfur tragedy).
6. I for one will salute you, if you walk away from this nine year “Diplomatic Dance” with India, if the present Indian leaders will continue to refuses to address the issue of Naga independence. Thousands upon thousands of both Nagas and Indians have already died over this issue in the span of the past 60 years. If however, Indian leaders will still try to evade the issue, then what is the point of having any further dialogue with India?
7. In a deadlock of the present peace talks, I fully realise that the only alternative will be for Nagas to UNITE and go back to war against India and Burma with the assistance of other nations. But won’t that be a far better option then the present trap into which India has trapped us by effectively dividing us into factions and are compelling us to fight among ourselves rather then with her? The Naga struggle for independence will have to go on until our freedom and liberty is finally achieved. In that struggle, let us remember that India and Burma are not the only two nations on earth. We can surely over rule their arrogant attitudes and stance with the assistance of other nations that are much more powerful then they.
In conclusion, pardon me for the very blunt and uncomfortable questions that I have posed to you. But please understand that my generation – your sons and daughters – have also suffered with you for the past half a century. Please therefore do not condemn us into a bloody civil war by compromising the sovereign independent status of Nagaland at the end of 60 years of blood and tears. After all, all those sacrifices were freely given by our own kith and kin so that Nagaland can become a nation among the nations.
KUKNALIM
‘Communalism against Kuki people reached its zenith’ Morung Express
Dimapur, July 16 (MExN): The Kuki National Organization (KNO) today came out strongly against the Manipur Government and said that communalism against the Kuki people in the state has reached its zenith and put the blame squarely on the Manipuri government and its functionaries.
A press release received here from the Kuki National Organization’s “under secretary” of Information and Publicity, Stephen Kuki, while making this allegation against the Manipur government, said that Seikhojang Haokip, “chief of army ataff and secretary-finance” of KNO was arrested by the Manipur Police commandos at Tulihal Airport, Imphal, on 14 July.
Stephen said that the arrested KNO official was on his way to Delhi to work out details of resolving the Kuki people’s political aspirations through dialogue with the Government of India.
However, in connection with the arrest of Seikhojang Haokip, Stephen alleged that the Manipur Government is being apathetic to KNO’s legitimate process to resolve the Kuki issue within the framework of the Indian Constitution and added that the central government’s hands appear to be tied on the same legal bind of law and order being a state subject, Stephen stated.
Stephen alleged that the centre and the state government and the centre is unable to exercise authority to appreciate KNO’s basis of seeking solution in an amicable context and therefore activate appropriate measures to secure the prompt release of Seikhojang Haokip before any damage was done. However, Stephen strongly lamented that much damage was done as the KNO’s “chief of armed staff” was severely tortured physically and humiliated by the Manipur Police.
“They have not demonstrated an iota of respect to a senior an eminent Kuki revolutionary leader. Why does this sort of discrimination prevail in Manipur?” said Stephen.
“This clearly shows that the Kuki people are deeply disadvantaged by the status quo” said Stephen and added that the confidence of KNO at the centre and state governments has further eroded. Stephen alleged that in sharp contrast to the treatment meted out to the Kuki outfit activist, every existing and relevant rule was manipulated so as to ensure that no physical harm was meted out to arrested Meitei activist by the Manipuri police.
“Not a single strand of hair of either of the two UNLF members apprehended was ruffled by the Manipur Police while in their custody,” Stephen strongly decried.
In this connection, Stephen summed up his words and said that the Kuki people victims of communalism simply because of the Manipur Government. “Communalism against the Kuki people in the existing state of Manipur has reached its zenith. It is a point reached, thanks to the government and its various functionaries, particularly the Manipur Police.”

Stephen said that any trace of physical and territorial integrity of the state of the so-called Manipur has been thoroughly stripped by the sheer lack of exercise in fairness and promoting emotional integrity as is evident by the alleged unfair and inhuman treatment meted out to Seikhojang Haokip, CAS of KNO, unlike the treatment meted out to other arrested Meitei dissenters.
“The biased treatment of KNO’s CAS by the Manipur Police and the inaction of the state government to immediately have him (Seikhojang Haokip) released highlight the inherent communal condition prevalent in the state of Manipur,” said Stephen and added that it convinces the Kukis more to expedite realisation of Zale’n-gam (freedom land) where the Kuki people may experience true and fair justice, live in peace and harmony and without any opportunity of being treated in a biased manner by other peoples ever again.
In this regard, Stephen said that the KNO is keeping constant vigil of each and every development concerning the manner of how Seikhojang Haokip is being handled by Manipur Police and the state government.
“Manipur may exist today as a political entity in the map of India, but the spirit that at one time bound the diverse peoples is positively dead” said Stephen.

Frans on 07.17.07 @ 09:55 PM CST [link]

Monday, July 16th

Government: Naga talks on July 21-22, truce extension on card Kuknalim.com

Govt, Naga talks on July 21-22, truce extension on card Kuknalim.com
NEW DELHI, July 15:: Amid indications of a hardening in the NSCN-IM's stance, they are likely to meet government representatives on July 21-22 for talks to carry forward the peace process and extend the ceasefire in Nagaland that ends on July 30...

NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah will met a Group of Ministers led by Union Minister Oscar Fernandes and the interlocutor for Naga talks, K Padmanabhaiah, to discuss matters like the extension of the 10-year-old ceasefire, the group's demand for unification of Naga-inhabitated areas and bitter clashes between rival Naga factions.

"This time, we want something concrete from the government on our demands. Otherwise it is futile to meet only for the extension of the ceasefire," NSCN-IM spokesman Tongmeth Wangnao Konyak said on phone.

The NSCN-IM submitted a charter of demands to the government, including a separate constitution for Nagaland, a "new and unique" relationship with New Delhi and unification of Naga-inhabitated areas of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. However, these three states have rejected this demand. The government too has not made any commitment on the issue so far.
"The unification of Naga areas is a must. Without unification, there will be no solution," Konyak said.

At a meeting in Bangkok last year, before extending the ceasefire for a year, both sides agreed on a broad framework to define a relationship that could end the Naga insurgency. (PTI)
Manipur MLAs urge PM to resolve Naga problem From Our Spl Correspondent Assam tribune
NEW DELHI, July 15 – With the Naga peace process slated to complete 10 years on July 31, pressure is all set to mount on the Government of India to fix a time-frame to resolve the vexed issue. The internecine clashes between the two factions in Nagaland and the growing frustration over the long-drawn negotiation process has forced the Naga civil society to pressurise the Centre to act fast.

A delegation of Naga MP and MLAs of Manipur is the latest to join the chorus for early resolution of the Naga problem. Calling for unification of Naga-inhabited areas, they have pleaded with the Prime Minister to adopt a time-bound strategy for an early political solution.

The delegation of MP and MLAs, who called on the Prime Minister, urged him to extend the ceasefire agreement for another period, here this week. The delegation included Mani Charenamei, Lok Sabha MP, Morung Makunga, Dr. Khashim Ruivah, Awangbou Newmai, K Raina, Danny Shaiza and Wungnaoshang Keishing, all MLAs.

“The Naga peace negotiation seems to be dragging on for too long without apparent results. It is our considered opinion that the Indo-Naga issue is purely a political problem, which has nothing to do with a constitutional crisis, and therefore, substantive issues should and must be solved politically,” the memorandum said.

“Any settlement reached between the Government of India and the NSCN short of Naga unification would mean creating more problems for the region and would not be acceptable to the Nagas. Gerrymandering of our lands by any parties with vested interest is not accepted by the Nagas as the stand of the Nagas for unification is imprescriptibly historical and political rights.”

“Nagas do not have confusion or quarrel or dispute with neighbouring communities nor do they claim others land.’ The Naga representatives made very clear to the Prime Minister that Nagas simply assert that they should be allowed to live together under one administrative roof and shape their future with their own genius, the memorandum said.

“The future course of negotiations and talks between the Government of India and the NSCN must be based on the “uniqueness of Nagas’ history and the situation.”

The delegation submitted the petitions to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Defence Minister AK Anthony, chairman of the Group of Ministers and Union Minister of State, Oscar Fernandes, among others.
NSCN offers reward for nabbing extortionists The Imphal Free Press

TAMENGLONG, Jul 13: The NSCN(IM), Zeliangrong region has expressed concern over regular incidents of extortion and collection of money from travellers in the area of Tinakandi, in Assam state along NH-53 using the name of the outfit.

In a press handout, Adi Golmei, central administrative officer of the NSCN(IM) further said the imposters have also started collecting household taxes from the villagers of Tinakandi, and warned that this act should be stopped immediately.

It said there have been reports that those involved are valley UGs from Manipur, and cautioned of the possibility of the creation of communal feelings as a result of their activities.

The statement also urged the public to help catch the involved persons without fear, and offered a reward of Rs. 5000 to anyone who is able to nab the involved persons.
NSF, AASU target GoI for ‘indifferent attitude’ Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR: The Naga Students Federation (NSF) and the All Assam Students Union (AASU) has expressed strong resentment over the indifferent attitude of the Government of India in addressing the border issue between Assam and Nagaland states.
The resentment of the two apex student bodies came up in the wake of the recent flare-up of tension along the border areas of the two states particularly in and around Geleki, adjoining Sivasagar, and Mokokchung districts.
The two student bodies have also expressed strong concern on the total failure on the part of the state governments of Assam and Nagaland in protecting the lives and property of the people living along the borders and ensuring that such incidents does not occur in the future.
A joint meeting of the AASU and NSF held at Guwahati on July 14 last in the presence of the central executive members of the North Eastern Students' Organization (NESO) has reaffirmed to uphold the spirit of promoting cordial relationship and strengthening peoples to peoples dialogue to address any issues that challenges the age long relationship between the peoples of the region. The joint meeting also reaffirmed the joint statement of AASU and NSF declared at Merapani on March 22, 2004.
The two student bodies have also resolved in the joint meeting to put in record that the Assamese and Nagas have been living together as good neighbours since time immemorial and therefore any contentious issues including the border issue in between the two communities shall be settled through dialogues.
The two organizations have also reaffirmed to urge the state governments of Assam and Nagaland to adopt a sincere approach for an early settlement through meaningful dialogue.
The NSF and AASU have also appealed the two state governments to restrain from any actions and activities which may invite unnecessary tension along the border. While reaffirming to continue to jointly work hand in hand in tackling the influx of illegal migrants/foreigners, the two student bodies have also resolved to demand the expulsion of all illegal migrants/foreigners within the two states and particularly in the border areas. Moreover, it has propelled upon the political parties not to flare-up unnecessary tensions by capitalizing the border issue.
The NSF and AASU further resolved to jointly continue the process of peoples to peoples dialogue in the border areas to promote peace and harmony and stated that the joint initiatives will be started at the earliest convenience with the involvement and participation from the grassroots level. The joint meeting after thorough deliberation on the cause of the recent flare-up condemned the alleged killing of one S. Alemmongba of Mopungchuket village by the personnel of Assam police on May 19 and the killing of two persons and burning down of three border villages near Geleki by some miscreants on July 5.
The 17 strong AASU delegation was led by its president Sankar Prasad Raj and general secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi and the NSF delegation was led by its president Imchatoba Imchen and speaker Cusayi Lohe.
The NESO officials present in the meeting were Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya, chairman, Muanpuia Punte, vice chairman, NSN Lotha, secretary general, Artax Shimray, advisor, Gumjum Haider, organizing secretary and Samuel Jyrwa, executive member.
Rebels want to be Robin Hood Nagarealm.com

They arrest motorcycle thieves, treat patients, investigate rapes and murders, punish students cheating in examinations, pressure traders to give farmers better prices and help build roads. These are anti-India militants, not government officials.

Even as they fight gunbattles with the security forces, send grenades and bullets in the mail to threaten people and extort hundreds of crores of rupees, militants in many parts of India are doing what officials should have done. Officials acknowledge that the trend is a reflection of the deep-rooted failure of the civil administration, police and justice system in these areas, where insurgent groups are taking advantage of the vacuum to spread their influence. "People are going to the Underground to resolve disputes — in most parts of the state," said Yumnam Joykumar, Manipur’s director general of police. "Underground elements can give you instant justice, whether correct or not," Joykumar told the Hindustan Times. "We have to change the judicial system to make it more effective so that people have more trust in it." Hundreds of kilometres to the west in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district, Sal forests dominate the lush green expanse and villagers collect and sell its leaves, which are used to make pattals (leaf plate).

But traders were fleecing villagers for years, giving them only Rs 23 per 1,000 leaves. The government had not revised the rates, apparently due to powerful traders’ lobbies. This year, Naxalites put up posters that traders would henceforth pay Rs 75 per 1,000 leaves. Compliance was immediate. "So now, no contractor is paying less than the new prices. People are thrilled. Earlier, if they got Rs. 100 a day, they now get 300 a day," said a government official, declining to be named. Last month in Manipur, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested James Kuki, a man who had allegedly abducted and killed Lungnila, the eight-year-old daughter of the then education minister in 2003. Mass protests had followed the killing, and police were unable to find the man after the body was found in a gunny bag. But the NSCN (I-M), the main Naga insurgent group, swiftly found the suspect, as in many such cases. The rebels "arrested" him, conducted an inquiry and then released him on "parole". Later, the CBI arrested him in Guwahati.

In Andhra Pradesh, Naxals maintain records of the land distributed by them to the landless poor in Telangana, coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. "At times, there are disputes between the government records and those of the Naxalites, but the district officials do not persist, as they hardly visit villages, and therefore they know that their information might not be correct," said Vijay Naidu, a village headman in Mehboobnagar district. "After independence, police is seen as an occupant force in the villages which serves the interests of business class and corrupt political class. The Naxalites are seen as saviours of the poor villagers and that is the reason for their increasing support," said Maoist ideologue GN Saibaba. Official reject that claim. "The Naxalites are now resorting to cheap gimmicks and falsehoods to keep their cadres in high spirits, who are now thoroughly demoralised by the intense combing operations," said Chhattisgarh’s Director General of Police, SK Paswan.

Most rebel groups have structures that try to portray a parallel administration — with finance and education ministers or secretaries, armed and political wings, and representatives down to the town and village levels. Last month, the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) named the alleged abductor of a valley student to release the boy and surrender within five days. Or else, it said, him, his family and his friends would be given “befitting punishment.” The boy, J Rengwin Lamkang, was released within two days.

The Meitei militant group Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) shot students in their legs to deter them from cheating in examinations. The Revolutionary People’s Front last month arrested a gang of vehicle thieves. In January, the UNLF, the power Imphal valley-based group, recovered Rs 47 lakh from government engineers that they had allegedly taken as bribes. "In 99.9 per cent of cases, they are bang on," said a senior security official. "In the first instance, they are shot in the leg. The second time, they are killed." "Any case — rape, murder, goes to the Underground, either directly or indirectly," said Naga youth activist Tuithing Zingkhai. "Here the police department is of no use." [Neelesh Mishra, HT]

Frans on 07.16.07 @ 04:08 PM CST [link]

Interview with Frans Welman

Interview with Frans Welman
Posted on Monday, June 04 @ 13:10:36 UTC by administrator

Interviews Frans Welman is a photojournalist, writer and documentary filmmaker from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. He has recently published two new books on the Nagas. Jeremy Taylor of Kuknalim.com conducts an interview with him..

Frans Welman is a photojournalist and documentary filmmaker from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. He started out as a clinical psychologist with a preference for cross-cultural psychology. Armed with that inclination, he went on a journey that carried him from West Papua to Peru, and eventually to the doorstep of Nagaland. He worked in the prominent Dutch anthropological Royal Tropical Museum education department for over 20 years and that brought the conviction to stand by those indigenous peoples who, due to post-colonial effects, have yet to attain their right to self-determination. Frans Welman brings these peoples and environments they live in to light as his never-ending journey continues.

Kuknalim.com: Congratulations on the recent launch of your two new publications and thank you for taking the time for an interview with Kuknalim.com. We are honored to interview you at this significant time of your recent launch of two publications.

Click here to open larger image
The book, Out of Isolation, is a remarkable work to gather testimonies and accounts from Nagas in an attempt to document the volatile history, heritage and conflict of the Naga people.

Kuknalim.com: Can you tell us more about this amazing piece of work?
Mr. Welman: It is really an three part attempt to intersubjectively present the Naga Cultures who happened to have met conflict not initiated by them. First part is about Culture and the misconceptions in terms on how the people of the mountains live, see reality and other people and this includes the term headhunting too, a term attributed to them by the British based on superficial and prejudiced notions from a western European culture.

The second part is Wandering among the Nagas and the stories of Zeliangrong Nagas close to Nagaland State which I sneaked into to visit a Naga Army Camp and report from there.

Then the history in full from British Times via interlude of the Baptists into Indian times and culminating in the second peace talks. Of course after the first one was agreed upon and abrogated the war resumed and the Shillong Accord meant a split in the Naga forces and the fighting amongst themselves began. Then the split deepened the rifts between the Naga more when the K was formed when it broke off of the NSCN.

Kuknalim.com: How long did it take to gather these testimonies and accounts?
Mr. Welman: The unbelievable stories Nagas told and where not verifiable because their land could not be visited. Meetings in the late 1980’s with NNC members who attended a UN meeting in Geneva before coming to Amsterdam. Later followed by high members of the NSCN to become part of UNPO/

Click here to open larger image Kuknalim.com: Beyond Twilight is an effort to present the Naga struggle from a different angle, written in the form of an intense political thriller.

Can you tell us more about this book?

Mr. Welman: The talks are in a deadlock. As I say in Out of Isolation the elephant tramples the mouse so what actually happens is that an external factor not controllable by India nor the Naga Peoples themselves comes into play and has far reaching effects.

The assassination of a Naga leader leads to all kinds of credible consequences and all characters though fictional are directly linked or based on real life interest in the Indo-Naga conflict.
That interest could be historically linked, dominance linked, or culturally linked. The point is that it will change the situation completely because it evokes the eyes of the world to focus on the conflict. Until the last moment though some things of importance remain unknown.

Kuknalim.com: How long did it take you to complete Beyond Twilight?
Mr. Welman: Once the idea is there it does not take very long. The actual writing took me about two months and I wrestled a month or so on a good idea to end it credibly. After writing the tedious work of rewriting and correcting begins and I am dismayed by the fact that in the print version there are still errors found.

Kuknalim.com: What inspired you to create a political thriller from a 50 year old struggle of the Nagas?
Mr. Welman: As I just indicated the India-Naga conflict is not known but has international responsibilities. So, the underlying motivation to write this is because colonial powers did a sloppy job when they departed from their colonies. Hence some of the characters in the book represent those interests. I am from the Netherlands and the Dutch face a similar situation with a former colony called West Papua in Indonesia. I wrote a non fiction book on that issue but do intend and have in mind a thriller about that too. The title” The Signature".

Kuknalim.com: What are your thoughts on the direction of a greater Nagaland leading to a free ‘Nagalim’ ?
Mr. Welman: To my opinion and considering the historical background there is no Greater Nagaland to speak of. The British referred to the Naga Hills and so the people living there were Nagas to them. So, essentially the Nagas want to be reunified, because they are separated by a border between two nation and beginning with the formation of Nagaland State were further divided by that state, a small part Arunachal and Assam and the Hills of Manipur, so, four states and two countries.

My thoughts on this matter are that during the British times the Nagas were not conquered but a part of their land and the people on it were colonized, two thirds was not. So, how could Britain hand over land and people to an emerging nation when Britain called the areas unadministered areas and the people Free Nagas?

So, I would call it reunification is what the Nagas stand for no expansionist drive they have to rule other, which is what the term Greater Nagaland implies.

Kuknalim.com: You have written other books and made documentaries. Do you have any more publications & documentaries on the Nagas?
Mr. Welman: One in the USA is called the Forbidden Land, the quest for Nagalim. This book tells the tales of three attempts to enter Nagaland, three failed attempts. Only once in Nagaland I was but on the Assam side. The term Nagalim refers to lim as land, but Nagalim means then all of the Naga lands in the Hills and not just Nagaland State.

Kuknalim.com: As “Enter The Forbidden land: The Quest For Nagalim” was your first published book on the Nagas, what was the reactions you received from its readers?
Mr. Welman: Mostly they were relatively positive in the sense that they saw it as an eyeopener for both the conflict and the Nagas are little known in this side of the world. And, when in India this is also but perhaps to a lesser extent true for India. It reads like an adventure story and travel books are en vogue among Europeans with some adventurous nature.

Kuknalim.com: Out of all your extensive travels and background in photojournalism, what has drawn you to the Naga people?
Mr. Welman: In two words I reply to this question which I think I have already implicitly answered: the Unique Culture and the Resilience to be able to resist while all odds are against them.

Kuknalim.com: Do you face difficulty to travel to Naga inhabitant areas in India?
Mr. Welman: I cannot come to India anymore for a visa to enter the country is practically impossible for me not obtain now. This is due to the book the Forbidden land in which I show too what happens in the bureaucracy apparatuses when enquiring about reasons why a Remote Area Permit which had been granted cannot be issued. And, when I returned from Dimapur I blasted some Embassy people here for the treatment of the immigration people over there in India and said I thought it ludicrous to restrict foreigners from going into Nagaland. So, teasingly but with a sting I said: next time when in India I will go without permit and with some press around me to document when I am arrested.
Since then the visa application has to go through the Home Ministry. Do you know how the Home Ministry operates?

Kuknalim.com: Can you tell us more about the NISC – Naga International Support Center.
Mr. Welman: The decision to found the NISC has been described in the Forbidden Land, but has to do with the international obscurity of the Nagas and their Naga Hills.

Kuknalim.com: What role does the UNPO play in the Naga struggle?
Mr. Welman: The Nagas by way of the NSCN are a member of UNPO and have been member since 1993. Unpo is a membership organization of Unrepresented Peoples and Nations. East Timor was part of it for instance.

Kuknalim.com: A word of advice for the Naga people
Mr. Welman: I think the Nagas know best what is good for themselves but for a thing or two: fratricide either the sort which is caused by envy or worse by divide and rule imposed by opponents leads to a spiral of aggression with has strong effects on trust. My advice then would be bury the hatchet, stand together an go international. That way India will take the Nagas serious in the talks for peace.

Kuknalim.com: Do you have any comments or suggestions for Kuknalim.com?

Mr. Welman: I have noticed in the chatroom and in the for a that quite a few youngsters seem to have to express themselves in vile ways. Of course chatting in anonymity leads to extreme behavior but I did not realize yet how string the bad feelings run within the Naga Society with youth so utterly despaired but the lack of future prospects. They have known nothing but war and cease fire and then infighting too. Hence the psychological effects on the young Nagas like alcohol drugs and promiscuity are also acts of a dimmed future. This is also the result of a cease fire dragging on for too long.

Kuknalim.com: Thank you for taking the time for us to conduct this interview.

For more information:

www.franswelman.nl
Naga International Support Center,
NISC website:
www.nagalim.nl

(More publisher information coming soon)

(More publisher information coming soon)

Frans on 07.16.07 @ 02:15 PM CST [link]

De strijd van de Naga’s Een vergeten volk op de grens van Birma en India

De strijd van de Naga’s
Een vergeten volk op de grens van Birma en India
door Sebastiaan Gottlieb / foto's (c) Frans Welman
Al meer dan 50 jaar vechten de Naga’s een onzichtbare strijd voor hun eigen staat. Het bergvolk leeft volledig afgesloten van de buitenwereld in het grensgebied tussen India en Myanmar, het vroegere Birma. De Nederlandse journalist Frans Welman heeft Nagaland in het geheim een aantal keren bezocht en zich het lot van de Naga’s aangetrokken. Hij schreef twee boeken en maakte honderden foto’s om het vergeten volk onder de aandacht te brengen.

EXTRA MULTIMEDIA:
• Dia voorstelling met 36 exclusieve foto's
• Film Naga festival (1)
• Film Naga festival (2)

Frans Welman was in februari 2007 voor de laatste keer in Nagaland. Hij kreeg toen toestemming van de Indiase autoriteiten het oogstfestival te bezoeken dat de verschillende Naga volken elk jaar houden. Op een groot plein komen dan tientallen stammen bij elkaar om informatie uit te wisselen en feest te vieren. Volgens Welman gebeurt dat onder strenge regie van gewapende militairen uit Myanmar.
Dansen voor toeristen
“De mannen hebben prachtige hoofdtooien, maar helaas ook tennisbroeken aan die ze van de Birmese militairen hebben gekregen. Normaal hebben ze alleen een koperen genitaliën plaat voor en speren in hun hand. Alleen nu, omdat er buitenlanders bij zijn wordt het streng geregisseerd door de Birmese militairen. Het spontane vindt alleen plaats in het dorp zelf als ze onder elkaar zijn. Ze dansen nu voor toeristen die binnengevlogen zijn door de Birmese militairen. De Naga’s presenteren zich zoals de militairen dat graag hebben. Ze krijgen dan een kado, zoals bijvoorbeeld een radio-installatie om te kunnen communiceren of windmolens en zelfs rijst”
De Naga’s zijn een bergvolk afkomstig uit de regio Tibet. Zo’n tweeduizend jaar geleden zijn zij over de bergen van Manipur getrokken en hebben ze hun dorpen op de heuveltoppen van het tegenwoordige Nagaland gebouwd. Ze leven van landbouw en jacht en wat het bos hen oplevert. Waarschijnlijk is het ook het eerste volk ter wereld dat terrassen heeft aangelegd om rijst te verbouwen. En volgens Frans Welman hebben ze er de heetste chilipepers ter wereld
Duizenden doden
De Naga’s hebben in 1947 hun onafhankelijkheid uitgeroepen, maar tot vandaag is dat door niemand erkend. Na jaren van vruchteloos overleg trokken Indiase militairen in 1954 Nagaland binnen en werd het land verdeeld tussen India en Birma. In de gewapende strijd die daarop volgde, zijn volgens de Naga’s 200.000 mensen omgekomen. Indiase autoriteiten houden het op 25.000 slachtoffers. In 1997 werd er uiteindelijk een wapenstilstand bereikt en begonnen er vredesonderhandelingen met India. Ook Nederland is een van de landen waar die vredesbesprekingen plaatsvinden.
Toch wordt er nog steeds gevochten in Nagaland, vallen er dagelijks slachtoffers en gaan hele dorpen in vlammen op. Welman verwacht ook niet dat de Naga’s onafhankelijk zullen worden, omdat dat voor India onacceptabel is. Hij denkt dat de vredesbesprekingen eindeloos zullen blijven voortduren zonder kans op echt succes.
Verdeel en heers
India past de bekende verdeel en heers tactiek toe op de Naga’s zegt Welman. “Wat de Indiase regering doet is aan de ene kant blijven praten, dan lijkt het op een stap voorwaarts om daarna het verdeel en heerspel weer te hervatten. Daar bedoel ik mee dat er wapens worden geleverd aan groepen die zich hebben afgeschieden van het reguliere Naga leger. Daardoor zijn een aantal van die groepen elkaar gaan bestrijden en zien ze India niet meer als de hoofddader van hun onderdrukking.
Volgens Welman houdt India de Naga’s in een ijzeren greep uit angst voor China dat meer invloed op het gebied zou willen hebben. Een andere vrees is dat mogelijk ook Kasjmir zich wil afscheiden van India als de Naga’s onafhankelijk zouden worden. Ook Myanmar heeft veel belang bij het strategisch gelegen Nagaland. Er worden scholen gebouwd waar kinderen Birmees moeten leren. Er worden ook boeddhistische monniken heen gestuurd die met geweld de Naga’s ertoe bewegen boeddhistisch te worden. Jonge Naga mannen worden gerekruteerd voor het leger van Myanmar.
Frans Welman noemt het de hoogste tijd dat er meer internationale aandacht komt voor de Naga's, omdat anders een hele bijzondere cultuur gewoon zal verdwijnen.
Surf verder:
• www.franswelman.nl
• www.nagalim.nl

Frans on 07.16.07 @ 02:10 PM CST [link]

Sunday, July 15th

NNC smells IM hand in hill school arsons Source: The Sangai Express

NNC smells IM hand in hill school arsons Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 14: While reminding the Naga public that acts of arson and consequent sufferings that befall upon the people are due to misadventures perpetrated at the behest of NSCN (IM)'s Th Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu, the Nagaland Youth President of Naga National Council Chongbui Newmai alleged that the recent incident of burning down schools in some hill districts of Manipur are the handiwork of the IM leaderships.

The renegade leaders Th Muivah and Isak Swu burned down hundreds of houses and granaries in eastern Nagaland in 1980s apart from destroying 87 Kuki villages in the 1990s which were neither beneficial to themselves nor for the Naga Nation, said a statement issued by Chongbui to substantiate his allegation of the latest violent acts of raging down the school buildings as a fallout of Muivah-Swu ploy to cover up their failure in reaching with an agreement in the peace parleys.

With their past policy of reliance on violence bearing no positive results, Muivah and Isak returned home with no hope for their cadres other than carry out the devilish work of burning down more than ten school buildings in southern part of Nagaland to make the students suffer the toil, opined the statement while adding that such acts would lead to nowhere other than put careers of the aspiring students at peril.

No Naga will say that to kill their own people and to make their own people suffer is serving for the Naga Nation, it said and construed the recent acts of demolishing school buildings as acts of terrorism with criminal intent.

Further alleging that the IM group is being manipulated by the Government of India for destroying Nagaland with the top IM duo merely representing their respective tribes/communities and no concern for the Naga cause, Chongbui asserted that for the Nagas sustained aggression against india is the only way to regain sovereignty.

Recalling that issues such as integration, special federal relationship with India, demanding special provisions under the indian Cons