Welcoming the Home-comers
Welcoming the Home-comers
Dated: Hebron, 25th July 2011
The Government, in its meeting of the Steering Executive Members and the Cabinet, chaired by Hon'ble Co-Convener, Steering Committee, Q. Tuccu, dated, 25th July 2011, warmly greeted the seven home-comers from various groups/outfits who have came to join the mainstream, namely:
1) Mr. Shahoto Yimchunger, Deputy Kilonser, UT-I, from Kehoi group
2) Mr. Perry Hau, Zeliangrong Region, Secretary, MIP, from NNC (Non-Accordist);
3) Mr. Ramyo A. Shatsang, Political Organizer, Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR), from Khaplang (K) group;
4) 2nd Lieutenant Chalo Milan, WTR, from K group;
5) Sgt. Maj. Rami Khatepo, WTR, from K group;
6) Sgt. Sp. Salepoh, WTR, from K group; and
7) Mr. Ngaranshim, Security Agent, WTR, from K group;
They (sl.no. 3, 4, 5 & 6) also brought along with them 6 (six) assorted firearms- 1 AK-56 Assault Rifle & 3.2 pistol; 1 M-22 Assault Rifle & 9mm pistol; 1 M-16 Assault Rifle; and 1 M-16 Assault Rifle, respectively.
The Hon'ble Kilo Kilonser, Mr. Rh. Raising on behalf of the meeting extended a hearty welcome to them. He also exhorted them on the truth and challenges of the Naga Nationalism under the vanguard of the NSCN/GPRN.
The home-comers on their turn briefed the house of their experiences and observations of the groups/outfits which they formerly served.
Mr. Shahoto Yimchunger: “I was arrested by the Kehoi group on the 9th of June 2008 and was forcibly made to join their group. During my short stay at the Kehoi camp, I did not see any political vision in their activities. Sometimes, I did question the senior leaders why we were not involved in political dialogues with the Government of India whereas the NSCN/GPRN has been intensifying the political talks with them. So on witnessing their inability to explain their political stand and the lack of Naga people’s mandate to the group, I decided to return to the mainstream”.
Mr. Perry Hau: “In a stay of 3 years in the NNC (Non-Accordist), I witnessed that the NNC does not have the political platform to uphold the Naga national principles. For which reason, I came over to the mainstream, NSCN/GPRN, on the 7th of July 2011.
Mr. Ramyo A. Shatsang: “We don’t find any political vision in the NSCN (K) group. As such, they are collaborating with the Meitei militants like UNLF, PREPAK and Assamese outfit- ULFA. While in my short stay in the K group, I had witnessed that the organization does not carry the voice of the people. So, therefore, I came with my colleague and boys to join the NSCN/GPRN on the 8th of July 2011.
Sd/-
(D.G. ROBERT)
Kilo Secretary to the NSCN/GPRN
NDFB sets up camps in Chin PULLOCK DUTTA The Telegraph
Jorhat, July 24: The NDFB has set up camps in the Hakha area of Chin province in western Myanmar since September 2009. This was revealed during the interrogation of four NDFB militants who were arrested last week.
The four cadres were apprehended by the Assam Rifles from Namtola along the Assam-Nagaland border on Friday night. Myanmarese currency amounting to 1,000 kyat was recovered.
The militants, who were handed over to Assam Police yesterday, were produced in court today and remanded in three-day police custody.
The four — Amar Borgayari, Neroi Daimary, Philip Ishlary and Chitraranjan Basumatary —were apprehended along with an NSCN (K) cadre, Isac Konyak, who acted as a guide during their trek from Myanmar to Assam via Nagaland. The four were about to catch a Guwahati-bound bus at Sonari, from where they intended to go to their respective homes at Bijni, Rowta and Dhubri, when they were arrested.
A police official interrogating the four said they were fresh recruits and had gone to Myanmar in March 2010 for training.
“They had completed their training and were returning home on a three-month leave after discharging their duties as helpers at the camp located in the Hakha area of Myanmar,” the official said, quoting the cadres.
The official said almost all the 93 cadres undergoing training at the camp in Myanmar were fresh recruits.
“They (the four arrested militants) have denied having any information about other NDFB camps in Myanmar. They said there was no member of any other militant outfit in the particular camp apart from the Bodo militant outfit and the 93 cadres there were mostly fresh recruits,” the official said.
This is the second time that NDFB cadres have been apprehended from Nagaland while returning from Myanmar. Fourteen NDFB cadres were arrested from state in October. These cadres were also recruits and were arrested after they entered Nagaland through Tizit inter-state checkgate on their way to training camps in Myanmar.
The Telegraph had earlier reported about the NDFB setting up its general headquarters at Myanmar sometime between late 2009 and early 2010 with the help of the Manipur-based militant outfit, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL). Geroge Basumatary, one of the key accused in the October 30 serial blasts, is currently looking after the general headquarters.
The NDFB has been trying to set up camps in Nepal after the crackdown in Bangladesh. A six-member group, led by “lieutenant general” Onthao, had visited the country last year for a survey to set up the new hideout.
Autonomous council plan for four Naga dists Times of india
TNN Jul 25, 2011, 11.32am IST
GUWAHATI: The Nagaland cabinet on Saturday proposed formation of an autonomous council or authority, comprising Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire and Longleng districts of the tribal state.
The cabinet's proposal comes in the wake of a joint meeting of DAN legislators and MPs on July 20. The cabinet is of the view that the Centre is expected to know what should be the best way of resolving the issue at hand keeping in view the larger interest of the Nagas, said cabinet secretary Lalthara.
The cabinet decided to request the Centre to intervene in the matter by taking an early decision so that there are no further problems in Nagaland. At the meeting, the Cabinet also deliberated on the demand of Eastern Naga People's Organization for creation of an autonomous comprising Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphire districts of Nagaland as contained in the memorandum dated November 25, 2010, which was submitted to Prime Minister and also referred to the Government of Nagaland for its views.
Too many militant groups for Nagaland govt’s comfort Indian Express
The splintering of militant groups in Nagaland has left the government unsure how to deal with which one and struggling to curb a spurt in extortion across the state.
A ceasefire is in place with the main factions of the NSCN (National Socialist Council of Nagalim) but the Khaplang faction split vertically over a month ago, and the state government is now confused which faction is actually involved in the ceasefire with the Centre. The state has asked New Delhi to clarify whether both factions have reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire agreement earlier entered into.
What is also significant is that the state government has decided not to provide police escort to leaders of the NSCN factions without specific approval or a direction from the Government of India. At the moment, top leaders like Thuingaleng Muivah and Issak Chisi Swu and others of their faction (NSCN-IM) have been provided government police escort whenever they move out of their designated camps.
One section of the NSCN(K) has remained with SS Khaplang but the majority in June expelled him and appointed Gen Khole Konyak as their new chairman. Subsequent to this, both factions have claimed to be the original and in a ceasefire with the government.
A cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday also discussed the law and order situation in the context of the presence of so many armed underground factions in the state. The state cabinet is understood to have observed that in addition to three NSCN factions now, the two factions of Naga National Council (NNC) too had a “considerable” number of armed cadres operating.
Solution from Within morungexpress
The demand for a separate Frontier State of Nagaland by the conglomeration of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) representing six tribal groups—Chang, Konyak, Sangtam, Khiamniungan, Yimchungru and Phom communities—has come as cause of concern for the Nagas as a people and more so at a time when we need to look at convergence of ideas, agendas, identity, territory and not to forget a united solution to the Indo-Naga issue. The ENPO has already taken the matter up with the Government of India and the latter has sought the viewpoint of the State government. The present NPF led government has also done an appraisal of the demand made for a separate State by way of appointing various committees to look into the entire gamut of issues raised by the ENPO. Now as per the latest Cabinet decision, the State government has proposed setting up of an Autonomous Council for the ENPO areas under the provision of Article 371 (A).
On ENPO Frontier Nagaland Demand
This latest proposal would appear to be similar to the special status enjoyed under the erstwhile Tuensang area in which the administration was directly under the control of the Governor and even fund allocation was kept separate for this region. A regional council and even a Minister for Tuensang Affairs were the other unique features of this autonomy. Further no Act of the Legislature of Nagaland was to apply to Tuensang district unless the Governor, on the recommendation of the regional council, so directs. Off course this administrative arrangement did not endure for too long and the former Tuensang Mon area integrated with the rest of Nagaland. Creation of separate districts in subsequent years was part of the initiative to bring about inclusive development and also to provide space for tribal plurality.
Having said that, now that the State government has given its option, it will be important to see how the ENPO will itself respond to the proposal for autonomous council. Better sense should prevail upon the ENPO leaders so that any decision taken is not for short term gains but for the overall interest of the Naga people’s aspiration for peace, reconciliation and a common territorial and political entity. This column has already stated its position that the genuine grievances presented by the ENPO merits immediate attention and correction. However separation from present Nagaland is not the answer. Even the proposal for an autonomous council is not going to be enough if we fail to improve our governance. All of us are aware of the fact that the fruits of development have not reached the grass root. There is a big development gap and this is the core of the problem. While policies and programmes do exist, it is the ‘governance deficit’ which has contributed to the present grievances and alienation.
Rather than creating another costly and complicated structure of administration through an autonomous council, wouldn’t it be better if the Nagaland government can create a separate Ministry, similar to DoNER, which will deal exclusively for the ENPO areas under a Cabinet Minister from the region. This new department/ministry can become like a mini secretariat for administration of the ENPO areas but will come within the existing government system. Other creative solutions can be found including the possibility of each department having their cell within this new set up. Depending on the availability, officers from the ENPO region can be posted here. Development including contract and supply works can all be taken up from this new office. With the Indo-Naga political issue currently under dialogue and attempts to bring warring Naga groups to a common platform and understanding, for the moment, the ENPO should keep its demand for Frontier Nagaland in abeyance as Nagas need to converge and not work at cross purposes at this important juncture of our history. For now the ENPO along with the State government can look for creative solutions within the present Nagaland State. Even the prospect of increasing the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seats by one each, which can be reserved for ENPO areas, could be explored with the Government of India.
Ntangki Forest: An ecological issue and concern of the Nagas Dennis Elung
The Govt of Nagaland initiated a people consultative meeting dated 20th June 2009 Kohima represented by Council of Ministers, Naga Hoho, ENPO, NSF, NMA, and Naga tribal Hohos; a resolution passed on the issue of encroachment in Ntangki Reserved Forest wherein the meeting resolved that the general public, including the Tribal Hohos, the NGOs and civil societies should extend full support, cooperation, to the Govt in the effort to take up pro-active action against all forms of encroachment in the Govt Reserved land and forest. I believe this initiative taken up by the Govt is a great awakening of the Naga people for action toward protecting the environment with the consciousness of restoring the damaged ecological balance. In pursuance of the resolution, it is imperative to create general awareness and information about the importance and moral obligation of the Nagas to protect and preserve our forest in the act of restoring and saving the environment. Environmental issue must be seriously considered as people’s movement for sustaining life and an initiative for creating hope for the future generations.
Our planet earth is posing serious threats to human survival due to ecological imbalance created by humankind in the process of deforestation for human habitation, occupation, consumption and modernization based on economic oriented purposed and greed based action. In the global scenario, our world is experiencing a strange climate change; global warming, depletion of Ozone layer and frequent occurrence of natural disasters everywhere tells the message that our planet earth is being greatly affected, damaged by human excessive utilization of natural resources without much realizing that the counter reaction are causing danger and inconveniences to human habitation. The fact that, our earth-Home is being endangered and we are all responsible for our action. Concerned that, we Nagas must take serious steps in considering the impact of the global situation on our people while fighting and struggling for a nation status and as a people. We are to take every precautionary measure to protect our lives, land and forest. No Nation can sustain without caring the lives of our people, land and environment. Our people, land and forest are the essence and sole reason of our nation. Concerned that, in order to act out our role toward protecting and preserving our people land and environment, we are to find out and ascertain the cause of environment degradation and strive together for restoration and for healing of our land. There are Natural causes and man-made causes. Let me stress on man-made causes, which I feel is the most damaging one. Deforestation, killing of animals for food and pleasures and exploitation of forest for personal economic gains and greed-based extravaganza occupation of land. Theses developmental human activities have greatly affected the ecosystem. Therefore, It is our people concern and responsibility to put our earnest effort to prevent further destructive activity in the interest of the whole Naga nation and people. The Universal declaration of Human Responsibility, Art 7. States that, “The animals and the natural environment also demand protection. All people have a responsibility to protect the air, water, and soil of the Earth for the sake of present inhabitants and future generations”
Concerned that the Ntangki Reserved forest be protected and preserved as the pride, hope and for the home of animal’s species, which are our inter-related and interdependent creatures providing or part of the ecological balance. It is surprise to know that, much of the forest have been exploited, deforested for human occupation by encroachers which when considered are only for extra possession besides the homes plots in their villages, districts, and state. It is informed that many animal and plants species have been extinct. The fear that, we Nagas as a people may also cease to exist or extinct as a race lest we forget our responsibility to preserve and protect our land and environment. We tribal Naga people must act our rights to protect our land and forest as in time past living in close attachment with the nature. As the saying goes, “Care for nature, cure for mankind” so let us altogether preserve God-free given nature and live in accordance with the laws of Nature. We Nagas and our land are blessed with God’s protection from all natural calamity or disasters. God save our land. Let us not destroy our selves and land by random exploitation of natural resources available for our sustenance.
While considering the present situation, it is imperative that We Nagas must uphold our traditional rights over our land and protect it for and in the light and interest of the Naga Nation. That every Naga tribe should protect and preserve their own Village, district or people land and we must see to it that, we extend our support to each other’s tribe in protecting the land from foreign intrusion. Concerns that, the Ntangki Forest being the common concern of the Nagas in matter of environment and ecological implication, which lies within the Zeliangrong Country traditionally belonged to the Beisumpui Zeme Village, the Zeliangrong people are prompted to extend, support and cooperate to the Govt. initiatives in the effort to take up pro-active action against all forms of encroachment in the Govt Reserved land and forest. Accordingly responding to the call of the Govt. and out of Peoples’ obligation to protect their land and its forest, the Zeliangrong People commences a forest movement in the general interest of the whole Naga nation.
In my personal conclusion, about the Ntangki Forest, it is not a tribal issue neither private one rather it is the common issue of the people to be taken care of by the concerned Government and the people. Therefore, let us keep Ntangki safe for the present and future generations,
(Dennis Elung is a social worker and public leader Peren District Nagaland)
The possible set up of ADCs in Nagaland - Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial
The Neiphiu Rio government in Nagaland, through a cabinet decision had, in principle, decided to set up Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in the border areas of Nagaland which had openly demanded a severing of all ties with Nagaland to form a new state called 'Eastern Frontier'.
These are the areas previously known as the Tuensang area, which much against popular opinion was forcibly incorporated into Nagaland at the time of its inception. Since its open rejection of Naga dominance came to be clear and unmistakable, the very concept of the hastily stitched up 'unique' Naga polity became derailed.
It is to the credit of Chief Minister Rio and his colleagues that within a short period of time they decided to offer setting up of ADCs in this contentious area.
Whether the leaders and the public at large of 'Eastern Frontier' will be placated by the offer, or will they insist on a total snap of relations with Nagaland only future developments can tell.
The point is Rio acted positively and swiftly to a crisis which was laden with the potential of disintegrating Nagaland. Given the decisiveness and the speed in reaching the decision, if 'Eastern Frontier' agrees, the formation of ADCs in that area could also well be speedy and functional.
Should this come out as a truth, then it will come as a rude hammer blow to Manipur's Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh. It has been quite some time since elections to ADCs in Manipur were completed.
But are our ADCs truly functional, the answer is unfortunately no. In fact the government has not stopped crowing over its holding of ADC elections.
Has the government been resting on its laurels while not taking up positive steps to make the ADCs operational? It is upto the government to answer that.
What we know is that if ADCs are formed in Nagaland and if they are functional then it will gravely expose the distrustful nature of the government in Manipur, capable of giving promises but not capable of acting on them.
If such a situation does unfold what could be the consequences for Manipur? This has to be viewed from two perspectives.
Namely, what will be the positive impact on Manipur if ADCs are created in Nagaland. Next, what could the nature of suffering we will have to endure by dilly dallying on the steps to be taken to make our ADCs fully operative.
To simplify the case, the creation of ADCs in Nagaland will act as a permanent leash on the coveting nature of Nagas for other peoples lands. With the inception of ADCs the concept of a greater Nagaland will come loose at the seams.
For many in Manipur, it will also be a realization that the Holy Grail of a greater Nagaland is unachievable.
If arguments continue for separation from Manipur, it can only be conceived to be the product of vileness. As it is even the egg of the 'Naga People's Front' which Neiphiu Rio laid in Senapati will turn out to be a dud.
On the other hand, if the ADCs get to a flying start in Nagaland while we dither and twiddle our thumbs over the effective functioning of our ADCs here in Manipur, then this government will truly have landed us in a soup.
The first charge to be leveled against the Meitei community would be 'They cannot be trusted'. The damage extent will go deeper.
Such an act will only widen the hill-valley rift and politicians will play the advantage of the poor action of the government right to the hilt, and the worst sufferers will be the common folk both in the hills and the valleys.
What should the Manipur government do? There is no need to spell this out, it is self explanatory.
As a society what we can do and say is, for the people of 'Eastern Frontier', if you are seeking more than ADC powers, we empathise with you, however if ADCs should suffice, we say good luck.
We will not be the type of people to instigate others to ask for more. That is not in our nature.
Naga group sticks to demand OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, July 24: The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), which is spearheading the movement for a separate state comprising four eastern districts, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng and Tuensang today reiterated its demand for a separate state in response to the Nagaland government’s decision to recommend an autonomous council to the Centre.
ENPO adviser Tongthan said they would prefer Frontier Nagaland state than an autonomous council. “Autonomous council is an old issue which dates back to 1960. It is not a new for us,” he told the Telegraph.
He, however, said they would discuss and decide whether the state government’s proposal was acceptable. Tongthan added that granting statehood to four backward districts would benefit the Naga people.
Arrest reveals NE rebels' Myanmar links
Times of India
JORHAT/GUWAHATI: Security forces on Saturday claimed to have foiled a possible terror attack by arresting four NDFB militants and an NSCN (K) rebel in Nagaland's Mon district border Sivasagar in Assam.
Police said the militants were coming from their Myanmar-based camps and they were arrested in the Namtola area while trying to sneak into Assam. This comes barely 24 hours after chief minister Tarun Gogoi confirmed TOI's report on NE militants joining hands with Myanmar-based rebel groups to strike in the state.
The arrested militants were identified as Niraj Daimari, Amor Borgoyari, Filip Islari, Chitra Ranjan Bosumatary of the NDFB and Ishak Kanyak of the NSCN (K).
Officer in-charge of the Namtola police station Pinaki Chakraborty said, "The five militants were caught by Assam Rifles and handed over to Assam Police. They were coming from their Myanmar-based camps after receiving arms training there. The group left Myanmar on July 1 and reached Mon on Friday. The security forces held them on their way to Assam. The NSCN (K) militant is a resident of Mon."
He added, "We suspect that the NSCN cadre had helped the four Bodo rebels to enter Assam. However, no arms or ammunition were found on them," he said.
Police said preliminary interrogation of the five militants revealed that various NE militant outfits have joined hands to carry on subversive activities in Assam and other states in the region. We suspect that they were planning to carry out strikes in the state in the run-up to Independence Day celebrations."
Additional superintendent of police (Sivasagar) Sunil Kumar said, "We are trying to find out if they were planning terror strikes in the state."
Confirming TOI reports on Ulfa taking help of the PLA and a merger of NE militant groups in Myanmar, Gogoi on Friday said, "It is true that Ulfa military chief Paresh Baruah is taking help from Manipur's PLA now. I have been informed of this by Central intelligence agencies. Security forces have been put on a high alert as the Ulfa-PLA joint operation is planning major strikes. There is threat to some of my ministers, but I don't want to name them."
Regarding the TOI report on the merger of militant outfits from the northeast and Myanmar, , the CM said "Myanmar has become a hub and a base for northeastern militant outfits. But only the Centre can do anything about this problem." Security agencies have also received confirmed inputs of Baruah pushing in two heavily-armed groups into the state from Myanmar to create terror in the coming weeks.
The ENPO has been demanding a separate state, Frontier Nagaland, and had also submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh which was referred back to the Nagaland government.
Rejecting further division of Nagaland, the state cabinet has reiterated its position to stand by the four resolutions passed by the Assembly, demanding integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella, which includes parts of Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The cabinet constituted a high-level official committee headed by the chief secretary Lalthara to study issues raised by the ENPO in their memorandum. After the committee submitted its report, five cabinet sub-committees were constituted to pursue the findings and recommendations in the report.
Saying that the Centre was in the best position to solve the issue, the state cabinet requested New Delhi to intervene and take an early decision.
The argument of the state government was that despite pumping crores of rupees, the four districts remained backward. The four districts comprise Sangtam, Yimchungru, Chang, Khaimniungan, Konyak, Phom and Tikhir tribes.
The 20 lawmakers from these districts have also supported the ENPO’s demand.
Nagaland government has also earmarked 33 per cent reservation in all employment sectors and educational institutions to uplift these backward tribes. Apart from this reservation the government has also decided to go for a special recruitment drive which is vehemently opposed by other forward tribes.
The Naga Students’ Federation said it would oppose tooth and nail if the four districts were granted statehood.
State Govt for autonomous council in ENPO areas morungexpress
Dimapur,): The Government of Nagaland officially proposes autonomy for the regions demanded by an organization representing the eastern areas of Nagaland. The state Cabinet has proposed to the Centre the formation for an autonomous council or authority for four eastern districts of Nagaland, in response to the demand of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) to cede as a separate state from Nagaland.
The Cabinet Secretariat of Nagaland issued a statement today outlining the government’s contentions on an issue of the ENPO seeking separation of the eastern regions from the state. Cabinet Secretary Lalthara appended the Cabinet memo. The Nagaland Cabinet noted a resolution on July 20, 2011 passed during a joint meeting of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland government legislators and Members of Parliament. The resolution had decided to recommend to the state Cabinet for the creation of an autonomous council of the “ENPO areas” to the government of India for consideration. The “ENPO areas” are Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphire districts.
The government stated – “The Cabinet therefore proposes the formation of an autonomous council or authority comprising the four eastern districts of Nagaland in view of certain historical background as reflected in the provisions of Article 371-A (2) of the Constitution of India, and the area being comparatively less developed, provided that it is the desire of the people to be expressed in a democratic manner through their constitutionally elected representatives as well as other popularly accepted public organizations or platforms.”
The Cabinet is convinced that the Government of India knows “what should be the best way of resolving the issue at hand keeping in view the larger interest of the Naga people.”
The Cabinet therefore, the government said, has decided to request the government of India to intervene in the matter by ‘taking an early decision so further problems do not arise in Nagaland already faced with multiple problems.’
The Cabinet said that the state government had already constituted a high-level official committee headed by the chief secretary to study the demand, as well as other points. The committee had submitted its findings and recommendations to the State government on May 23, 2011 and that the Cabinet had considered the committee’s report.
The state had then constituted five Cabinet sub-committees to “pursue the findings and recommendations” in the report f the high-level official committee. “These committees have already started their works in all seriousness with a view to find solutions for redressing the genuine grievances and the special problems which were highlighted in the ENPO memorandum as well as the high-level official committee report,” the Cabinet stated.
The ENPO had demanded a separate called “frontier Nagaland” carved out of the state, as stated in a memorandum on November 25, 2010 submitted to the Prime Minister of India and referred back to the Government of Nagaland for its views on the matter, by the Government of India.
Frans on 07.28.11 @ 03:03 PM CST [link]
