Nagalim.NL News

Monday, September 26th

14 years on, Naga issue inching towards a solution Sanjib Kr Baruah, Hindustan Times,





14 years on, Naga issue inching towards a solution Sanjib Kr Baruah, Hindustan Times,

New Delhi Protracted negotiations between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak Muivah) for the last 14 years to resolve one of the world’s longest running insurgencies are finally assuming the contours of a solution. “A distinct emerging possibility is the setting up of
two autonomous councils with adequate powers in Naga-majority areas of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh as part of the settlement,” sources told Hindustan Times.
“More autonomy is also envisaged for Nagaland by transferring more items to the state list from the central and concurrent lists.” Nagaland enjoys more powers than most other Indian states under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, both sides remained tight-lipped on the developments. “There has been progress although some of the issues are yet to be sorted out. It would be difficult to give any dates,” said RS Pandey, interlocutor for the Naga talks.
Admitting that some headway has been made, V S Atem, convener of the NSCN (IM)'s steering committee, said,”There have been developments but it is too early to comment.”
The expectation is that the NSCN will not insist on absolute sovereignty provided they have an honourable solution and resolution of the issue of integration of Naga-dominated areas.
Most of the 31-points brought up by the NSCN have already been resolved and now the focus of the talks has boiled down to the degree of autonomy that will be conferred to Nagaland and the other envisaged administrative entities.
There has been vehement opposition from Manipur on the redrawing of state boundaries and hence the need for an imaginative solution towards a resolution of the vexed Naga issue.
Interestingly, a demand for a separate state by the Konyak, Phom, Sangtam, Chang, Khiamniungan and Yimchunger tribes in four districts in eastern Nagaland has been gaining ground. The Nephiu Rio-led government has already recommended an autonomous council for this area to the Centre.
NSCN-IM has been on a ceasefire mode since 1997 with about 65 rounds of parleys taking place both in India and abroad since then. Negotiations have acquired more traction after NSCN (IM) leaders Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Swu stationing themselves in India for more than a year now.
Cong lambaste DAN on corruption, favouritism Correspondent, (NPN)

As part of its mass contact tour to revive the party, Congress tore into the NPF-led DAN government over issues of corruption, favouritism, nepotism and tribalism. This was the tone and tenor when NPCC office bearers and MLAs addressed a meeting held in Mon town on Saturday.

The Congress team, led by NPCC president S.I.Jamir accused the ruling DAN under chief minister Neiphiu Rio of spreading tentacles of tribalism through dominance by one particular tribe in various segments of society even in matters of allotment of contract works. Congress MLAs from Eastern Nagaland, on the other hand, accused the DAN government of providing lip service to the four districts of Eastern Nagaland(Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphire).They said all the claims and achievements were impressive on paper but regretted that there was no evidence on the ground.

NPCC vice president and former minister Sedem Khaming accused DAN ministers from Eastern Nagaland of not being responsive to the needs of the Eastern Nagas.
Instead, he said, chief minister Neiphiu Rio was giving more attention to Southern Nagas as in the affiliation issue and allowing students from Naga districts of Manipur to appear in the NBSE examination. He alleged, on the other hand, Rio did not accord as much concern for the Eastern Nagas. Sedem claimed that under special provision 50% of the budget supposed to be provided for erstwhile Tuensang Area was not being implemented.

Congress MLA Konngam accused the DAN government of denying the rights of the Eastern Nagas by “offering” Autonomous Council status to the four districts of Eastern Nagaland. He said the status of the four districts under erstwhile Tuensang area was above the status of Autonomous Council. Konngam also cited a biblical verse where it stated that no parent would give stone when a child asked for bread or give snake when the child asked for fish.
He said the DAN government was doing the opposite by offering Autonomous Council status.

H. Chuba Chang MLA claimed that Congress members were not merely politicians but “workers of the nation” and urged party workers to work for the welfare of the general public at their respective village, area, district and state levels. He encouraged party workers to work harder during the one and half year before elections as the DAN government, like an over ripe fruit, was going to fall.

S.I Jamir, announced a three-point agenda for the party which it would implement as soon as it returned to power.

These included:
1. Youth Employment: a transparent system where all youths would get equal opportunities and where no consideration would be given to recommendations from VIPs for backdoor selection. Special projects for youths of Nagaland, so that they can be gainfully employed by starting new industries
2. All Centrally Sponsored Schemes will be implemented at the grassroots level and party functionaries will be made responsible to supervise implementation;
3. The Congress will ask for a special economic packages from the centre for the development of the underdeveloped areas of the State.
Others who also spoke in the meeting included- Tarie Zeliang MLA, Lanpha MLA, Mughato general secretary NPCC, Vaprumu Demo general secretary NPCC and Bendang general secretary NPCC. The programme was chaired byTakyong, president DCC Mon, Invocation prayer by Rev. Tenwang, District Chaplain and welcome address by Mrs. Ngunlem president District Mahila Congress and vote of thanks by Shangkem.

Through Fields of Fire Prasanta Mazumdar Source: DNA
Two Nagaland villages are faced with catastrophic environmental consequences in the wake of a two decade-old oil spillage from oil fields left abandoned by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC). Villagers now claim the oil seepage has reached alarming proportions, polluting water and damaging land fertility besides causing serious health hazards.
The oil spill is both over-ground and underground. It has turned vast swathes of land into oily mud. Sometimes, smoke is seen billowing out of some of the abandoned wells. The entire environment is contaminated.
The first thing that bore the brunt of the oil spills is the local economy. Nagas living in rural areas rely on traditional jhum cultivation which involves burning of vegetation on hill slopes. But with the oil spills around, the people living in Changpang-Tissori belt are afraid of burning vegetation for fears of wildfire.
“We are devastated. We don’t know how long we can make both ends meet,” says a farmer of Changpang. With no respite from the oil seepage, some people are looking for alternative means to earn a livelihood.
But the area being remote, there is little they can do to earn a living.
It all began in 1994 after the ONGC was asked to suspend its operations in Changpang and Tissori villages of Wokha district by the Nagaland government.
The oil major operated there for 21 years mining hydrocarbon products since striking a deal with the state government in 1973.
The initial years were hunky-dory. Soon though, some local pressure groups as well as insurgents began questioning the agreement. They said the stakeholders were not consulted before drilling as mandated by customary Naga land rights. Eventually, the state government bowed to widespread public protests and asked the ONGC to pack off. But by then, the government had earned a royalty of Rs.33.3 crore, only a fraction of which - Rs 67 lakh — was paid to the landowners.
The ONGC abandoned 29 drilled wells and two gas points spreading over an area of 12 sq km. The oil seepage was noticed only a few months after the ONGC’s withdrawal. Initially, there was hardly any fuss among villagers over the matter. But when the oil spill started reaching alarming proportions, the villagers, precisely the Changpang Landowners’ Union, petitioned the state government, not once but on several occasions, seeking urgent measures for cleaning up the mess and preventing its adverse effect on the environment and ecology. Finally in August last year, the state’s geology and mining department reported “heavy spillage” after inspecting the sites.
MY Ngullie, president of Changpang Landowners’ Union, says the indigenous plants have been swamped by at least seven species of thorny plants (lantana, mimosa etc). “According to ecologists, this is just the beginning of desertification,” he says. He adds the people often complain of renal problems (kidney stones etc) unheard of earlier.
Back and forth

The ONGC estimates suggest the Changpang-Tissori belt has a geological reserve of 110 million barrels of oil with a recoverable reserve of approximately 1,600 barrels per day. Green Foundation, a Nagaland based NGO, blames the ONGC for the mess.
“The ONGC hurriedly abandoned the wells without following the international legislation guiding proper abandonments, decommissioning, remediation, reclamation and consolidation protocols thereby committing a crime against innocent Naga people and the environment,” says N Janbemo Humtsoe, Director of the Foundation.
The ONGC has rubbished the charges claiming it adopted all precautionary safety measures while suspending operations. “All the oil wells were subdued and sealed before withdrawal. However, prolonged period of non-maintenance and probable tampering with the high-tech production equipment by miscreants might have resulted in the reported leakages at the well sites,” says an official of ONGC.
Last year, on being persuaded by the state government and assured of security, the ONGC agreed to clean up the oil spill areas and take other necessary remedial measures. Subsequently, both sides constituted separate teams for a joint survey of the affected area. However, the survey has not taken place as yet.
“I feel the ONGC is dragging their feet. I am not entirely sure though,” says Nagaland additional chief secretary Alemtemshi Jamir. The ONGC says it does not mind conducting a survey.
“We are ready for it. However, we haven’t got the go-ahead as yet from Nagaland government,” says an ONGC official. He adds: “The Nagaland government told us the survey is not feasible now. We don’t know the reason”. He attributed the oil spills to lack of maintenance of infrastructure. “Infrastructure needs to be maintained. We don’t have any problem in Assam and Gujarat,” he adds.

Court issues notice to ONGC, others
The Gauhati High Court on September 12 issued notices to ONGC, Union petroleum and environment ministries, Nagaland government and others after hearing a PIL, filed by a Kohima-based NGO, seeking Rs 1,000-cr compensation for the plight of those affected.
Dice Foundation, the NGO, took up the fight on behalf of the villagers.
“We have sought a compensation of Rs 1,000-cr for the villagers whose economy has been ravaged by the oil spills. Now that the matter has reached court, we hope they will get justice in the long run,” says Mmhonlumo Kikon of the Foundation.
Kikon claims earlier they did a study and found 102 villagers being affected by the oil spill. “Earlier, few locals in the two villages had any eyesight problem. But now, the disease is very common among children aged below 13 years. Changpang along has reported around 30 cases of renal problem unheard of earlier,” he adds.
That the court gave utmost importance to the case was evident from the fact that it was heard by the Chief Justice himself. The court of Chief Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice K Meruno asked Gunedhor Moirangthem, the petitioners’ counsel, to issue notices to ONGC and others involved in the case. Moirangthem said a reply has been sought from the respondents by November 14.
“It is really sad that no action was taken to stop the oil spillage all these years,” he adds.

The human cost
Last year, C. Lotha, a farmer and father of four, cultivated a banana plantation on a piece of land measuring 5 hectares. He invested close to Rs 2.5 lakh after borrowing the money from a friend. To his utter dismay, he now finds the leaves withering. “The leaves are fast getting dried up and withering. I am at a loss for I fear I won’t get even half of what I had invested,” he laments.
Opvuo Odyuo, former chairman of Changpang village, says these days the harvest is poor and it is always full of pests.
Mhabemo Lotha, a medical practitioner based in Nagaland’s commercial hub Dimapur, says the oil spill is a threat to human existence. “I don’t know if the water in the area is contaminated. Research can only reveal the health hazards, if any, caused to villagers,” he says. “However, not just the aquatic animals, contaminated water can threaten the existence of human beings as well,” he sums up.
Myingthungo N Kithan, the village chieftain, says they will be happy if Changpang is struck out of the map of Nagaland. “Everything has a limit. Our patience is running out and we can’t wait for an indefinite period.” He adds: “Fire engulfed the oil spill areas twice. With the kind of oil seepage around, we cannot sleep. We count every night as the last night of our life”.


‘Tourism is the only industry in Nagaland’ Emilo Khuvung
Kohima | September 26 : Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has been observing World Tourism Day on September 27 and likewise Nagaland State joins the world in observing the occasion under the theme “Tourism-Linking Cultures”, in Tuensang on Tuesday.
“Tourism is the only industry we see in the state, and to promote tourism in the state, people need to know what Tourism is all about, and the activities surrounding tourism, unless the people know and have knowledge tourism and its activities, it is difficult to really come up in a big way”, said Parliamentary secretary Tourism Law & Justice Yitachu as he prepares to leave for the big day.
State readies for World Tourism Day in Tuensang
In an exclusively interview with The Morung Express at his official residence on Sunday, Yitachu said tourism activities has to be ‘picked’ to some extent and yet many people don’t know how to make a living out of tourism activities. ‘It’s a distant dream for them”, said Yitachu when queried over the selection of district for the event. . The Tourism department is roping in Nagaland Tourism Association which will also involve hotels.
To facilitate development, Yitachu said, the landowners need to “relax their ownership,” instead of ‘preserving their ownership’ so people can make a living out of the sector.
Trying to reach out to the needy in the state and across the boundaries those in dire need of education and sustenance, Yiachu said cultural tourism is ‘readymade’ and ‘readily available in the state.’ Besides, there are many eco-tourism activities that can take place, even ‘healing tourism.’
“Tourism is not confined to one agenda, it involves everything, and the problem is that people do not understand the value of accommodation, which is needed to be located in the centrally populated places where all kinds of activities are surrounded with interesting things.” Tourism activities have to be within the vicinity of ‘human habitation,’ he added.
He expressed hope that the occasion would give an opportunity to tourist guides and tour operators to project Tuensang as an attractive destination within the state or highlight the real life of Nagas, their living conditions and what kind of transformation has taken place over the years and so on.

Women recount horrors of the Indo-Naga conflict
By Subir Ghosh Asian Correspondent
They had three sons. They were not rich, but “were quite contented”. In the mid-1950s, her husband responded to the Naga movement and joined the Naga army. He rose through the ranks to become an important officer. His wife and children stayed behind in the village to fend for themselves by labouring in their fields. The Indian army kept constant surveillance and often raided the house hoping to capture him. She lived through constant fear and harassment.
After several years in the Naga army, the husband surrendered and came ‘overground’ but found it difficult to live in the village. There was local hostility to him since, while in the Naga army, he had carried out “some harsh measures” on his own village, apparently on the orders of senior officers. He left the village and settled down near the Assam-Nagaland border where he married again. One day, he came back to claim his sons. His first wife was shocked and unable to make him change his mind, despite reminding him of the hardship she had undergone for his sake and that of the family. She walked a long distance pleading with him to change his mind, as he left with the sons — but to no avail.

All women victims had suffered a deterioration in their health, lived through starvation, suffered humiliation, physical assault, even rape. But they were concerned about the education of their children and stated that they did not wish the coming generations to undergo the kind of horrific experiences they did. Photo: C-NES / Kausiki Sarma
After that day, she withdrew into herself, stopped meeting people or speaking to anyone. Then some months later she became very loud and noisy. The villagers shut her out and she started living away from the village in a shack. Fearing that she may become a danger to herself, the village sent her to the Wokha district sub-jail where she was kept under the Indian Lunacy Act of 1912 as a noncriminal lunatic. From here, she was later transferred to the Kohima Mental Hospital in 1990. Several months of treatment led to some improvement; her doctor managed to locate two of her sons and brought them to meet her, hoping this might help her recovery. But the bonds had dissipated and they behaved like strangers.
The sons went back home leaving their mother in the mental hospital where she died.
The story of this woman is tell-tale, and has been revealed in a heart-wrenching report ‘Bearing Witness: The Impact of Conflict on Women in Nagaland and Assam’, recently released by the Centre for Northeast Studies and Policy Research (C-NES). The report comes in the backdrop of ongoing peace talks between the Indian government and the Naga insurgents.
The woman here has not been identified, and neither has the village. But as the C-NES study team found: “Most women face a decline in social legitimacy and find themselves relegated to the fringes of society with no one to care for them or to speak on their behalf.”
There was a common hurdle that the researchers came across while talking to women, who have been victims of the Indo-Naga conflict. While victims were willing to recount their painful experiences, a number of them were reluctant to speak on-camera or even be recorded and photographed for the documentary film that was being shot simultaneously. Some of those who spoke, insisted for reasons of security, social standing or just personal wishes, not to be identified by name and, in a few cases, were not willing to have their villages named. The scars remain, as does a deeply-entrenched fear.
It has been 14 years since the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN-IM) entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Indian government (with the lesser Khaplang faction following some time later), but fear and trauma among women still endures. As the report remarked: “The stories of these women interviewed, like women elsewhere, need to be told since their contribution to the sustenance of their communities is crucial.”
The C-NES team had to work with an individual-focused model of trauma which did not always fit in with an indigenous tribal and community-based society. In Naga society, even the identity of the victim is strongly rooted in clan and community and is regarded as a collective rather than an individual identity. Trauma resonated, therefore, at the level of the whole village community (even if they were on opposing sides) and this was transmitted across the spectrum because according to them, the entire village had suffered the same way. For this reason, people were reluctant to talk about individual trauma and suffering. This is also a valuable coping mechanism, however, because here everyone carried a collective ‘burden’.
Uppermost in the minds of the women interviewed for this study was what will happen in the future. Everyone wanted an early and peaceful settlement of the Naga political issue so that future generations would get a chance to plan and live their lives different to the violent past and the volatile present. Nearly half of the women interviewed, along with other stakeholder groups, agreed that because of the prolonged and entrenched conflict situation, standards in society had deteriorated.
So, what about the future? A glimmer of hope may be found in the story of Ms Y. She is now all of 75, and lives in Pathso village under Noklak subdivision of Tuensang village.
54 years ago, as a young woman of 21, she was, as usual, on her way to the paddy field in the morning as agriculture was the family’s main means of livelihood. On the way, she came across an Indian army patrol. They caught her and pushed her down to the ground. They stripped her naked and then gang-raped her, one after another. She did not remember how many of them were there as she had lost consciousness. When she recovered, she discovered”marks” on her face and throat. She was also bleeding profusely.
She has since suffered health problems. She also felt “morally degraded” and has suffered great psychological trauma. The fact of her being gang-raped by Indian soldiers became common knowledge in the village and her prospects of getting married were completely destroyed as no one was willing to marry her. She remained a spinster her entire life. There was no one to help her, but as she was single her needs were few and she managed to support herself.
Y knows that many family members of people who suffered like her had joined the underground movement to take revenge on the Indian army as they considered that their family honour had to be restored through such means.
In her time, Y said harassments and humiliation were quite common including rape and torture in front of an “assembly of villagers”. But most women keep their nightmarish experiences hidden if possible and suffer alone silently. She felt that the time had come for women to fight for justice and would like women’s organisations to be set up in villages to help victims.
Y is still deeply hurt when she remembers the “physical and mental torture” of the 1956 incident that literally cut her off her from family and social life of the community. She is happy that in recent times there have been less reports of such incidents. She also wants the Naga political problem to be settled since she believes armed conflict has affected all aspects of the lives of the people and also destroyed their culture and values.
As the Naga cause moves towards reconciliation and solution, the voices of these women need to be heard, and counted too.
[Disclosure: The writer is an Advisory Council member of C-NES.]


Frans on 09.26.11 @ 09:54 PM CST [link]


Wednesday, September 21st

NSCN/GPRN condemns ‘senseless’ Kohima firing morungexpress



NSCN/GPRN condemns ‘senseless’ Kohima firing morungexpress

DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 20 (MExN): The Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim in a press note issued by the MIP has condemned that shooting incident that took place at Kohima between the unidentified armed personnel and Assam Rifles and terming this as “not only regrettable but condemnatory in any sense of the term”. “This kind of bloody incident is not expected to happen when the ceasefire is in place. Moreover, such firing should not have taken place in public place where the innocent bye-standers falls easy targets”, stated a press note from the MIP.
The NSCN/GPRN stated that such “senseless armed persons who provoked counter-firing by the AR personnel resulting to the death of one person and injuring innocent college student, including two AR personnel should be condemned by all keeping in view the significance of the existing ceasefire and the progress seen in the reconciliation process among different warring groups and the Indo-Naga political talks as well”.
The MIP note stated that prevailing peace must be “valued and maintained at any cost given the fact that this is brought about by the sincere and tired less efforts of the Nagas under the banner of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and the honor being given to the ceasefire for nearly fifteen years”. “Whoever is conspiring to dampen this progressive atmosphere is against Naga political solution and they are no better than anti-Naga social elements who must face the wrath of the people”, the MIP stated.

Government of the People's Republic of Nagalim
Ministry of Information and Publicity

Press Release
21st Sept.2011


The fact that bomb blast took place again in Imphal on 14th Sept.indicates the increasing menace of social miscreants and the security department taken unaware.But what is most unfortunate is tendency of the state government to point towards National Socialist Council of Nagalim as the culprits.But given the antagonistic attitude of the state government againdt the Nagas this is not surprising.It is however a matter of pitifulness for government that NSCN should always be targeted without any concrete evidence.

It is also a matter of shame that some media papers are playing destructive role in magnifying the bomb issue of Royal Hotel by linking NSCN.This is quite unbecoming of such papers who sacrificed media ethics to go against NSCN.This is no journalism as demanded by the situation.It is the duty of the media to do its own investigation and prove anybody wrong.But simply to be carried away by the antagonistic propaganda emanating from the state government against NSCN is something that should not be repeated in future.The media should not help create confusion but help unearth the truth by acting in a more responsible manner It is better to win respect than to be looked at with suspect for coming short of people's expectation.

Issued by
MIP/GPRN
12 join GPRN/NSCN (NPN)




Twelve NSCN (K) members including G. Sema, Tatar and UT-I chairman joined the GPRN/NSCN. According to them, there was no communication between S.S Khaplang and those propagating his name at Mon and Suruhuto Camp, MIP GPRN/NSCN in a statement said.

Joining GPRN/NSCN was the only way for them to serve the Naga nation since depending on S.S Khaplang to bring political solution would be utterly foolish, MIP stated. MIP further said “bankruptcy of thoughts and ideas, lack of co-ordination even in Nagaland among irreconcilable individuals such as Kughalu Mulatonu, Wangtin Naga, Gen. Niki and Hokato Vusshe etc. have made each of these men suspicious of another.” It said G. Sema and others had joined the group on their own volition since serving under “disorganised and leaderless K group was simply a torturous existence”.

MIP said while the rest of the Nagas were deeply engrossed in the Naga reconciliation process, the disgruntled K group was inventing negative ideas to confuse Nagas. MIP said the only serious topic each day was taxation through whatever means and accused NSCN (K) of extortion, kidnapping and use of other violent methods on regular basis. The K group has no genuine feeling to consider Naga reconciliation and that Naga political issue was non-existent, MIP stated.

Give us space to grow as free people: ENPO Lipichem Morung


Joint Secretary ENPO Manlep Konyak addressing the gathering during the mass public rally of Eastern Naga People Organisation on demand of Frontier Nagaland at the police point Kiphire on September 20. (Morung Photo)

Kiphire | September 20 : Except offices under essential services and maintenance act, business establishment were all shut down at Kiphire to join the second phase of the mass public rally of Eastern Naga People Organisation (ENPO) on demand of Frontier Nagaland today at the police point Kiphire.
Addressing more than 4000 crowd, Joint Secretary ENPO Manlep Konyak said, we are gathering here today not against state government or group or faction or organisation but we are here to search for what is ours, our birth right and also added, state government has also acknowledged our problem and has recommended for autonomous, however, that will not solve the problem what we want is full-fledged state he added.
He also said, “State government recommended for autonomous council for the Eastern Naga is against the wishes of the Eastern people as it is far below the status of the Tuensang Regional Council and we ENPO firmly denounce and outrageously rejected it.”
Touching on history of the Eastern Nagas the Joint Secretary said, neither Burma nor India nor British ruled us we were free people what we want today is asking a room for us to grow as free people so that we develop ourselves’.
Quoting the scripture he also said, ‘if a son ask bread will his father give him a stone, and if he ask a fish will he give him a snake and expressed hope that the State and central government will extend help for ENPO cause so that the long cherished dream of the ENPO will be achieved.
Vice President ENSF Likhumse who also addressed the gathering said, ‘the demand for separate statehood is based on constitutional and historical right of the Eastern Nagas and added, the people of eastern Nagas were deprived, suppressed and denied for the last 50 years socially, economically, developmentally and educationally so the culmination of all this made the people of the Eastern Nagas to demand for separate statehood.
Citing example of employment status of the Eastern Nagas in the state the vice president said, only 5% of the ENPO people from 6 tribes are employed which is far below the employment of single tribe.
He also asked the gathering not to be carried away by the views and opinion that is being poured in from various angles to sabotage the public movement for separate statehood but to stand firm and united’.
Thsesong President Yimchunger Tribal Council, President AST, Hd Gb Kiphire and others who spoke on the rally echoed the same voice to demand for separate statehood and affirm fullest co-operation.
The gathering latter marched to the deputy commissioner’s office and hand over the public representation opposing Autonomous council by the state government.
Nagaland aiming to reach out to bigger markets through handloom sector ANI
Dimapur ,(ANI): The Government of Nagaland continues to host exhibitions to enable artisans and crafts persons to target a bigger market.
Recently, a handloom expo was held in Dimapur to promote the state's rural weavers.
The Development Commissioner of Handlooms, Dimapur and Union Ministry of Textiles jointly organized the handloom expo.
Over 40 stalls were set up that showcased different handicraft items.
Visitors, who thronged the venue to buy a variety of products, appreciated the work of the local artisans.
"We don't have our own shop. So whenever there is an expo it provides us a platform where we can sell our products and we feel very happy," said Hokali, a participant
Kavili, who makes handicraft items, clothes and artificial jewellery, said: "The handloom expo is very good for us. Even though our products are good but we don't know how to sell them in the open market. I am happy that the handloom expo has been organized because through it we can sell our products to a large number of customers."
Over two lakh families in the state depend on handloom and handicrafts for their livelihood. It is a significant contributor to the state's economy and the hand made products are sold both within and outside the country.
The state and central government realize the importance of the sector and have extended all possible help to the artisans and crafts persons in the region.
"It enables them to sell their products and at the same time they get to know more about the customer demands. When their products are sold they get to know what is the trend of the market and the ability of their products," said Hokiye Yeputhomi, Manager Director and Organizer.(ANI)


2nd ENPO rally for statehood

Correspondent, Mon/Tuensang/Kiphire/Longleng, Sep 20(NPN)
:
Published on 21 Sep. 2011 1:48 AM IST

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Expressing total solidarity and support with the demand of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation(ENPO) for a separate ‘Frontier Nagaland state’, thousands of Konyaks, Changs, Sangtams, Phoms, Yimchungers and Khiamniungans from across the four districts-Mon, Tuensang,Longleng and Kiphire (including Seyochung)-held rallies on September 20 to send a message, that the resolution at the May 25,2007 at Tuensang for a separate state, was irrevocable.

In all the rallies, speakers expressed appreciation to the DAN government’s recommendation to the Centre for granting an ‘autonomous council’ to ENPO areas comprising of the four districts but reiterated that there would be no compromise on the issue of a separate ‘Frontier Nagaland state’.

MON: Several thousand people holding placards, some that read ‘Frontier Nagaland-Nothing More,Nothing Less’ and ‘No More Oppression and Suppression’ etc gathered at the local ground where vice president ENPO Chingmak Chang spoke.

He said the gap between eastern Nagas and the rest had widened even though eastern Nagaland areas were given special provision for ten(10)years after Nagaland became a state through merger of Naga Hills Tuensang Area with Naga Hills District.


Chingmak reasserted that ENPO demand for separate state was unanimously resolved on May 25,2007 at Tuensang and memorandum to the effect submitted to the state Governor on December 6,2010.The ENPO vice president also maintained that demand for a separate state was not against any political party nor groups nor individuals but a “democratic and fundamental demand for all round justice, progress and peace for Eastern Nagas.”

President of the Konyak Union (KU) Khoiwang Wangsha in his speech, warned that the KU will not cooperate with anyone- be it politician, bureaucrat or NGOs-if they opposed or attempt to take advantage of the demand for a separate state.

He spoke of the disparity in employment where out of a population of 1,20,000 only 2300 Konyaks were employed in the government service. He also expressed resentment that despite Eastern Nagaland areas lagging behind in many fields such as education, many teachers along with posts were transferred out of Eastern Nagaland to other districts. He also resented poor transport and communication which compelled people of ENPO region, to be solely dependent upon Assam. After the rally, a memorandum was submitted to DC Mon on the ENPO demand.

TUENSANG: Addressing a mammoth gathering at the local parade ground here,ENPO president Mangko Phom described the demand for statehood (‘Frontier Nagaland’) as “ a people’s demand” so as to provide opportunity to the future generation for a better and prosperous life.

He also reaffirmed ENPO’s resolve to strive forward with determination till the demand was achieved. ENPO general secretary Toshi Wungtung read out the vote of affirmation. He urged Eastern Nagas to unite and cooperate even as ENPO was pursuing the goal of statehood. He also said demand for ‘Frontier Nagaland’ was not against any political party or organization but as manifestation of the people’s desire for development.

LONGLENG: In Longleng, vice president ENPO Sashi Naga asserted that the second ENPO rally throughout Eastern Nagaland was a rejection of the recommendation for autonomous district and reaffirmation for a separate statehood. He asserted there would be no compromise with the demand for a separate state (‘Frontier Nagaland’). He said the demand was based on historical and fundamental rights of the people of the four districts. He said the four districts-Mon, Tuensang, Longleng and Kiphire–were under Naga Hills Tuensang Area under NEFA (now Arunachal Pradesh).

After the meeting, the rally marched to DC’s office where a memorandum was submitted to the ADC Longleng in presence of public.
Earlier president of Phom People’s Council welcomed all delegates and prominent public leaders of the district including ENSF office bearers.

KIPHIRE: Over four thousand people expressed full support and solidarity at the second ENPO rally held here in support of demand for a separate ‘Frontier Nagaland state’. ENPO joint secretary Manlep reiterated that people of eastern Nagaland were only demanding their birthright which should not be misconstrued as being against the state government, or any group or organization.

He said the DAN government recommended Autonomous District Council(ADC) for ENPO areas was not only against the wishes of the eastern Nagas but that the ADC was below the status of the erstwhile Tuensang Regional Council(TRC). Manlep denounced and rejected outright the recommendation for ADC.

He said eastern Nagas were neither under Burma nor the British nor India but were free and that what ENPO is demanding was “room to develop ourselves freely”.
Vice President ENSF, Likhumse Sangtam, who also spoke, asserted that the demand for statehood was based on constitutional and historical rights of eastern Nagas, who were suppressed and deprived for the past fifty years socially, economically,developmentally and educationally.

He cited employment statistics to highlight that only 6% eastern Nagas from the six tribes were employed in the government.Further, he urged the gathering against being influenced by views that were opposed to the statehood demand but remain firm.

SEYOCHUNG: At Seyochung SDO headquarters,the second EPNO rally was attended by over 1000 people at the public ground.Seyochung Area Students Union(SASU) president Horiba Sangtam apprised the gathering on ENPO demand whiles speeches were also delivered by various public leaders including office bearers of SASU.


A Miracle Out of the Blues Khrietuonyü Noudi morungexpress


By the time a Naga student is in high school, he will be well acquainted with the facts that Nagaland became a full-fledged state of the Indian Union in 1963 and that Mr. P. Shilu Ao became the first Chief Minister of Nagaland. We are all aware of the facts that Nagaland became the 16th state of the Indian Union in 1963 and that, ever since then, elections have been held in our state to elect our representatives to the state legislative assembly of Nagaland.
These facts and events are now a part and parcel of our history and there is nothing wrong in knowing these things. In fact, our school going children need to be well aware of these important chapters in our history. However, in knowing and studying about these facts and events, we often tend to ignore, neglect and totally forget the extraordinary circumstances under which Nagaland became the 16th state of the Indian union. Along with the above mentioned facts and events, I sincerely believe that we need to be well aware and acquainted with the extraordinary circumstances under which our state was born. But sadly enough, our high school textbooks do not contain much information about the turmoil and plight experienced by the Nagas between the time India got its independence in 1947 and the birth of the state of Nagaland in 1963. The result being that our high school children often fail to realize the extraordinary and unique circumstances under which the state of Nagaland came into existence.
The state of Nagaland was created through the 16th Point Agreement signed between the Nehru government and the NPC (Naga People’s Convention). This 16th Point Agreement had been earlier drafted by some of the Naga leaders with the intention to find a compromise to the ongoing political turmoil in the Naga hills.
The Nagas had declared their independence on 14th August 1947 and they were all out and adamant in their aspirations not to be a part of the new independent India. It was this stand of the Nagas that compelled the Nehru government to deploy large numbers of paramilitary forces in the Naga hills as Nehru was not at all willing to acknowledge the genuine political aspirations of the Naga people. And the Indian army resorted to brutal use of violence to subjugate the Nagas leading to untold miseries and plight of the Nagas. Thousands and thousands of Nagas were about to perish, Naga women were no longer feeling safe and secure even in their own kitchens and courtyards and army outposts were being set up at the outskirts of almost all the Naga villages.
It was these difficult times that compelled some of the Naga leaders (calling themselves members of the Naga People’s Convention) to draft the 16th Point Agreement and present it to the Indian government for acceptance and necessary action thereof. The Indian government also had been looking for an opportunity to weaken the Naga national movement by resorting to the policy of divide and rule and this 16th Point Agreement drafted by the NPC provided the ample opportunity to the Nehru government to do so.
Moreover, the Naga separatist leader AZ Phizo had already reached London in June 1960 and therefore Nehru realized that an international organization or a powerful nation becoming involved or interested in the Indo-Naga conflict cannot be ruled out. Therefore, Nehru needed to be ready with a situation to project to the world that the Nagas had willingly agreed to be a part of the Indian union. Once again the 16th Point Agreement drafted by the NPC came to the rescue of the Nehru government to do so. Thus, Nagaland became the 16th full-fledged state of the Indian union.
Many people today feel and say that these leaders of the NPC saved the Naga nation and people by drafting and signing the 16th Point Agreement thereby bringing about the birth of the Indian state of Nagaland. These people feel that the NPC leaders did a commendable job by drafting and presenting this Agreement to the Indian government. However, I sincerely believe that if it were not for the prevailing situation in the Naga hills created by our demand for an independent and sovereign Nagaland, the Indian government would have never agreed to this agreement drafted by the NPC. Therefore, even if a person is grateful for the creation of this state of Nagaland in 1961, the real credit here should go to those Naga leaders and people who demanded and fought for the restoration of Naga independence and sovereignty and not to the NPC leaders. This is so because if it were not for the stand taken and the voice raised by leaders like Phizo, the Indian government led by Nehru would have never agreed to these points of agreement presented to them by the NPC. In other words, the Nehru government was not at all willing to let the Nagas live as an independent and sovereign nation. But any other political arrangement was to be acceptable to the Nehru government as long as the Nagas would be left within India’s armpit. And this was the situation that was manipulated and exploited to the utmost by the NPC leaders.
The fact that Nagaland became the 16th full-fledged state of the Indian Union in 1963 is something too good to be true. At that time, the Naga population is believed to be not more than 400,000 whereas the population of the other states of India in existence at that time ran into millions. Moreover, the question of comparing the new state of Nagaland to the other then existing states also certainly does not arise because, in terms of both of size and population, the newly created state of Nagaland was much smaller to even the districts of the other states in existence at that time.
I am also certain that when Nagaland was created as a full-fledged state of the Indian Union in the early 1960s, many Nagas would not have known and realized what this full fledged statehood status within the Indian union would mean and imply for them. I am also certain that many politically alert Indians living in mainland India must have wondered what their own government was trying to do up there in the Naga hills. This is so because the manner in which India came to occupy the Naga hills and subjugate the Nagas was a clear case of naked aggression and nothing else. The creation of Nagaland as the 16th state of the India union under these circumstances clearly establishes the fact that the case of the Nagas was very different and totally unique from any other situation India might have been facing at that time. It also establishes that fact that the Nehru government was well aware of the genuineness of the Naga national movement and that this 16th state of the Indian Union was certainly created not only to placate and appease the Nagas but also to divide them and to create the impression to the outside world that the Nagas had willingly conceded to be a part of India.
Especially for those people who are grateful for this statehood status which we enjoy within the Indian union, I would like to mention that the birth of Nagaland as the 16th state of the Indian union in 1963 has further divided our people and brought about many complications which should not have arisen in the first place. The area presently covered by the state boundary of Nagaland is only about 16,579 sq. km whereas we all have come to know that the real Nagaland should be much bigger than this. In fact it is said that the total area inhabited by the Nagas between the borders of India and Burma should be not less than 100,000 sq. km. If this is so, than the present area covered by our state is not even one-fifth of the total area inhabited by the Nagas in this region of South-East Asia.
So, whom shall we blame for this distortion of our land area and boundary? Of course, I certainly cannot rule out the involvement of the Nehru government in this. I think the Nehru government knowingly did this. And what about the NPC leaders who drafted the 16th Point Agreement and brought about the birth of our state? Did they say anything about the boundary of the new state that was about to be created or did they just leave the matter to the discretion of the Indian government? I sincerely feel that if the NPC leaders had at least taken the initiative to ensure that the new state of Nagaland cover all the lands of the Nagas, than we would not have been facing many of the problems which we are facing today. In fact, this failure on the part of the NPC leaders to ensure that the new state of Nagaland cover all the lands inhabited by the Nagas has far undone the benefits and developments that the creation of this state of Nagaland has brought for us. Considering the kind of situation faced by the Indian government with regard to the Naga issue at that time, I believe that the Nehru government might have even created a state of Nagaland covering all the lands of the Nagas if the NPC Leaders had dared to be very particular and careful enough with regard to the boundary of the Nagaland state that was about to be created.
Therefore, the full-fledged statehood status which we enjoy within the Indian union today might have brought about many benefits and developments for us and it was nothing short of a miracle that we became a full-fledged state within the Indian union as early as 1963. But let us also not forget that this has come at great price and sacrifice……

Promoting peace through discourse morungexpress Morungexpress
Geoffrey Yaden, Editor, Nagaland Post speaks at a programme commemorating the International Peace Day on Wednesday, September 21. (Morung Photo)

Dimapur, September 21 (MExN): ‘An inclusive approach to peace building in Nagaland,’ a seminar commemorating the International Peace Day was organised by Peace Channel in Dimapur today. The day also marked the Foundation Day of the Peace Channel movement in Nagaland. Attended by associate members of Peace Channel and well wishers, the consultative meeting dwelt on the modalities of forming the People’s Forum for Peace apart from shared views and expressions on peace building in Nagaland.
Sharing his views on peace, Geoffrey Yaden, Editor, Nagaland Post said peace is a word we often come across yet there is no peace. He opined that there can be no peace if there is no security as it disturbs the people. He said that in an undisciplined society there can be no peace, and the lessons of discipline must begin at home. In the Naga context, Yaden said there is no war so there is peace, yet somehow we do not feel the sense of peace. “Peace is not merely the absence of war,” he said, adding the Naga society is devoid of peace because it is focused dependent too much on the State to bring peace. “It is the duty of the State to take care of its citizens, yet we need to focus on building ourselves first,” he said.
International Peace Day 2011 observed
Reverend Father Chako, Parish Priest, Holy Cross Church also shared his views on peace in context to Nagaland. He said the prevailing conditions in the State definitely indicate the absence of peace. He pointed out that the conflict situation in the region itself has created a number of reasons for peace to be absent. He cited examples of women in conflict situation who are subject to hardships including the crimes committed against them. He said that the social setup itself is not conducive for the growth of peace in Nagaland. He also pointed out that the biggest threat of violence in future for Nagas is the culture of keeping servants and abusing them. Also the number of frustrated youths with unrealistic expectations will lead to bad social conditions. “We need to analyze the social setup and work out new methodologies,” he said.
Other members also expressed views on peace and peace in context to Naga society during the group interaction and deliberation. The meeting was chaired by Kishor Das, PRO Peace Channel and the welcome address was made by Father CP Anto, Director Peace Channel. Peace Channel is a youth peace movement aimed at transforming individuals as peace lovers, peace makers and peace promoters. It comes forward to create transformation beyond borders, caste, creed, class, religion or region.
Nagaland CM meets Myanmarese ambassador in New Delhi (PTI)
Kohima, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today met Myanmarese ambassador to India U Zin Yaw at Myanmar embassy in New Delhi to discuss the development activities in Naga inhabited areas of the neighbouring country.

Official sources here said Rio, accompanied by state planning minister T R Zeliang, discussed with the diplomat the issues relating to development activities and promotion of friendly relationship among the people who have been residing on either side of the international border.

The Chief Minister referred to the large number of Nagas living in Myanmar and apprised him of their problems and development needs.

He conveyed that the people of Nagaland were happy that Myanmar government had recognised the Nagas and given them representation in that country''s new political and democratic discourse.

The ambassador said he would be taking over as the chairman of the ambassadors of ASEAN countries to India and they plan to visit Nagaland towards the end of the year.

Rio said he would be looking forward to meet him and the other ASEAN representatives in Nagaland, sources said. PTI AP AMD


Frans on 09.21.11 @ 11:04 PM CST [link]


Saturday, September 17th

Muivah in Delhi for talks, Naga factions urged to unite Samudra Gupta Kashyap Indian Express



Muivah in Delhi for talks, Naga factions urged to unite Samudra Gupta Kashyap Indian Express

Even as top NSCN(IM) leaders, including chairman Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, arrived in Delhi for the next round of talks with the Union government, civil society groups in Nagaland have started exerting pressure on all Naga factions to come under one banner to find an amicable settlement to the long-pending issue.
While the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FRN) has been playing the pivotal role in bringing together the factions, it was only last month that top leaders of the NSCN(IM), the new NSCN faction led by Khole Konyak, and the Naga National Council agreed to broaden the ongoing peace process finding an acceptable and honourable solution to the long-drawn conflict based on “uniqueness of Naga political history”.
The NSCN(K) led by S S Khaplang, which had suffered a major split with a group of top leaders led by Khole Konyak forming a new group by throwing him out, has not yet become part of the process.
Other organisations, including the Naga Hoho, the apex body of various Naga tribes, as well as political parties have renewed their plea to the Naga factions to come under one umbrella in order to expedite the peace process. The Naga Hoho has asked the FNR to include all groups into its fold so that a solution acceptable to all could be formulated.
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee on Tuesday not only asked the factions to unite, but also urged the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre to speed up the peace talks and find an early solution.
NSCN/GPRN (K) condemns ‘looting and vandalism’ by AR NPN)
KOHIMA, Condemning the “unwarranted” looting and vandalism of the residence of “lt. col.” Apang Konyak at Mon town September 12 by personnel of 6 Assam Rifles led by one Maj. Chauhan, NSCN/GPRN (K) Wednesday urged higher authority to admonish and recall “such brutish officer” from Nagaland immediately.

According to a press release issued here Wednesday by MIP NSCN/GPRN (K), the forceful intrusion and looting took place while only the wife and children were at home, causing trauma and shock on the innocent civilians. MIP stated that Maj. Chauhan, after venting his ire by destroying household goods, also took away valuables and ornaments along with around 15 sets of uniform, assorted ammos and 200 rounds of AK bullets.

It asserted that the government of India’s acknowledgement of the Indo-Naga issue as political, requiring political settlement, needed to be taught to young officers on salaried tour in Nagaland. Maintaining that threatening at gunpoint the innocent wife and children of a “Naga patriot” was vain, the MIP stated such act showed the “beastly nature of a coward shrouded in Indian Army Uniform”.

With the on-going political process between Indian government and Nagas and the existing bi-lateral ceasefire, MIP said the State was considered as a “peace station” and the Army should therefore, remain confined to barracks and not to meddle in the daily affairs of the Nagas. MIP cautioned responsible authority to recall the officer from Nagaland immediately, or face “befitting wrath of the Naga public”.

Drunk guards open fire, one dead OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Jorhat, Sept. 16: Three homeguards allegedly in an inebriated condition opened fire on a group of villagers at an ONGC installation at Merapani along the Assam-Nagaland border in Golaghat district late last night, killing one person and injuring another.
While one of the villagers, Jogen Gogoi, died on the spot, Anil Bora, who was critically injured, has been rushed to the Jorhat Medical College and Hospital here. Doctors said a bullet pierced through his abdomen and his condition was “very critical”.
The three homeguards — Biresh Sonowal, Bupai Das and Khagen Chutia — have been arrested and booked under Section 302 of the IPC. Work at the ONGC installation at Kailanpur, located in the disputed area belt along the inter-state border, was disrupted today following protests by the villagers, who demanded compensation.
Golaghat deputy commissioner N.M. Hussain said a meeting among the ONGC authorities, district administration and the villagers would be held on Tuesday to sort out the matter. “The situation is tense but under control. The homeguard platoon deputed in the ONGC installation has been removed and replaced by CRPF and Assam police personnel,” Hussain said.
The incident occurred following an argument between the three homeguards and a group of villagers of Bharali Chowk, who were returning from a religious function at 11pm. “The homeguards, who were reportedly drunk, had a fight with the villagers in front of the main gate of the ONGC installation. One of the homeguards, Biresh Sonowal, rushed inside and came back with a .303 rife and opened fire on the group of villagers. One villager died on the spot while another was injured,” Golaghat superintendent of police R.A. Laskar, who visited the incident site last night, said.
He said a large number of villagers gathered in the area on hearing about the incident and started pelting stones at the ONGC installation. “The villagers managed to catch hold of Biresh and started beating him up. He is currently undergoing treatment. Had we not arrived on time, the three homeguards would have been lynched,” the SP said.
Laskar said a medical test was conducted on the three homeguards involved in the incident and they were subsequently arrested.
“We have also ordered an inquiry to be conducted by an additional superintendent of police into the incident,” the superintendent of police said.
An ONGC spokesman, based at the Assam and Assam-Arakan basin headquarters here, said the PSU was not involved with the incident. However, as a corporate citizen operating in the area, the ONGC may consider some financial relief to the affected families on humanitarian grounds, he said.
NPMHR condemns SF excesses; scans oil spill morungexpress
Dimapur, September 15 (MExN): An organization in Nagaland today denounced with it called “recent incidences of Indian security forces vandalizing homes, looting and harassing of women and children at Mon town and burning of peace centers.” Naga People’s Movement of Human right (NPMHR) issued a note today decrying the “recent incidences.”
“The recent incidences of Indian security forces vandalizing homes, looting and harassing of women and children at Mon town and burning of peace centers at Ketsapo village of Phek district on the 12th and 6th of September 2011 and razing it to ashes respectively have once again brought back harsh memories of the Indian army atrocities that devastated the entire Naga areas in the backdrop of a 64 years of political conflict between the Government of India and the Naga national political movement,” the organization said.
The NMPHR trained its ire on the security forces, who according to the Naga organization is the only one responsible for “thousands of scars” that have ‘not healed yet and thousands of homes still bleed and weeps for the lives that were inhumanly snatched away by Indian armed forces.’
The NPMHR said the Naga “national movement” was also for safeguarding the Nagas’ land and its resources, “which were again thoroughly exploited by various Indian agencies and in many cases in collaboration with local people who are ignorant in some cases and with state agencies who exploits its own people and resources devoid of any sense of responsibility and regardless of future prospects so long as it benefits their immediate interests.”

ONGC and Oil spill
An instance of ‘exploitation’ the NPMHR gave was that of the Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) and issues associated with oil in Nagaland.
The NPMHR explained in one length: “And ever since, in the guise of exploring, the ONGC started exploiting and taking away thousands of metric tons of crude oil daily from Changpang oil fields despite protests from NSF and other Naga organizations and peoples movements.
Ultimately for the situation their activities have created, the ONGC was compelled to stop their activities leaving the oil fields and wells unattended and open to all kinds of spillage leaving the areas surrounding them vulnerable to all kinds of health hazards and environmental dilapidation, for which the people of Changpang and Tissori villages are now suffering the consequences.”
For the stated reasons, the organization said, the Public Interest Litigation filed recently against ONGC and others should be ‘supported by all concerned and justice in whatever way be found although the damages that have been done are beyond repair now.’
“The PIL should also be viewed and used as an instrument to speed up all process of legal procedures and restoration of normalcy in all the oil ravaged lands and not be taken otherwise under any pretext,” the NPMHR stated.
The organization also welcomes “another milestone to unite” under a “Naga national government” in the recently concluded high-level meeting under the facilitation of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation.
“NPMHR also takes this as an opportunity to request all other political groups to take this development as an opportunity of an inclusive process and not to react otherwise, which the FNR have time and again assured and re-assured the Naga public,” the organization added.

BROKEN REPUBLIC Nagaland: A journey to India’s forgotten frontier By Jonathan Glancey, Faber, Rs 650



Of the nine chapters written by Jonathan Glancey, the fourth, with its innocuous title, “Headhunting and Basket Weaving”, disturbed me the most. Unlike some other chapters that contain graphic accounts of brutalities perpetrated by the Indian army on the Naga people — the fall-out of a bitter, violent, decades-long war of independence that the Nagas have been waging intermittently against the Indian State — this chapter has been enriched by anthropological tidbits. Nagaland is home to 16 Tibetan-Burmese tribes whose ethnic roots, although fuzzy, are far removed from those shared by Indians on the ‘mainland’; the headhunting practice of the Nagas, although on the decline, reveals their cultural ties with some Indonesian tribes; Nagaland’s literacy rate in 2002 was 67.11 per cent; the average life-span of the Naga people is 73.4 years; women enjoy equal rights as men in Naga society. I quote these nuggets in detail because like many other citizens, I had not known, or even cared, much about Nagaland and its people. The paucity of knowledge and concern has resulted in the creation of a collective indifference, which, Glancey suggests subtly, has bolstered the Indian State’s sinister attempts to portray the Naga people as primitive souls who spend their time (head)hunting, dancing and singing. The irony that a Briton’s sojourn should serve as a compass to guide an Indian reader into a corner of India that remains hidden, and wilfully forgotten, even six decades after Independence leaves one feeling guilty and, hence, troubled. And herein lay the source of my discomfort.
The feeling of guilt is further enhanced when Glancey holds up a mirror to the political questions behind the insurgency in Nagaland. Two attributes make Glancey’s efforts praiseworthy in this context. Unlike Indian readers and armchair analysts, he has a far deeper understanding of the complexities that have undermined efforts to find a political solution to the conflict. Yet his tone is never preachy. Second, he resists the temptation to offer yet another myopic solution to a seemingly intractable problem.
Glancey does a thorough job of untangling Nagaland’s complex political history. The British had subjugated parts of the state after the decisive battle at Khonoma. Skirmishes continued sporadically, although many Nagas had sided with the British to keep Japanese intruders at bay during the epic siege of Kohima. On the eve of Indian independence, Jawaharlal Nehru demanded imperiously that the state be handed over to India. He was rebuffed by the Naga National Council, which declared independence a day before India was free. (The Naga Club, a body that pioneered nationalist, and not tribal, demands, had informed the Simon Commission way back in 1929 that the Nagas would like to retain the independence they had lost in a revised political map of the subcontinent.) Nehru’s failure to break the deadlock during his Kohima visit, coupled with the provocative tactics adopted by the NNC, resulted in another armed intrusion, this time by the Indian army. It is estimated that about 100,000 to 200,000 Nagas lost their lives in the conflict between 1952 and 1997. Brutalities such as the one in Oinam village in 1987, where the Assam Rifles went on rampage for four months, killing the village chief, forcing women to give birth in front of jeering soldiers, burying men alive and then smashing their heads to pulp with heavy army boots have also been inflicted on several occasions. Significantly, as is the case in other parts of the Northeast, draconian legal aids, the Assam Disturbed Areas Act in this instance, have been pressed into service, handing the marauding forces a legal shield behind which to commit the atrocities. Peace accords have been ineffective; hence the promise of peace remains fleeting. The Shillong Accord inked by the NNC was contested by a crop of leaders who went on to form the “Christian-Maoist” National Socialist Council of Nagaland. Eight years later, the NSCN split into two rival groups. Today, blood continues to be spilt among the various splinter groups under the watchful eyes of the Indian army. The international community, including conscientious Britain, chooses to highlight the plight of Nagas only when it suits its interests.
Glancey makes us ponder three critical questions. Given Nagaland’s strategic importance, demonstrated by a key battle fought during the Second World War, as well as by India’s eagerness to use the state as a buffer between ambitious neighbours, such as China, and the heartland, it is obvious that the Indian State would be unsympathetic to Naga assertions of self-determination. But it is important for the rest of democratic India to participate in this debate to decide, peacefully, the fate of the Naga people. For that, they would need to remain informed of the ground realities. Glancey’s instructive book — and not colourful tourist brochures — could be of some use to forge views that are independent of State propaganda. Second, can efforts to transform a society based on a complex network of tribal identities and ties into a modern democratic entity ever bear fruit? The missionaries may have given the Nagas a common language. Their experiences of the World War may have also stoked in the Naga people a desire to attain nationhood. But the fluid nature of the Naga identity has foiled attempts made by Britain, India and even the fractious Naga leadership to resolve the issue permanently. Finally, Glancey reminds us that the violence in Nagaland has depleted the state’s once-abundant natural resources. Tigers are rare, wild dogs have become extinct and virgin forests continue to fall with each passing year. Is it not the duty of the State, which has no qualms about calling Nagaland its own turf, to protect and replenish what is left for the future?
We also come across several endearing characters in these pages. Two of them — Gaidinliu, the 16-year-old girl who led a year-long rebellion against the British and Ursula Graham Bower, the “pert, pretty” archaeologist, believed to be an incarnation of Gaidinliu by some Nagas, who set up defence and intelligence units during the Great War — are particularly memorable. The legendary A.Z. Phizo, whom Glancey met in London, also leaves a mark with his quiet dignity and fortitude. It is surprising to find a hard-nosed journalist such as Glancey going dewy-eyed upon discovering relics of the raj in Calcutta and Kohima. But then, ancestral ties — Glancey is the third in his family to have been bewitched by Nagaland — are difficult to ignore.
It is not just the internecine warfare that Nagaland has to contend with. Patchy development, the result of money lining the cavernous pockets of officials, and a rocky relationship with modernity have accentuated the complexities in a society undergoing a slow, painful transformation. Perhaps redemption lies in the hands of a young and ambitious generation, but the burdens of history can be surprisingly tenacious.
The dream of Nagalim, Glancey admits, may remain just that: a dream. But the iron curtain that obscures Nagaland will have to be lifted as a result of India’s domestic compulsions, for the contours of the Look East policy pass through this land-locked, strife-torn state. The discovery of oil in Wokha would also tickle the interests of New Delhi, Washington and London and, in all probability, hasten Nagaland’s grudging integration into the grid of India’s mental map.
Tourists are flocking to Kohima, Naga men and women are travelling to the mainland in search of an education and jobs, and the jungle is giving way to highways. But the stories of the Naga people — such as the ones chronicled by Glancey — and the lessons that ought to be drawn from them need to be rescued lest they get lost forever under the debris of development.
UDDALAK MUKHERJEE
Jonathan Glancey, Guardian’s architecture and design correspondent, has given a potpourri in Nagaland: A Journey to India’s Forgotten Frontier (Faber, Special Indian Price: Rs 650). It is part travelogue, part memoir and part a potted anecdotal history of Nagaland to trace the roots of its multiple identities.
Nagaland's tribal complexities All tribal societies have multiple identities largely because the distinction between tribes and sub-tribes is often blurred, unlike castes and sub-castes where it is easy to fix a man’s caste. Kaka Iralu, a Naga nationalist, explains the complexity of the tribal system which goes a long way towards explaining why a political settlement between India’s central government and Nagaland rebels is difficult:
“I am from the Khonoma village from the Angami tribe. My political status and identity as a Naga starts from that village level … every Naga village is a sovereign democratic republic with its own sets of laws governing the village. The Iralu clan belongs in turn to the Meyasetsu clan. The Meyasetsu clan in turn belongs to the still wider and larger group called the Merhuma Khel. The Merhuma Khel in turn is one of the major Khels that make up the Khonoma village. The Khonoma village in turn belongs to the Angami tribe and the Angami tribe belongs in turn to the Naga nation. My sense of political identity, therefore, starts from the Iralu level to the Meyasetsu to the Merhuma to the Khonoma to the Angami and ultimately to the Naga national level..
At every level of my political identity, I have hundreds of clansmen, khelmen, village men, tribesmen and fellow Nagas who have the obligation to protect me as a Naga. I in turn have the same obligation and allegiance to all these levels of my political identity. This is how Nagas … have defied the mighty British empire for over century and India for half a century. In actual political reality, no Naga stands alone.”
You could put this down to a very narrow outlook that could be broken down by a more cosmopolitan education. But this doesn’t work because the Baptist missions who have been active in the region for decades (in fact, Baptists also claim their own tranche of Naga identity) have provided education at all levels and are largely responsible for the spread of Nagaland’s English-speaking elite. So, Glancey says that a society in which family, clan, tribe, religious preferences and local associations swear by their Naga identity, and refuse to subsume it with others, must require another explanation for its rigidity.
Nagaland is neither primitive nor educationally disadvantaged. In fact, with English as the official language of the state, they are better off than most and more employable in the service sector and the media.
Glancey’s explorations with reference to their uncertain history leads nowhere. For one, no one knows where they came from and where they settled: it was a long time back and seems to have been the result of several migrations, possibly from inland China or Tibet by way of coastal stopovers in South- east Asia. Glancey has done some digging up of archival material and says that one of the Naga tribes brought with it a written language that might have helped clear the air. Unfortunately, the only copy of the script that was written on a leather parchment got eaten up by a Naga dog. “So the dog ate their homework,” Glancey says. There is a great deal of anecdotal history, based mostly on bazaar gossip, but little does it help to explain why the Nagas have been such a closed shop.
Political scientist and social anthropologist James C Scott has provided a tentative answer in his recent book, The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist history of Upland South East Asia. He says the vast jungle-clad massif like that of South-east Asia which spans the borders of India, China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam is inhabited by people who belong to autonomous, state-resistant and subsistence-oriented societies of the hills.
The colonial powers carved up these mountain regions into the nation states, each with its notions of territorial integrity but it was a division that wasn’t accepted; they remained “ethnic minorities” within the state into which they were absorbed. This could be seen by their distinctive traits – segmentation, mobility, egalitarian social structures, flexible cultivation – which were simply a response to their new environment and “a strategic adaptation to avoid incorporation in state structures”. Scott’s analysis of the lifestyles of people in the mountainous regions of South-east Asia, of which Nagaland is an integral part, best explains why it remains aloof and ignores the commonalties of southern Asia’s myriad borderland people.
Elsewhere, Glancey talks about Naga crafts, culture, apparel and architecture, suitably backed by photographs but we have been there and seen it all before. So this book is really a simple introduction to the land and its people, and nothing more.
‘To make reconciliation inclusive, participate’ – Naga MLAs morungexpress


Nagaland Chief Minister addressing the Joint Parliamentary Working committee meeting at the Assembly Secretariat Kohima on September 15. (DIPR Photo)

Dimapur, September 15 (MExN): Nagaland state’s legislators today appealed to all the Naga underground organizations to come forward and participate in the reconciliation process. The government and opposition today strongly reminded that making the process “inclusive” entails the groups’ participation.
The Joint Legislature Forum (JLF) on the Naga Political issue met September 15 in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima and agreed on a number of ‘resolutions,’ mainly focusing on the current political upheavals in the state concerning with the e Naga reconciliation process and the Naga underground groups.
While the legislators welcomed the “Naga Concordant” – a term coined to mean an agreement by the signatories to form on so-asserted “government” – the Joint legislators’ Forum felt that to make the reconciliation inclusive, all the groups themselves have to participate in the first place.
“The JLF takes this opportunity to make further appeal to all Naga nationalists groups to come forward and participate in the process of reconciliation, under the banner of the forum for Naga Reconciliation to make the reconciliation process inclusive,” a communiqué from the forum said today. Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio, Leader of Opposition Tokheho Yepthomi and Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly Kiyanilie Peseyie appended the communiqué.
The legislators’ forum reiterated commitment to ‘play the role of facilitator’ in the ‘ongoing peace process’ and engaged in efforts to bring all the Naga underground groups to reconciliation.
“The JLF reiterates its commitment to play the role of facilitator in the ongoing peace process and to make every possible effort to bring about reconciliation amongst the Naga national groups so that the peace process is expedited to bring about an honorable political settlement that is acceptable to the people,” the legislators stated.
The legislators welcomed the series of meetings of the top leaders of the Naga “nationalist” organizations under the banner of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, eventually signing the “Naga concordant.”
The “JLF feels that the signing of the Naga concordant is a historic and significant step taken by underground leaders towards oneness and unity of Naga society and appreciates the sincere efforts of the signatories to work together for the greater interest of Naga society,” the legislators sated.

Paresh Baruah's men take shelter in Myanmar's jungles to evade army TNN
GUWAHATI: Ulfa commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah has reportedly pulled out his men from the camps in Myanmar and pushed them into the jungles as the neighbouring country's army continues to maintain a position close to the unified camp at Taga, also called Eastern Nagaland by the NSCN(K).
Security sources said the Myanmar army has not fired at or destroyed the camps of the Indian militants and confirmed that the Ulfa leader has not been hurt as reported earlier.
"The Myanmar army has not launched any operation so far and is only carrying out area domination exercises. They have done this in the past, too, with their symbolic presence close to the unified camp of the Indian militant groups. The Myanmar army has full knowledge of the presence of the militants' camps," a top security source told TOI.
Y Wangtin Naga on real reconciliation Y. Wangtin Naga, Morungexpress
Y Wangtin Naga strongly felt that, real reconciliation is the only option left for the salvation of the Naga Nation from the doom. In this article, the writer expressing his personal opinion and invites the wisdom of the Naga leaders to explore real reconciliation among the Nagas but equally seeks forgiveness from anyone who might have hurt while sticking to the hard facts because in no way this write-up is trying to accuse any one.
The writer recalling the time when American Baptist Churches deeply concerned for the fratricidal killing among the Nagas and as a first aid peace mission to put an end the bloodshed in Naga family organized an ever first reconciliation programme in Atlanta in the year 1997 where both the NSCN (K) and NNC participated the programme and reconciled with one another. But our brothers NSCN (IM) rejected the invitation of the American Baptist Churches and took their negative turn as Jonah rejected God’s command for Nineveh and moved towards Tarshish, had a secret meeting with Government of India and signed Ceasefire Agreement in the same year and in the same day of the reconciliation programmed at Atlanta which to me is the first mistake. Today the political situation in Nagaland could have been far better and even all Naga Political groups could have become one, had NSCN (IM) equally participated in that programme.
Secondly, had the NSCN (IM) softened their stance against any other Naga Political Groups after the signing of Ceasefire Agreement with GOI, still there could have been sufficient rooms for the accommodation of all Naga Political Groups into one but NSCN (IM) instead butchered many freedom fighters both from NNC and NSCN (K) including two Ato Kilonsers, many Kilonsers, Generals and cadres including innocent Nagas which was another mistakes.
Thirdly, when NSCN (IM) entered into the Political dialogue with the GOI, it could have been their political advantage had they opened up their foreign policy to all the Naga political groups and have a common sitting but they selfishly dealt with GOI keeping other Nagas under the dark and even today no one knows the nature of IM’s talk, this was also an unfortunate mistake.
Fourthly, we must thank Quaker friends of England and American Baptist Churches for working hard to bring Naga Political groups into one. We should also thank and appreciate the merit services of FNR under the stewardship of Dr. Wati Aier, who took bold steps to bring reconciliation among the Naga factions. The first ever reconciliation meeting organized by the Quakers, American Baptist Churches and FNR in Chiangmai (Thailand) in the year 2008 was participated by NSCN (K), NNC/FGN and NSCN (IM) and I happen to be the representative of NSCN (K). In all consecutive meetings of the FNR both abroad and in Nagaland, the NSCN (K) and NNC/FGN insisted IM to be transparent and suggested for collective talk instead of IM’s talk. Our suggestion was that, all the Naga political groups should equally participate in talk which makes Naga-GOI talk (instead of IM-GOI talks) but NSCN (IM) selfishly rejected the proposed formula, this was also an irreparable mistake.
Fifthly, after the signing of Covenant of Reconciliation at Chiangmai (Thailand) by three top leaders S S Kaphlang, Isak Chishi and Shingya in 2009, the NSCN (IM) continued fratricidal killing and kidnapping NSCN (K) and FGN cadres. Let me not mention where and when but due to NSCN (IM) intentional violation of COR, the NSCN (K) Chairman and General Secretary have decided to boycott 18th September, 2010 Highest Level meeting at Dimapur. The two leaders agreed for temporary boycott of the reconciliation meeting aimed at creating a sense of realization in the minds of NSCN (IM) leaders. But after the boycott decision between the two leaders, General Secretary, N Kitovi attended the boycotted reconciliation meeting without the approval of the Chairman which proved to be the main factor for explosive division in NSCN (K) setup; this is also one of the greatest mistakes to the point of no return.
Sixthly, after the impeachment of the President S S Khaplang at Khehoi Camp on 7th June 2011, several meetings held among NSCN (IM), NSCN Khehoi and FGN under the patronage of FNR have decided for the formation of Naga National Government, without consulting other Naga political groups i.e. NSCN (K) and NNCs this is also an undeniable mistake.
I felt, if NNG is to be formed, why not consult other Naga political groups? Why so fast and hasty? Why discriminate among the Nagas such as Accordist, Non-accordist, Peace Campers etc and etc? Why not FNR include other Naga political groups? Who is wrong and who is right? Who is a sinner and who is righteous? I think our leaders have committed irreparable political mistake even in the formation of NSCN in 1980 by condemning Shillong Accord. Why should they condemn the mandated Naga political institution i.e. NNC for a few people who have signed the Accord? Instead of condemning their only political institution, why not they expel the signatories or expel the president if he refuses to disown the Accord paper? My leaders, please say sorry to the Nagas and God for your mistakes. When both Nagas and GOI have rejected Shillong Accord, why talk about death Accord? Why condemn peace campers, when the Accord never exist? Because to me, the three NSCNs occupation of their designated camps and NNC stationing in their peace camps seem similar case. We all can easily vacate it (peace camps, designated camps) if necessary without any pre-condition. Let us not try to stone the Samaria young women for her adultery because none of us is righteous to stone her. Same thing that, no one is righteous to condemn others. We all are for the Naga nation, therefore, let us not expect our friends to be smaller than us and also let us not expect anybody to submit before us because we all are equal in National Service and it is a sinful in the sight of God too. The Bible says, (Mathew 7:3) “why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye”? Let us truthful to our self and try to achieve real reconciliation.

Y. Wangtin Naga,
Kilonser, NSCN/GPRN
Naga legislators for inclusive re-conciliation Kohima: With some organisations still to respond to the FNR initiative for a unified voice on the Naga issue, Nagaland legislators have appealed to all Naga underground outfits to participate in the on-going re-conciliation process.

The Joint Legislature Forum (JLF) on the Naga political issue attended by all legislators from both ruling and opposition parties called by the assembly speaker yesterday deliberated on the current political situation and agreed on 'a number of resolutions', focusing on the re-conciliation process, it said in a statement here on Friday.

Top leaders of NSCN(I-M), GPRN/NSCN and a faction of NNC/FGN after meetings at Dimapur last month had signed the Naga Concordant aiming to form a single organization having a unified voice on the Naga issue.

However, NSCN(K) and other factions of NNC were yet to respond to the process initiated by the FNR, comprising churches, tribal councils and civil society organizations.

"The JLF takes this opportunity to make further appeal to all Naga nationalists groups to come forward and participate in the process of re-conciliation, under the banner of the Forum for Naga Re-conciliation to make the re-conciliation process inclusive," the statement said.
Urging To Urge For Unity Phaningshang. M. Vashum Morung
•- The failure of the past initiatives was due to lack of sincerity. Many good golden opportunities history offered to us had been missed. Violence, hatred, division, distinction of tribalism does not decides the fate of a nation. There is always the tendency to relapse to the old ways if there is no preparation. We dream of a time when Naga’ s can live as one in a world based on equality of all nations and peoples. In the absence of fighting, there is peace, so why bloodshed violence for peace among our families. The issues of fratricide should be dissolve as fratricide is not congenial to uphold unity in Naga` s homeland, the past pernicious act in Nagalim is the pit of Naga’ s disaster; it is an act of worst hypocrisy. Let us be sensible, needful and discontinue creating chaos and divisions among us to uphold unity. Violence in our social milieu has damage the reputation of our nation as a whole. Why not we bury the hatchet and rebuild our nation as one. The battle of distinction should be done away with if we want our nation to progress, let’s erase the distinction among us to blur the vision of Naga’ s perpetrators as they have played enough game with us while the world knows what our weakness is. The world watches us.
Naga’ s religion is Christianity so; Religion is the greatest instrument to raise us so. It is amazing that a person not intellectually bright, perhaps not even educated, is capable of grasping and living by something so advanced as the principles of Christianity. Yet, there is a common phenomenon. It is not however my province to talk about religion, but rather to stress on the aversion of distinction among us and stand as one. Let us have a clean slate once more and let our struggle not go off at half-cock. Is this not a bone to pick?
Phaningshang. M. Vashum
Deptt: Journalism & Mass communication (SMU)Dimapur


Frans on 09.17.11 @ 09:37 PM CST [link]


Tuesday, September 13th

Ganja seized from NSCN/GPRN Dy. Kilonser’s residence




Ganja seized from NSCN/GPRN Dy. Kilonser’s residence
DIMAPUR, Sept 12
:
Published on 13 Sep. 2011 1:47 AM IST



Crime Control Cell GPRN/NSCN seized 1000 Kgs of ganja from NSCN/GPRN Dy. Kilonser’s residence on September 6. According to an emailed release issued by MIP, GPRN/NSCN, the Crime Control Cell (CCC) GPRN/NSCN on receipt of intelligence report raided the residence of Neikhape (Ape) Chakhesang, Dy. Kilonser of NSCN/GPRN and recovered 1000kgs of ganja ready to be supplied to agents outside Nagaland.

“The action was necessitated because of the rising trend of responsible authorities of political groups indulging in such illicit trade”, adding “It also invariably tarnish the image of national workers in general. Greed and individual aggrandizement throws the door of corruption wide open and ultimately Naga society will become a victim”.

The CCC, GPRN/NSCN further stated it would continue to check inter-state drug trafficking and other criminal activities irrespective of political affiliations and sought co-operation from the general public.


ONGC faces 1000 Cr claim in a PIL by Naga villagers
13.09.2011 | 11:28
Guwahati
Law et al. News Network

Public sector oil giant ONGC’s decision to stopped extraction of oil about 16 years back under threat from rebels, has turned out to be costly for villagers of Champang and Tisso in Wokha district of Nagaland. This in effect is the contention in a PIL filed at the Gauhati High Court against the company.
The oil that has been spilling from those capped rigs for years have taken a heavy toll on the quality of land on these villages causing damage to the agrarian economy. Taking serious note of the grave situation, Dice Foundation, a Kohima-based NGO, has filed a PIL at Gauhati high court. "We have sought compensation of Rs 1,000crore. We hope justice is done," said Mmhonlumo Kikon, heading the NGO.
Asking for Rs. 1, 000 Crore compensation for villagers, criminal proceedings against ONGC, government officials, the PIL primarily argued that ONGC authorities and the Nagaland state government was responsible for the wide-ranging damage the oil company has inflicted on the economic lives of villagers in and around the site.
In the PIL representing Champang village and Tssori village – Nagaland’s only two areas rich in crude petroleum – the petitioners have sought the consolidated compensation to the villagers for the damage caused due to about 16 years of unabated oil spillage in the two areas.
The petitioner has also sought payment for the loss of oil from the oil spill and a directive to the ONGC and the state government of Nagaland to clean up the waste.
The PIL names ONGC, the Basin Manager of ONGC, Cinnamara in Jorhat, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, the State of Nagaland, the Nagaland Geology and Mining Department, Nagaland Forest Department, the Nagaland State Pollution Control Board and the Union of India represented by the Ministry of Petroleum and another, the Natural Gas and the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.
The oil spill began after the ONGC halted extraction operation in May 1994 following opposition to oil production by Naga organizations. The ONGC had struck oil in the area in 1981 and started extraction of crude oil from 11 wells. But local bodies and militants opposed the ONGC operation on the ground that consent of local bodies was not taken for the purpose though the ONGC had signed an agreement with Nagaland government.
The petitioners accused the respondents for failing to take action and prevent and protect the environment and ecological system in the two villages. The petitioners have appealed to the court to protect the legal and fundamental rights of the people of Champang and Tssori by declaring the actions/inaction of the respondents as illegal and unconstitutional.
The petitioners appealed to the court for about Rs. 1, 000 crore as consolidated compensation to the villagers for damage to their health, economy, agricultural land and activities due to the oil spill. Citing media reports the PIL informs the court that though the ONGC has paid a royalty of Rs 33.83 crore to the Nagaland government, only Rs 67 lakh ‘reached the villages.’

Assam resents discounted oil royalty Rahul Karmakar, Hindustan Times
On a day that saw Nagaland villagers take ONGCL and the Union petroleum ministry to take seeking compensation for crude oil contamination, the Assam government demanded an end to payment of oil royalty at discounted price. In a letter to petroleum minister S Jaipal Reddy, Assam chief
minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday sought the protection of state royalty as “we are losing huge revenue” due to payment of crude extraction fee at discounted prices.
“Assam being a producer state should not be denied the benefits of its natural resources and made to compensate for the under-recoveries of the Central oil marketing PSUs,” said Gogoi.
He asked Reddy to pass appropriate orders so that the oil companies pay royalty to the state government on the well head price determined by the actual price of equivalent crude oil prevailing in the international market and not on the sale price.
“The loss of revenue is due to under-payment of oil royalty by ONGCL and Oil India Limited. The issue has also figured in the CAG report, which estimates the loss at Rs 525crore over a period of 11 months during 2008-2009. Under payment of royalty to Assam is still continuing and increasing,” the chief minister said.
Gogoi also sought Reddy’s intervention for raising the effective royalty rate from the present 16.66% to 20% by modifying the present royalty calculation formula. He further pointed out that VAT and entry tax also need to be paid on the market price of crude oil and not on administratively directed lower price.
FGN raid shops in Kohima town

Dimapur, Sept 10
:
Published on 11 Sep. 2011 1:59 AM IST



Federal Government of Nagaland while raiding shops at Old Ministers Hill, New Ministers Hill, Forest colony, Jail colony, Mohunkhola, Agri colony etc., in Kohima town seized large quantities of tez, talab and other chemically fermented by-products of betel nuts worth lakhs of rupees in the local market.

According to Ministry of Rali Wali, FGN, the raid was headed by Urban Commander, (Kohima town) in the month of August in order to cleanse harmful and illegal activities in Naga soil in pursuance of the government standing Ahza.

The seized banned items were later burned down in the presence of civil authorities of FGN and general public.
Further, Ministry of Rali Wali, Federal Government of Nagaland has appealed to the leaders of respective colony/ward, NGOs and general public to willingly cooperate with the government in removing all forms of illegal activities from the society.

Working paper of Naga Political Solution : An Obligatory Minimalist Proposal?
Z. K. Pahrii Pou

The Naga National movement, regarded as ‘the mother of all insurgents’ in north-east India and one of the oldest unresolved armed conflicts in the world, is inching towards solution if we are to believe the news items published in media. It is a fact that the Naga Movement did not remain in isolation (as Naga issue) but is looked upon worldwide with keen interest by many indigenous people’s groups fighting for their rights as guiding light towards achieving their aspiration too. Hence, the wisdom of Naga leaders will be judged not only by Naga people alone but also by all the indigenous people of the world. After more than 60 rounds of talks in secrecy, today we have a glimpse of what was discussed for more than 10 years of ceasefire. Despite the struggle for sovereignty for more than 60 years, the 33 points as mention in “The Working Paper on Political Solution” of the Naga people emerges to be a ‘minimalist proposal” - but that falls within the ‘expected framework’ imposed by various prevailing factors. Disunity among the Naga National workers (NNWs) is one main factor that results to adopting minimalist proposal where bargaining power was reduced to the strength of one faction/group (in spite of the claim of the group that they have the mandate of Naga people). The other reason is the widening gap between Naga freedom fighters (NNWs) and people of grass-root level. No longer does the Movement receive massive support from the general public as it was once before. The fast changing global scenario and India’s emergence as super power country might have its own role in giving birth to such agenda as well.
More than ever before, Naga leaders and thinkers must speak out and share their opinion on the issue. If we keep silent now, it may take another 10 or 20 years to bring solution - where there will be more violence and bloodshed. If we examine seriously the present situation, it is doubtful that there will ever be unification among the various Naga underground groups. While acknowledging the enormous contribution of and sacrifices made by all NNWs towards the cause of the Nagas, the NNWs also need to ponder in depth on the prospect of achieving the desired goal in totality in the midst of disunity, lack of public support and fast changing global scenario. There is limit for everything. There is time for everything. Personally, I feel it is right time for the Nagas to settle for any type of ‘Solution’ within India for a moment- and then give space for evolving a strong civil society (such as Naga Hoho-the apex civil organization of the Nagas) and hand over the responsibility of pursuing the Naga cause further. All NNWs can come overground and become part of this civil society and continue to strive for Nagas’ rights. This is the only feasible platform for different Naga underground groups and the whole Nagas to come together under one umbrella. Then the voice of the Nagas can be aired in unison through Naga Hoho. NNWs needs to weigh and see whether insurgent method or democratic form of protest leading by civil organization through garnering public support is the better way to pursue and assert one’s right in today’s world.
The immediate need of the hour is to start identifying clearly all the Naga-inhabited areas of the neighbouring states of Nagaland and brought under the Sixth Schedule and form district autonomous councils or regional councils in which the Naga Hoho would have a say in their running. The emerging structures could then negotiate their linkages with the present state of Nagaland (such as extension of article 371 (A) to all Naga inhabited areas). This will consolidate the identity of the Naga people presently outside Nagaland. The Naga Hoho can then introduce the common form of administration in all Naga inhabited areas by establishing indigenous forms of governance. Territorial integrity would thus be preserved but the Naga communities would be united emotionally and would be self-governing within the existing states. Peace and social security can thus be achieved. Economy and natural resources can be protected and enhanced. Nagas will be politically empowered to a great extent. Cultural identity and uniqueness of Naga history can be maintained. From this perspective, the present ‘working paper on political solution’ of NSCN and GOI, although emerge to be a ‘minimalist proposal,’ needs deeper analysis by general public, accept and appreciate for bringing such workable arrangement (solution) for the Nagas. Last but not the least, we need to remind ourselves again that the present form of proposed arrangement (33 points) cannot be considered as an ‘end’ of freedom movement but a new ‘beginning’ that would give birth to a new direction (shifting of responsibility from undergroup groups to civil society) to pursue and achieve the right of self-determination of the Nagas.

NB: It must be noted that the NSCN (IM) had denied the 33 points as genuine but the author of this article feels rewarding to think of the Naga Solution from that perspective and published here his view.

Contact the writer at zkpahr@gmail.com">zkpahr@gmail.com
NSCN Khaplang ridicules rivals
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morungexpress

Kohima, August 14 (MExN): The Khaplang group of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) has ridiculed the rival NSCN led by Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah for celebrating Naga Independence Day on August 14. Envoy to the collective leadership of NSCN (Khaplang), Kughalu Mulatonu said it was a mockery for Swu and Muivah to celebrate Naga Independence day on August 14 when Nagaland is yet to attain independence from India and Myanmar. He said Naga people know the chronology of Naga political issue from 1929 Simon Commission, 9 Point Agreement, 1951 plebiscite, 1975 Shillong Accord and so on.
Mulatonu envoy said there was no point in celebrating Naga Independence Day when Naga people are still under the yoke of government of India and Myanmar. He questioned if Nagas have achieved independence why there is a truce between NSCN (IM) and government of India. Mulatonu castigated Swu and Muivah for what he claimed fooling the Naga people to meet their selfish end at the cost of Naga political issue and vowed to continue with the struggle by NSCN (K) till Nagas get sovereignty from government of India and Myanmar. When did Isak and Muivah bring Independence for Naga people he asked?
He also questioned NSCN (IM) leaders why they had to celebrate Naga Independence day when they had massacred over a dozen of Naga National Council members in 1993 when they were on their way to Peren to celebrate Naga Independence day. It was on August 14, 1947, NNC led by A Z Phizo hoisted Naga National flag declaring independence from British which was never recognized by India. He branded Swu and Muivah as criminals who had sucked sweat and toils of Naga people in the name of Naga sovereignty and today they are contemplating to compromise with Nagas sovereignty. Mulatonu demanded NSCN (IM) leaders to spell out whether they are freedom fighters or criminals.
Swu and Muivah are currently in Camp Hebron-council headquarters near Dimapur to celebrate Naga Independence Day with their cadres and members and to brief the people of the status of the ongoing talks with the Indian leaders. NNC led by Adinno and other NNC and FGN factions are also celebrating Naga Independence Day today throughout Naga inhabited areas, except NSCN (Khaplang).
Would the “2011 Naga Independence” be the last to “celebrate?”
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By Oken Jeet Sandham

Citizens took up arms for certain causes and goals. History has shown us many great freedom fighters who took up arms to liberate from the occupational forces. Great leaders of India like Mahatama Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Jawaharal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, etc. fought vigorously against the British and many of them were put behind the bars for fighting against them (British occupational forces). All Indians had a common “dream” and that was a “Free India.” Every one of them fought against the British Raj in one way or the other to end the British imperialism in India. After a century of revolutions, struggle, blood shedding, battles and sacrifices, India finally achieved independence on August 15, 1947.
But the country lost many men and women who were filled with undaunted courage and spirit of patriotism. Today, they are known as freedom fighters because they sacrificed their lives for their motherland. There are endless number of men and women other than the above list who daringly fought for India’s freedom.
Similarly many leaders in the region including Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Rani Gaidinliu, Haipo Jodonang, Gopinath Bordoloi, Piyoli Phukan, Phulguri Dhewa, Maniram Dewan, etc. too joined fighting against the British Raj. Many of them were hanged to death for revolting against the British administration, while many had to languish in various jails in India. Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru when he became PM of free India ordered Rani Gaidinliu’s release from Tura jail on October 10, 1947.
Unfortunately, the British left this Indian sub-continent without settling many political issues and the Naga issue was one of it. This unresolved Naga political issue has been dragged on and on till today. Talks are going on between the representatives of the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India (GOI), while ceasefires are maintained with other groups---NSCN/GPRN (K), GPRN/NSCN.
In spite of all these issues, the Nagas under the banner of NNC had boldly declared their “Independence” on August 14, 1947. The Naga leaders of the NNC had done this after they failed to convince Indian leaders about the Nagas’s wanting to live as a free Nation. Whether one likes it or not, the decision of NNC leaders at that point of time in declaring the “Naga Independence” on August 14, 1947 became “historic and landmark.” Till today, various Naga groups are observing the “Naga Independence Day” with great pride and honor. And the Government of India or for that matter the State Government of Nagaland has not prevented them so far from observing the “Naga Independence Day” in various Naga places.
One should also respect the understanding of the leaders of the Government of India towards Naga people and truly the country’s democracy has the liberal attitudes towards others.
Wanting freedom is not a crime. There is dignity in fighting for freedom and there is no any other dignified life other than being a freedom fighter. Here we have many leaders who are fighting to liberate from the so-called “Indian occupational forces” and this has been succinctly justified from the pages of history.
Regrettably, those who took up arms to liberate from the so-called “occupational forces” turned their guns against themselves or fraternal groups. They indulged in many activities including extortions, kidnappings, harassments, etc. of their own citizens. Because of all these factors, the spirit of “nationalism” has vanished, besides overground politicians started meshing up the whole issues for their petty and narrow political mileage, compounding the process. Fear psychosis is prevalent and citizens are afraid to speak up the truth. And so long this fear exists, reality cannot be measured.
As far as the current status of the Naga political negotiation is concerned, solution to the extremely complicated Naga issue might come in anytime. The Government of India through its various agencies who are closely or directly involved in the process have already expressed “optimism” that solution to Naga issue could be found by the end of the year (2011). The incumbent interlocutor RS Pandey was, somehow, cautious on any time-bound for the Naga solution.
The Government of India has, however, indicated that to realize this “dream (solution to Naga issue by the end of the year),” the Naga people (read civil societies) needed to do a lot of homework. Regrettably, sharp division in the powerful NSCN led by SS Khaplang has further compounded in the labyrinth of the Naga goal. The good part is the Government of India has tactfully announced that the ceasefire with the undivided NSCN (K) would be applied to the two groups, thus virtually preventing them from clashing each other.
Despite New Delhi’s statement of settling the Naga issue by year end and NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th Muivah’s informing to the media upon their arrival at Dimapur airport on August 13 about the possibility of solution of Naga issue in shortest possible time, there is still confusion in the minds of the people as the contents of the talks are still kept in the “dark.” Of course, New Delhi said the other groups in ceasefires would be incorporated while State Government of Nagaland would also be fully in picture before striking into any final deal.
It seems things are still not really clear, though Naga leaders today appear to be “tolerant enough.” It’s a sign of maturity indeed as they cannot take any decision without seeing pros and cons, because the issue is seriously interlinked with many complicated issues.
If the words of the leaders of the Government of India are taken into account, would the “2011 Naga Independence Day” be the last of Naga people to “celebrate?”
Collective effort contributing towards peace in Nagaland
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Our Correspondent
Rio taking salute at Secretariat Plaza

Kohima | August 15 : Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today expressed satisfaction that the state is gradually emerging out of the long shadows of violence and turmoil and enjoying a relatively peaceful atmosphere the like of which has not been seen for decades and said this has been possible because of the overwhelming desire of the Naga people for peace.
In his message to the people on the occasion of the Indian Independence Day held at the Civil Secretariat Plaza here today, the Chief Minister conveyed the state government’s appreciation to the law enforcing agencies, NGOs, the tribal Hohos, the civil societies, the Church and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) who, he said, have worked very hard to bring about reconciliation and unity among the Naga underground groups. “These collective efforts have brought about a relatively peaceful atmosphere in the state which we are experiencing today”, he stated.
Acknowledging that the Government of India’s ceasefire with major underground groups is holding well despite many difficulties, Rio today said this has given Nagas hope for a lasting and satisfactory solution to the Naga political issue.
He made a renewed appeal to both the Government of India and the underground groups to give their full commitment to the political negotiations so as to achieve this
long-cherished goal.
On the government’s behalf, he also conveyed deep appreciation to the police, the security forces, the central paramilitary forces and the district administration for the successful maintenance of law and
order. Regretting that the state however witnessed some unfortunate incidents of violence recently in Dimapur and Peren districts where some precious lives were lost and a few others injured, he condemned such acts of violence in the strongest of terms and appealed to all citizens to settle their differences through peaceful means.
The Chief Minister further reiterated the government’s stand to firmly deal with all kinds of extortion. He reminded that the government departments and business establishments have been advised to resist demands and to inform the police in confidence. Besides, he said, the government has also reduced the number of check gates on the highways so as to reduce inconvenience to travelers.

CM’s Independence Day speech highlights

Tribal Courts will be established in all the districts during 2011-12
Government embarked on a major restructuring of school education in Nagaland
Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) will be established shortly at Dimapur
Initiated the process of establishing 5 new polytechnics at Phek, Wokha, Tuensang, Mon and Dimapur
329 KMs of road upgraded to 2 laning under NE Special Accelerated Road Development Programme
Government set up Quality Control Board to monitor the quality of all major infrastructure projects
Water pumping from Zarü water source to meet water requirements of the state capital
Under MGNREGA the wage rate has been enhanced from Rs. 100 per day to Rs. 118
During the current year, Rs. 40 crore will be spent under the Backward Regions Grant Fund
Government committed to achieve the vision of “Food for all by 2020”
56 Agri-link roads covering 280 kms are being constructed with NABARD funding
*Soil Testing Laboratories are being set up in all the districts to help farmers get their soil tested
*Warehouses with infrastructure like grading and packaging centres, cold room etc. under the 13th Finance Commission awards
*Health Helpline as a 24X7 call centre to provide easy access to reliable health information
* Providing old age pension to more than 40,000 people. Recently, the rate enhanced from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 per month.
*Government to institute “Young Naga Achiever Award” from 2011 onwards
*Union Home Ministry temporarily lifted PAP for foreign tourists visiting Nagaland
* Art & Culture department planning to set up Rani Gaidinliu Library- cum- Memorial Museum
*New Employment Exchanges will be opened at Longleng, Kiphire and Peren
* Initiated Kohima Metro Ropeway project to reduce traffic congestion in Kohima town
*Construction of helipad at Alichen, Pfutsero, Longleng and Peren will be completed this year
*Surveys for creation of air strips in Mokokchung, Mon, Tuensang, and Meluri will also be taken up during the current year
*State implementing Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System
‘Further division will block future progress of Nagas’
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 15
Reminding that Nagaland is but a small state in the Indian Union, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today asserted that further division of our state and our people will prove to be a serious stumbling block for the future progress of Nagas as a whole. Referring to the demand for a separate statehood (or Frontier
Nagaland) raised by the Eastern Naga Peples’ Organization (ENPO), the Chief Minister, in his Independence Day address to the people at the Civil Secretariat Plaza here today, expressed firm belief that the aspirations of the people from these districts can be met with empathy and magnanimity without creating an atmosphere of acrimony and mistrust.
Rio asserted that, recognizing the sentiments of the people of these areas, the government has decided to propose creation of an Autonomous Council for the four districts of eastern Naga areas and that while the subject is beyond the state’s competence, the state government has taken up the matter in all seriousness and deliberated on it at various levels.
Reasserting that further division will result in a serious stumbling block for the future of the Nagas, he reiterated the government’s resolution to stand by the four resolutions passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on various occasions, calling for integration of all contiguous Naga inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella.
“Since the Government of India knows what is best for the Naga people, we have requested them to give their decision at the earliest so that our people are not confused further”, he said adding, “for we already have multiple problems.
Meanwhile, Rio also sought to remind that the government has been trying to evolve a consensus on a few challenging issues that we face today. As part of these efforts, a state-level consultative meeting was held at Kisama in October last year with various civil societies, tribal hohos, prominent citizens and intellectuals on several important issues. And, while no consensus has emerged so far, these deliberations have been carried forward in subsequent consultations with all concerned stakeholders at the district and state levels, he reminded.
Silent rally on 53 yrs. of passage of AFSPA Times of india




Hundreds of people took out a silent rally in Imphal marking 53 years of passage of the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) by Parliament on September 11, 1958.

The rally was organised jointly by the civil bodies-Just Peace Foundation and Sharmila Kanba Lup- demanding that the AFSPA be scrapped from “disturbed areas” in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura and later extended to Jammu and Kashmir as The Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990 in July 1990.

About 500 people from different works of life took part in the silent rally which kicked-off from main entrance gate of the JNIMS hospital, Porompat where Irom Sharmila Chanu has been admitted and forced fed. The procession later concluded at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace compound.

Rallyists carried slogans demanding repeal of the Act and condemning the indifferent look of the government of India towards the people of the Northeast states.
Speaking a the rally, Babloo Loitangbam of Just Peace Foundation expressed the hope that the Centre would repeal the Act at the earliest. He said that a delegation of the foundation led by him recently met with Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram and demanded repeal of the Act.

Babaloo disclosed that the home minister told the delegation that the demand was under consideration and consultations would be held at various level as consensus was required before initiating steps to repeal it.

He opined that whether totally or partially, the Centre showed willingness on repealing the Act and the response was to be awaited but reasserted, the demand for total repeal would continue.

He also announced that protests and awareness programmes on Sharmila’s struggle against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act would be carried out with civil bodies till it was repealed.

Further, Babaloo maintained that demand for repeal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was not limited to Manipur only but throughout the north eastern region and other parts of the country.

It may be recalled that the Just Peace Foundation, had announced a nationwide signature campaign in association with the Delhi-based National Alliance for Peoples’ Movement (NAPM) from October 2 to December 10 to spread awareness on Irom Sharmila’s struggle and to generate public support for “Save Sharmila” campaign.
Sharmila Kanba-Lup (SKL) convener Janaki Devi criticized the centre for showing partiality for Anna Hazare when it agreed to his demands after fasting for 12 days.

Devi said when a man from mainland India launched a fasting stir, the Central leaders left no stone unturned to address his demand while none of them bothered about Sharmila who was on fast for ten years.

This, she said clearly showed that the central leaders do not treat the people of north east as citizens of the country but only to be keep under the boots of security forces in the name of counter insurgency. Such partiality would prove costly in the future , she asserted.

She also vowed that SKL would continue with relay hunger strike till the demand for repeal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was fulfilled.



Frans on 09.13.11 @ 10:48 PM CST [link]


Monday, September 12th

Crude oil seepage hits Naga villages Rahul Karmakar, Hindustan Times Changpang (Nagaland),



Crude oil seepage hits Naga villages Rahul Karmakar, Hindustan Times
Changpang (Nagaland),
Sitting on one of India's richest hydrocarbon reserves can be uncomfortable. Around 3,000 people of Changpang, Tssori and a few nearby villages in Nagaland's Wokha district have learnt it the hard way. Crude oil seepage from abandoned wells for 17 years has hit the soil and groundwater
and consequently, people's health and the local economy.
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) struck oil in the area in 1981 and began extracting crude from 11 wells. But the locals and militant groups questioned the agreement between the state and ONGC, alleging that the mandatory consent of local bodies was not taken.
In March 1994, the state had to stop the operations, despite earning a royalty of R33.3 crore since March 1981.
ONGC capped the wells, but lack of maintenance and tampering of the equipment by miscreants led to seepage.
In August 2010, state geology and mining director HK Chishi reported "heavy spillage" and the state pollution control board marked 4sqkm as affected. The state asked ONGC to clean up the mess, which offered to send a team. But a cabinet sub-committee objected, saying they hadn't received "all the correspondence between the mining department and ONGC".
"No one seems sincere about solving the problem," said M Yanathung Ngullie, president of Changpang Land Owners' Union. "The local economy, which depended on traditional jhum cultivation (which involves slashing and burning vegetation on hill slopes), has gone for a toss. With all the seepage, people are scared of wildfire."
Many are complaining of eye burning and uterus and kidney complications, which were unheard of earlier, he said. "And in these 17 years, indigenous plants have been swamped by species like lantana and mimosa which, ecologists say, are a precursor to desertification."
Changpang gaonburah (village chieftain) Myingthungo N Kithan, 50, is fed up with appealing to the government. "I have asked the government to erase Changpang from the map if it cannot help us," he said.
State chief secretary Lalthara said: "The matter has been referred to a cabinet subcommittee."
Dice Foundation, a Kohima-based NGO, has filed a PIL at Gauhati high court. The case will be heard on Monday. "We have sought compensation of R1,000crore. We hope justice is done," said Mmhonlumo Kikon, chief of the NGO.
Chairman NSCN SS Khaplang is safe morungexpress
DIMAPUR, MExN): The Spokesperson, President’s Office of NSCN/GPRN Khaplang P. Tikhak has informed that heavily armed Myanmarese troops numbering around 300 to 400 moved inside the base area of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland where the Council Head Quarter is located. According to the press note they have been located to the south and south east of the camp. “We have taken adequate measures to prevent them from further coming inside the base area. Chairman SS khaplang is safe and is under a well and highly protective group”, stated the press note.
It was disclosed that yesterday around noon a joint protection group patrolling the area came under attack from the Myanmar Army. There was no loss of life and the group retaliated to stop them from further advancement, it stated. The Spokesperson informed that the group had got information of the heavy mobilisation of the Myanmar Army about a month back in their divisional headquarter in Khamfi, Namjung and Mytkhina. “It was not a surprise since we were apprehensive of this kind of attack ever since”, it stated.
The Khaplang group claimed that the GOI started supplying arms of Indian make in return for a crackdown on the NSCK (K) and other insurgent outfits in Eastern Nagaland. Given the nature of the military build up in the area accompanied by the approaching dry days the war is likely going to stretch over a period of time, it stated while adding that the group was “fully prepared for this kind of situation and our past experiences in the year 2000, 2003 and in 2006 when we came under similar attack has helped us from taking all necessary precaution which was taken well in advance”.
It was stated that all camps in Eastern Nagaland had been kept under high alert to thwart any sabotage activities by the advancing troops. “The NSCN leaderships are not happy with GOI interfering in Eastern Nagaland and if they continue with this kind of gimmick than the NSCN will be left with no choice but to open and explore all diplomatic channels available at hand which was not done so far while maintaining peace and tranquility with India”, it stated.

9 – 9 2011
NSCN (I-M) urge groups to tackle crimes Nagaland Post | NPN)
Dimapur,Maintaining that anti-social elements that loomed large in Dimapur was a matter of “serious concern”, the NSCN (I-M) Tuesday said the fact that disruptive elements were “making their hey days” in Nagaland’s commercial hub to make “easy money” and commit all sorts of crime could not be set aside without doing some serious crackdown “lest the very gain made in the political level is driven to the point of hard earn peace lost in the hands of criminals.”

A statement released by MIP said with three political groups coming together to “make a meaning of Naga political struggle to jointly defend the historical and political rights of the Nagas. The NSCN (I-M) said it was time the three groups also come together in a coordinated manner and “run down on these social evils with a heavy hands.”
NSCN(IM) asks Naga groups to curb anti-socials TNN
DIMAPUR: There has been a spurt in anti-social activities, especially kidnappings and intimidation of the business community, in Dimapur over the past few days. The NSCN(IM) on Wednesday termed these incidents as a "matter of serious concern".
The NSCN(IM) said the three Naga political groups, which have come together to defend the historical and political rights of the Nagas, should also come together in a coordinated manner to curb these anti-social activities with a heavy hand.
A press note from the outfit stated that every conceivable means should be explored with the active support of the public to rein in these criminals, who have gone too far. It added that "the designated agency of each group dealing in crime should show up in action to shoulder greater responsibility in controlling crimes, particularly in Dimapur."
At Last, Naga Rebels Talk In One Voice Tehelkan
Underground groups agree to form a single government and work for a common future. But there are hurdles, says Avalok Langer


Common ground Rebel leaders pose with the Naga flag after the peace talks

Seated in a green chair, a young Naga rebel explained his life’s calling in between sips of tea, “My grandfather and father were both Naga national workers. If needed, my son will also join the movement. But I do what I do so that a solution comes in my lifetime and my son will have a better life. The next generation should inherit the Nagaland of our dreams. That is why we fight.” In the uncertainty of conflict, hope is what fuels an army.


Held in the last week of August, the top-level meeting of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation brought together Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Swu of the NSCN(IM)







However, what was once a people’s movement in the early stages, the Naga political struggle has lost its way. Internal splits have created seven underground governments claiming legitimacy and collecting ‘tax’, internal conflicts have led to bloody fratricidal wars and the talks seemed to be going nowhere. Frustrated Nagas wanted change and now there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
\In what is being seen as a watershed moment, Naga underground groups have agreed to form a single government. Held in the last week of August, the top-level meeting of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation brought together Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Swu of the NSCN(IM), Gen Khole and Kitovi Zhimomi of the NSCN(KK) and Brig. Singnya and Zhopra Vero of the NNC/FGN.
“The groups have reconciled their differences and agreed to look towards a common future,” explains an observer. “They felt that multiple Naga governments collecting multiple taxes was adversely affecting the Naga people. The need of the hour was political unity, so they agreed to one government, one tax and one army for the Nagas.” For the time being, the collective government will be known as the Naga National Government (NNG).
The decision to form a single government with a single tax has given Nagas new hope, which was reflected in a recent weekly poll conducted by the Morung Express. Eighty-two percent voted in favour of the decision.
However, there is still a lot of work to be done. Though a high- level commission comprising members from each group will work towards the formation of the NNG, questions about integration and sovereignty remain. While many groups still stand by sovereignty, Muivah’s recent stand has been that “no country is sovereign in the real sense of the word. It is the age of inter-dependence”.
As for the integration of all Naga-dominated areas, the Centre has maintained that “all concerned states will be consulted”. Underground sources suggest that, “We will have to adopt a phase- wise solution and this is Phase 1.”
In a closed-door meeting, all leaders agreed that sovereignty and integration of all Nagas is their ultimate desire. That could be why the statement issue reads that any “interim arrangement will be outside the purview of the Indian Constitution” and not “solution”. Multiple sources suggest that the talks between the Centre and NSCN (IM) are working towards a “Constitution within a Constitution” as a possible solution. While a solution with the Centre is slated to come by 2011-end or early next year, there is a theory that the 2013 Assembly polls will not be held and the collective government, which is to be formed, will come to power.
Meanwhile, Myanmar-based leader SS Khaplang has withdrawn from the reconciliation process and boycotted the NNG. Senior NSCN(K) official Wangdin Naga says that he has told the Centre that, “a solution without Khaplang is only a comma, not a full stop. You need to involve Khaplang for a lasting solution”.
Though the decision to form a single government has revived hope, it remains to be seen if the groups can work out their differences. Nagas can rejoice in the historic step taken by their leaders and continue to hope that one day peace and normalcy will return to the Naga hills.
AR renders FGN ‘Happy Camp ’ to ‘Unhappy Camp’ DIMAPUR(NPN)
NNC/FGN,one of the signatories of the Covenant of Reconciliation (CoR) and also party to the High Level Commission constituted to pursue the formation of ‘one Naga National Government’ has hit out at the 7 Assam Rifles for unprovoked action on September 6 by burning down its ‘Happy Camp’ at Ketsapo village.

FGN ministry of rali wali slammed the ‘friends of the hill people’ the 7 Assam Rifles for targeting its Happy Camp established in Ketsapo village since 1962, while it was observing the commemoration of the ‘Indo-Naga Ceasefire Day of 1964’ with the Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC).

FGN termed the act of burning down of its ‘Happy Camp’ in Ketsapo as “shameful” and “nothing less than a barbaric challenge to peace and reconciliation movement of Naga national political groups”.

Stating that “the seemingly friends of the hill people became monster to the Nagas once again”, FGN also said the 7 AR who were supposed to be guardian of law and order instead “turned out to be the fountain head of emitting hatred and animosity among the people loving Nagas.”

FGN demanded to know from the 7AR as to the reason for burning down its ‘Happy Camp’.Also it also demanded to know from the district administration as to what it did when its camp was being burned down and whether it chooses to remain mute to such actions?

Further, FGN claimed that the perpetrators(7 AR) stated they were only following orders of the “high command”.FGN demanded to know whether the “high command” referred to by the AR was the state government? FGN said the charge was serious since the paramilitary force is supposedly under the control of the state government.

Burmese offensive in NSCN(K) area (NPN)
Heavily armed Myanmarese troops, numbering around 300 to 400, reportedly moved inside NSCN (K) base area, where the outfit’s council headquarters is located. According to NSCN (K) spokesperson P.Tikhak, the Burmese army has been located to the south and south east of its camp.

He said adequate measures to prevent advancement of Burmese army have been taken but disclosed that chairman S.S. Khaplang was safe and was under a “well and highly protective group.” Claiming that its joint protection group, patrolling the area, came under attack from Myanmar Army September 8 noon, the NSCK (K) spokesperson, however, said there was no loss of life. “We got a wind of the heavy mobilization of the Myanmar army about months back in their divisional headquarter in Khamfi, Namjung and Mytkhina,” said Tikhak.

He further said the advancement of Burmese army was not a surprise since the NSCN (K) was apprehensive of “this kind of attack” ever since government of India started supplying arms in return for a crackdown on NSCN (K) and other insurgent outfits in eastern Nagaland. “Given the nature of the military build up in the area accompanied by the approaching dry days the war is likely going to stretch over a period of time,” Tikhak said.

He said their past experiences have helped them from taking “all necessary precaution which was taken well in advance.” Stating that NSCN (K) leadership was not happy with government of India interfering in eastern Nagaland, the spokesperson said if they (GoI) continued with “this kind of gimmick” then the outfit would be left with no choice but to open and explore all diplomatic channels available at hand.

‘Open letter to the Collective Leadership, NSCN/GPRN’ GBUPD Morungexpress
Your Excellency,
With utmost respect to your highest authority, we have the honour to write this sincere letter in regard to the press statement made by R Kiusangthong Tatar and Care Taker Saramati Region of NSCN/GPRN that appeared in Nagaland Post on 4th Sept. 2011 under the caption, ‘NSCN/GPRN on Yimchunger-Tikhir issue’.
It is pertinent to mention that when Naga society has arrived at a certain point of time where the top leaders of all Naga underground factions under the initiatives of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) are tirelessly striving to come under common umbrella and when Yimchungrü as a major Naga tribe is extending fullest support in bringing long and tangible Naga political solution, the press statement issued by R Kiusangthong Tatar and Care Taker Saramati Region of NSCN/GPRN has vehemently hurt the sentiments of the people of Yimchungrü tribe as he had intended to further divide the Yimchungrü family taking the honoured name of the NSCN/GPRN.
Hence, the undersigned on behalf of the public of Pungro area in particular and Yimchungrü in general are constrained to clarify the statement of R Kiusangthong Tatar and Care Taker Saramati Region of NSCN/GPRN who fabricated and misconstrued the joint statement of Kiusumew President Public Forum of Pungro Sub-Division (PFPD), and Musumong President, GB’s Union of Pungro Sub-Division (GBUPD) as ‘Blank Support’.
That, the joint statement of PFPD and GBUPD that published recently in the local dailies was made based on the people’s mandate of the entire Pungro Area relying on the undeniable facts and realities which any responsible underground faction should rather appreciate and uphold the sanctity of its statement. On the contrary, the statement itself in reality was selfish and divisive in nature.
That whereas, the appeal made by R Kiusangthong Tatar of NSCN/GPRN to all organization under its jurisdiction as claimed to refrain from issuing press statement on Yimchungrü-Tikhir issue is ‘mockery’ as the current issue is purely a domestic matter and has nothing to do with any Naga Underground factions. It is therefore, made known to all that every NGO from the grass root level under Pungro area by virtue of its identity are under the shadow of Yimchungrü Tribal Council (YTC) which no any force can deter. And it is also clear and visible that all the villages within Pungro Sub-Division are Yimchungrü in origin under the same ‘sky and sun’.
In the light of the above facts and circumstances, the undersigned in order to avoid any future complication between the NSCN/GPRN and Yimchungrüs and to maintain peace and harmony in the region, seeks your kind and just response through press media that whether;
1. R Kiusangthong Tatar and Care Taker Saramati Region of NSCN/GPRN was officially authorized/ assigned by the higher authority of the NSCN/GPRN to issue such provocative press statement who created social unrest in Yimchungru area and;
2. If not, then, befitting disciplinary action be initiated upon him for misusing the official power and tarnishing the brave national image of the NSCN/GPRN and for intentionally hurting the sentiments of the peace loving Yimchungrü citizens.
Last but not the least, when a “Journey of Common Hope” is on the verge of culmination, we cannot, but constrained to bring this provoked case before your competent authority anticipating your just and kind response, so that your seeds of peace and justice is sown in every nook and corner of Nagalim.
Long live, the Collective Leadership!

Signatories:
1. GB’s Union Pungro Sub-Division (GBUPD)
(a) (Musumong Yimchunger) President
(b) (Shahoto Yimchunger) General Secretary
(c) (Shophu Yimchunger) Jt. Secretary
2. Public Forum of Pungro Sub-Division (PFPD)
(a) Kiusumew Yimchunger) President
(b) (Pensokiu Yimchunger) Vice President
(c) (Kiremong Yimchunger) General secretary
3. Pungro Area College Students’ Union (PACSU)
(a) (Mosa Yimchunger) President
(b) (Rolland Yimchunger) Speaker
(c) (Luntsuba Yimchunger) Dy. Speaker

FGN, NPC observe 1964 ceasefire day Correspondent, CHEDEMA/KOHIMA, (NPN)




Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) along with the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) observed the 48th “Indo-Naga Ceasefire Day” at Chedema Peace Camp Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Naga National Council (NNC) secretary L. Kaiso described September 6 as a “memorable day” in Nagaland. He also lauded the efforts of all those who worked tirelessly to bring cease fire on the day in 1964, to restore peace and normalcy in Nagaland including the peace committee of the NBCC.
Kaiso pointed out that the government of India had unilaterally abrogated the cease fire in August 1972 thus violating its own commitment.

He said despite the subsequent events, the FGN continued to uphold the 1964 cease fire so that Nagas could work together and become strong. On the occasion, he paid tributes to the members of the Peace Mission such as- Jayaprakash Narayan, Reverend Michael Scott and Bimala Prasad Chaliha- along with church leaders for their tireless efforts in bringing about the cease fire between the government of India and the FGN despite heavy military troop movements.

He flayed attempts of a few “anti -Naga elements and enemy agents” to annul peaceful atmosphere in some regions of Nagaland and added that the attitude and intents of such people should not be encouraged in “any form or shape”.

Kaiso also appealed to church leaders and every Naga in general to pursue peace and safeguard the “Naga nation” as enumerated by the NNC from days of former NNC president late A.Z. Phizo even before India attained its Independence.

He also affirmed that the NNC would continue to uphold the “Naga national right” and strive to free the “Naga nation” through non-violence from occupation by India.
In his speech, Rev. Dr. V.K. Nuh paid tributes to Nagas who laid down their lives for the nation and called upon people to remain grateful to those who were instrumental for the historic day, when cease fire was signed.

The programme was chaired by NBCC finance secretary Rev. R.P. Murry while songs were presented by Konyak Baptist Church Kohima and Khiamniungan Baptist Church Kohima.

Peace Day observed at NPC Kohima
Meanwhile, a thanksgiving service in commemoration of the 47th Peace Day was observed at the Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) office, Kohima on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Nagaland Peace Centre Kohima chairman N. Theyo exhorted the gathering to give thanks to God for showering His goodness and mercy on Nagas and Indians and reminded that the day was a ‘historic event’ that brought peace in Nagaland in 1964

He expressed appreciation on “Indian leaders” who took keen interest to solve the Naga political problem from a military to a political engagement. Theyo also urged Nagas to remember with gratitude, leaders of NBCC like Rev. Longri Ao, late Kenneth Kerhuo and many others who initiated peace efforts in Nagaland Baptist Convention held at Wokha in 1964.

He also pointed out that after ten years of violence and bloodshed, loss of precious lives and destruction of property, the ceasefire came into being on September 6, 1964.
Appreciating the truce with Naga factions, he said considerable progress was witnessed towards realizing the ideals of peace with the ceasefire between the government of India and NSCN (I-M) on August 1, 1997 and with the NSCN (K) on April 2, 2001.

Theyo also recalled the suffering of the Nagas during army operations against the FGN in Nagaland and how the latter had to seek political and military assistance from Pakistan and China.

During the march through the international borders, Theyo said the Nagas passed through many “obstacles and hardship” experiencing death, casualties, sickness, starvation, facing wild and dangerous animals in the forest etc. Theyo also lamented that at home, the Naga army was betrayed by the signing of the of the infamous Shillong Accord which heralded splits.

On behalf of the NPC, Theyo appreciated and welcomed the Naga reconciliation initiated by Forum for Naga Reconcialiation (FNR) led by Dr. Rev. Wati Aier, through which six Naga leaders agreed to form one government.

Calling upon all to work towards strengthening force of peace and to pray for ultimate solution, Theyo pointed out that peace could not be imposed upon the will of the people nor could it exist without the removal of eco-political oppression.

Earlier, thanksgiving prayer was proposed by Chakhesang Baptist Church Kitsubozou associate pastor Vezopa Rhakho, while a two-minute silence was observed in remembrance of former NPC member late P. Inaho. Responsive reading was led by Lhusi Haralu. Discussion on present political situation was also held as part of the programme. Among other dignitaries, NPC members from different districts of Nagaland, church leaders and social workers also attended the programme.

'Work for strengthening political forces for peace' Our Correspondent Morungexpress
Kohima: The Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) appealed to everyone to work for strengthening political forces for peace and pray for final political settlement of Naga political issue.
“Peace is understood not just in military terms but a phenomenon encompassing economic development, social- political justice, democratization and respect for human rights,” NPC chairman N. Theyo said in his address at the thanksgiving service in commemoration with the Peace Day held today at NPC office.
He said that these pillars of peace are interrelated and mutually reinforce, he said adding that peace cannot be imposed upon the will of the people nor can peace exist without the removal of eco-political oppression.
Referring to the observance of 47th Peace Day, he said: “We deeply appreciate that it was political magnanimity and the intension of the Indian leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Deve Gowda, P.V. Narasimha Rao, AB Vajpayee and the present prime minister Manmohan Sigh and his government to effect an change from military measures against the Nagas and opt for political engagement in their attempt to find out political and peaceful solution to the Naga problem.”
He said the Indians in due process of peace talk recognizes the uniqueness of Naga history which in itself exhibit the desire for peaceful settlement and to prove it, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the prime minister of India declared that they are prepared to go extra mile to ensure political solution.
At home, Theyo said, it is noteworthy to mention here that Nagas should remember the leaders of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council like Rev.Longri Ao and late Kenneth Kerhuo and many others who initiated peace efforts in Nagaland Baptist Convention which was held at Wokha from January 31 to February 2, 1964. After 10 years of violence and bloodshed, loss of precious lives and destruction of property, ceasefire came into being on September 6, 1964.
“In the recent years we have seen a considerable progress towards realizing the ideals of peace with the ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) on Ist August 1997 and with the NSCN (K) on 2nd April 2001,” he said.
Theyo said that people have seen and suffered the army of India’s cruelty against Nagas in operation against the Federal Army of Nagaland who were compelled to undertake political and military journey to Pakistan and China who are the rival countries of India. They fought for the cause of Nagaland and the people who love for freedom. They want independent Nagaland and they are determined to achieve their goal even with the support of the foreign countries.
“This thinking and militaristic activities was spearheaded by the Naga militant nationalists like Gen. Mowu Angami, C-in-C of Naga Federal Army of Nagaland General Thinoselie Keyho, Th. Muivajh. General Secretary of NNC and Issac Chishi Swu, foreign secretary & vice president NCC Thepushu, Brig. Vedai Moire. They expected to get both political and military assistance from China to work for Naga independence to raise high standard of living for the masses and their prosperity. But ill luck would have it. They were badly betrayed at home by signing the infamous Shillong Accord by the Federal Government of Nagaland following the split into factions. They make selfless sacrifice for Naga cause by realizing what peace can achieve can never be achieved by war & violence and we remember them,” Theyo said.
Theyo said the Nagaland Peace Centre, firmly believed Naga reconciliation initiated by dedicated Naga leaders working to unite Naga political groups to find out political solution of Naga problem.
“We the Nagaland Peace Centre warmly congratulated the Forum of Naga Reconciliation led by Dr. Rev. Wati Aier. We appreciate FNR’s role as peace making body which was also encouraged and supported by 120 nations body of the Baptist World Alliance at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia July 4—9, 2011,” Theyo said.

The 48th Indo-Naga cease-fire day at Chedema Peace Camp L. Kaiso Morung
Rev. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
By the grace and constant sustenance of the Almighty God we could come together again on 6th September, 2011 on the occasion of this Commemoration-cum-Thanksgiving Service of the 48th Indo-Naga Cease Fire Day at this historic Chedema Peace Camp, Chedema.
Indeed we always keep in mind the beginning of peace works and express our gratitude to Peace Committee of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council(NBCC) for all that they have done in the past and even today. I thank you for giving me this opportunity to give a short talk on behalf of Naga National Council(NNC) and Federal Government of Nagaland(FGN). My humble and respectful greetings to you all.
Most remarkably, in the third Nagaland Baptist Convention of the three day Session at Wokha from 31st January to 2nd February, 1964 well attended by representatives from different Associations of Nagaland had unanimously passed a resolution to set up a Peace Mission with an eye to find out ways and means in order to restore peace and normalcy as well as a peaceful solution of a decade old Indo-Naga conflict. Following the historic resolution, a Nagaland Peace Mission was set up with the followings as members;
1) Late Jayaprakash Narayan, a Sarvodaya leader,
2) Late Reverend Michael Scott; a British citizen and
3) Late Bimala Prasad Chaliha, the then Chief Minister of Assam .
Concerned church leaders of Nagaland could insistently persuaded leaders of the Government of India and arranged to relax the Indian Army operation for 8 days in 4 villages. Accordingly, the church leaders along with Rev. Michael Scott walked and walked in jungle path rain or sunshine and reached Zeliangrong Region and met the Kedahge of the Federal Government of Nagaland and his colleagues at Tamphom village. Where they together discussed ways and means to bring about Indo-Naga Cease-fire. As a consequence, the Federal leaders verbally gave green signal to have Cease-fire.
Tirelessly they shouldered it for five months in conducting the negotiations to actualise the Cessation of Hostilities on the 6th September, 1964. But eventfully the major step that was taken was people in great number gathered together at Sakraba in Chakhesang Region on 24th May, 1964 where the Naga Federal leaders, the church leaders and Peace Mission Members were present. The public had witnessed the meeting held for the peace and normalcy in Nagaland. This was a memorable day in Nagaland.
Rightfully, the Dawn of Peace had been kindled in Naga country by the Nagaland Peace Mission instituted by Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) in 1964 at Sakraba, Chakhesang Region.
Indeed, Indo-Naga Cease-Fire Day is a historic event, where the members of Nagaland Peace Mission and dedicated Church leaders had brought about through heavy Indian Military troop movements between the Govt. of India and the Federal Government of Nagaland, after long toiled or sweat and involving high security. They had well done. We very much thank them of their achievement for peace and normalcy in Nagaland. The gun-battle came to a halt after a decade or so of the Indo-Naga conflict. There was a relieve of Indian Armed Forces brutality, and tears from every eye of mourning mothers, sisters, children, etc. were wiped away. And families were united and normal occupation resumed. And thus the peace makers are blessed.
And as a result of the Indo-Naga Cease-Fire the representatives of the two governments, India and Nagaland had peace talks on September 23, 1964 first at Chedema Peace Hall, Chedema village, Angami Region. Thus peace talks continued at Khensa Peace Hall, Khensa village, Ao Region and Chedema Peace Hall. After several rounds of peace talks in Nagaland, the Peace talks were raised to Prime Ministerial level; late Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India and Naga delegates led by Ato Kilonser, late Gughato Sukhai in New Delhi. In the 6th round of Peace Talks in Delhi the two Prime Ministers, India and Nagaland happened to come to a deadlock in October, 1967.
Following the deadlock of peace talks in New Delhi peaceful atmosphere became uneasy mostly in places where church leaders and public leaders are not strong and thereby situation became very uncertain in many parts of Nagaland like Shepoumaramth, Zeliangrong, Sumi etc.
Later the Govt. of India unilaterally abrogated the Indo-Naga Cease-fire in August, 1972 in violation of its own commitment. Whatever may be the situation in Nagaland the Federal Government of Nagaland reasonably continues to uphold the Indo-Naga Cease-fire of 1964 till date so that our people feel strong to work hand in hand.
Instead of stepping up to strengthen peace and normalcy it seems that a few anti-Naga elements and enemy agents attempt again and again to annul peaceful atmosphere in some Regions of Nagaland. And such kind of attitude or intent should not have been encouraged in any form/shape; rather we should encourage each other to hold ourselves together and sweat together for our people where true peace and normalcy be maintained in close co-operation and understanding with concerned young and old clergymen of Mission Field in Nagaland.
Even today and in the days to come it shall be remembered that, at that point of time all walks of life of the Nagas toiled and sweated together for peace works led by God fearing and courageous church leaders to safeguard the Naga lives and nation. On this historic occasion, I appeal to the churches and its leaders and every Naga in general to pursue peace and safeguard the Naga nation; as enumerated by the Naga National Council (NNC) from the days of the former NNC President, A.Z. Phizo even before India attained its independence. To this day, and in the days to come NNC shall uphold the Naga national right and ceaselessly work to free the Naga nation from Indian occupation through non-violence.
“Blessed are the Peacemakers”.

Urra Uvie

L. Kaiso Secretary Naga National Council, Nagaland.
INDIA: Arbitrary detention, torture and enforced disappearance in Nagaland
ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION – URGENT APPEALS PROGRAMME

Urgent Appeal Case: AHRC-UAC-153-2011

INDIA: Arbitrary detention, torture and enforced disappearance in Nagaland

ISSUES: Illegal arrest; enforced disappearance; militarisation; impunity

Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information from Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) concerning the case of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance of a person from the indigenous community in Imphal, Manipur. It is reported that on 18 August at about 7.00 pm, some persons from the Assam Rifles and the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isaac Muivah (NSCN-IM) picked up the victim, a person from the indigenous community of Manipur state and since then he is reported missing.

The victim, Mr Gurumayum Jiteshwor alias G.M. Changjou alias Gypsy, aged about 49 years, son of Mr Gurumayum Goshai Sharma, is from Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak, in Imphal, Manipur state. When the victim was abducted he was at Dimapur, a city in neighbouring Nagaland state. The family had lodged complaints regarding the missing of the victim. Yet the police have reportedly taken no affirmative action to trace the person. It is suspected that the Assam Rifles and the NSCN-IM is responsible for the disappearance of the victim.

CASE NARRATIVE:

It is reported that officers from the Assam Rifles, an Indian Paramilitary Unit and persons associated with the NSCN-IM abducted the victim on 18 August at about 7.00 pm from his residence located at Duncan Basti in Dimapur. Dimapur is a city in Nagaland state. At the time of arrest, the victim was not informed why he was taken into custody, or where he will be taken. Neither were any relatives of the victim informed about the arrest.

Since then the family does not know the whereabouts of the victim. It is reported that the family was also not informed whether the victim would be produced in a court as required by the law or handed over to the civilian police within the time prescribed in law. The NSCN is a political entity operating in the Northeastern states of India, in particular, Manipur and Nagaland. They do not have any legal mandate to maintain law and order. NSCN is a political outfit, formerly fighting against the government, and now after negotiations with the government, reported to be working with the state security agencies.

It is reported that two Manipuri speaking unidentified persons in civilian clothes came into the residence of the victim at Dimapur. After a brief conversation, the two persons forced the victim, Gurumayum to go along with them. Soon an altercation erupted between the victim and his two visitors. It is reported that the two persons assaulted the victim. It is also reported that one of the persons tried holding a pistol at the victim's back to threaten and subdue him. Other persons, who were waiting outside the house, also in civilian cloths, joined them. When the victim was dragged away officers from the Assam Rifles in uniform joined them.

The family of the victim alleges that those who came inside the house also took away valuables from the house, including gold ornaments, for which no seizure memo was prepared. It is reported that neither the victim nor his family members were informed why the victim was taken into custody and where he is taken to at the time of arrest. On the next day morning at about 10.05 am the victim has reportedly sent a text message through his mobile telephone informing his family that the persons who took him into custody were from the Assam Rifles and the NSCM-IM. There was a subsequent message by around 3.05 pm on the same day from the mobile telephone of the victim. But the sending and receiving of the text messages need to be further verified since it is not certain who have sent the message. When the family later tried to reach the victim over his mobile telephone, the phone was switched off. Since then they had no further contact with the victim.

On 20 August, Ms Gurumayum Radha Devi, the victim's mother filed a missing person's complaint at the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) in Manipur state. The complaint reportedly narrates the circumstances in which the victim was taken into custody and about the text messages. The complaint sought the state government of Manipur to help in the case of her missing son, who was taken into custody by the Assam Rifles, the day before in neighbouring Nagaland. It is reported that the neither the police nor the state government have taken any credible or prompt actions upon the complaint. A subsequent complaint was also filed at Dimapur West Police Station, Nagaland. None of these complaints are reportedly registered as cases either at Manipur or at Nagaland.

Since then, the authorities in Nagaland and Manipur have not responded to the alleged enforced disappearance of Mr. Gurumayum. So far the family of the victim has received no further information concerning the victim.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 is one of the worst laws in Indian history. This Act grants extra ordinary powers to the armed forces stationed in places declared as 'disturbed area' by the government. It is widely argued that since the implementation of this law in states like Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, Thripura and Jammu and Kashmir, the number of cases of disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and other forms of human rights abuses including but not limited to torture and rape have increased. At the moment, the law is operative in large areas in Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir states. After the enactment of this act the cases of arbitrary killings, torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and enforced disappearance has been increased. But most of these cases go unreported. The government dies not follow-up those cases that get reported. This has created a climate of fear and impunity in the areas where the Act is implemented.

The National Human Rights Commission, Supreme Court of India and Commissions appointed by the Government of India, all have reiterated this fact and expressed shock and discontentment in the manner in which state institutions like the police, the military and paramilitary units stationed in Manipur and Jammu Kashmir undertake their operational mandate. The government of India and the state administrations of Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir have been directed to enforce discipline within the state police, military and paramilitary units stationed in these two states as an essential precondition for any dialogue for sustainable peace. But unfortunately, neither the state nor the centre bothered to do anything to prevent the violence committed by the law enforcement agencies in these states.

An analysis of the Act by the ALRC, Redress and Human Rights Alert titled "Sanctioning Repression in Violation of India's Human Rights Obligations : The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in Manipur and Other States of Northeast of India" speaks about the incompatibility of this draconian law with human rights standards.

SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please write to the authorities listed below asking for their urgent intervention in this case. The AHRC will also write to the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances for an intervention in the case.

Working paper of Naga Political Solution : An Obligatory Minimalist Proposal? Z. K. Pahrii Pou Morungexpress
The Naga National movement, regarded as ‘the mother of all insurgents’ in north-east India and one of the oldest unresolved armed conflicts in the world, is inching towards solution if we are to believe the news items published in media. It is a fact that the Naga Movement did not remain in isolation (as Naga issue) but is looked upon worldwide with keen interest by many indigenous people’s groups fighting for their rights as guiding light towards achieving their aspiration too. Hence, the wisdom of Naga leaders will be judged not only by Naga people alone but also by all the indigenous people of the world. After more than 60 rounds of talks in secrecy, today we have a glimpse of what was discussed for more than 10 years of ceasefire. Despite the struggle for sovereignty for more than 60 years, the 33 points as mention in “The Working Paper on Political Solution” of the Naga people emerges to be a ‘minimalist proposal” - but that falls within the ‘expected framework’ imposed by various prevailing factors. Disunity among the Naga National workers (NNWs) is one main factor that results to adopting minimalist proposal where bargaining power was reduced to the strength of one faction/group (in spite of the claim of the group that they have the mandate of Naga people). The other reason is the widening gap between Naga freedom fighters (NNWs) and people of grass-root level. No longer does the Movement receive massive support from the general public as it was once before. The fast changing global scenario and India’s emergence as super power country might have its own role in giving birth to such agenda as well.
More than ever before, Naga leaders and thinkers must speak out and share their opinion on the issue. If we keep silent now, it may take another 10 or 20 years to bring solution - where there will be more violence and bloodshed. If we examine seriously the present situation, it is doubtful that there will ever be unification among the various Naga underground groups. While acknowledging the enormous contribution of and sacrifices made by all NNWs towards the cause of the Nagas, the NNWs also need to ponder in depth on the prospect of achieving the desired goal in totality in the midst of disunity, lack of public support and fast changing global scenario. There is limit for everything. There is time for everything. Personally, I feel it is right time for the Nagas to settle for any type of ‘Solution’ within India for a moment- and then give space for evolving a strong civil society (such as Naga Hoho-the apex civil organization of the Nagas) and hand over the responsibility of pursuing the Naga cause further. All NNWs can come overground and become part of this civil society and continue to strive for Nagas’ rights. This is the only feasible platform for different Naga underground groups and the whole Nagas to come together under one umbrella. Then the voice of the Nagas can be aired in unison through Naga Hoho. NNWs needs to weigh and see whether insurgent method or democratic form of protest leading by civil organization through garnering public support is the better way to pursue and assert one’s right in today’s world.
The immediate need of the hour is to start identifying clearly all the Naga-inhabited areas of the neighbouring states of Nagaland and brought under the Sixth Schedule and form district autonomous councils or regional councils in which the Naga Hoho would have a say in their running. The emerging structures could then negotiate their linkages with the present state of Nagaland (such as extension of article 371 (A) to all Naga inhabited areas). This will consolidate the identity of the Naga people presently outside Nagaland. The Naga Hoho can then introduce the common form of administration in all Naga inhabited areas by establishing indigenous forms of governance. Territorial integrity would thus be preserved but the Naga communities would be united emotionally and would be self-governing within the existing states. Peace and social security can thus be achieved. Economy and natural resources can be protected and enhanced. Nagas will be politically empowered to a great extent. Cultural identity and uniqueness of Naga history can be maintained. From this perspective, the present ‘working paper on political solution’ of NSCN and GOI, although emerge to be a ‘minimalist proposal,’ needs deeper analysis by general public, accept and appreciate for bringing such workable arrangement (solution) for the Nagas. Last but not the least, we need to remind ourselves again that the present form of proposed arrangement (33 points) cannot be considered as an ‘end’ of freedom movement but a new ‘beginning’ that would give birth to a new direction (shifting of responsibility from undergroup groups to civil society) to pursue and achieve the right of self-determination of the Nagas.

NB: It must be noted that the NSCN (IM) had denied the 33 points as genuine but the author of this article feels rewarding to think of the Naga Solution from that perspective and published here his view.

Contact the writer at zkpahr@gmail.com">zkpahr@gmail.com




Frans on 09.12.11 @ 12:17 PM CST [link]


Friday, September 9th

NSCN (I-M) urge groups to tackle crimes Nagaland Post NPN)



NSCN (I-M) urge groups to tackle crimes Nagaland Post | NPN)

Dimapur,Maintaining that anti-social elements that loomed large in Dimapur was a matter of “serious concern”, the NSCN (I-M) Tuesday said the fact that disruptive elements were “making their hey days” in Nagaland’s commercial hub to make “easy money” and commit all sorts of crime could not be set aside without doing some serious crackdown “lest the very gain made in the political level is driven to the point of hard earn peace lost in the hands of criminals.”

A statement released by MIP said with three political groups coming together to “make a meaning of Naga political struggle to jointly defend the historical and political rights of the Nagas. The NSCN (I-M) said it was time the three groups also come together in a coordinated manner and “run down on these social evils with a heavy hands.”
NSCN(IM) asks Naga groups to curb anti-socials TNN
DIMAPUR: There has been a spurt in anti-social activities, especially kidnappings and intimidation of the business community, in Dimapur over the past few days. The NSCN(IM) on Wednesday termed these incidents as a "matter of serious concern".
The NSCN(IM) said the three Naga political groups, which have come together to defend the historical and political rights of the Nagas, should also come together in a coordinated manner to curb these anti-social activities with a heavy hand.
A press note from the outfit stated that every conceivable means should be explored with the active support of the public to rein in these criminals, who have gone too far. It added that "the designated agency of each group dealing in crime should show up in action to shoulder greater responsibility in controlling crimes, particularly in Dimapur."
At Last, Naga Rebels Talk In One Voice Tehelkan
Underground groups agree to form a single government and work for a common future. But there are hurdles, says Avalok Langer


Common ground Rebel leaders pose with the Naga flag after the peace talks

Seated in a green chair, a young Naga rebel explained his life’s calling in between sips of tea, “My grandfather and father were both Naga national workers. If needed, my son will also join the movement. But I do what I do so that a solution comes in my lifetime and my son will have a better life. The next generation should inherit the Nagaland of our dreams. That is why we fight.” In the uncertainty of conflict, hope is what fuels an army.


Held in the last week of August, the top-level meeting of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation brought together Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Swu of the NSCN(IM)







However, what was once a people’s movement in the early stages, the Naga political struggle has lost its way. Internal splits have created seven underground governments claiming legitimacy and collecting ‘tax’, internal conflicts have led to bloody fratricidal wars and the talks seemed to be going nowhere. Frustrated Nagas wanted change and now there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
\In what is being seen as a watershed moment, Naga underground groups have agreed to form a single government. Held in the last week of August, the top-level meeting of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation brought together Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Swu of the NSCN(IM), Gen Khole and Kitovi Zhimomi of the NSCN(KK) and Brig. Singnya and Zhopra Vero of the NNC/FGN.
“The groups have reconciled their differences and agreed to look towards a common future,” explains an observer. “They felt that multiple Naga governments collecting multiple taxes was adversely affecting the Naga people. The need of the hour was political unity, so they agreed to one government, one tax and one army for the Nagas.” For the time being, the collective government will be known as the Naga National Government (NNG).
The decision to form a single government with a single tax has given Nagas new hope, which was reflected in a recent weekly poll conducted by the Morung Express. Eighty-two percent voted in favour of the decision.
However, there is still a lot of work to be done. Though a high- level commission comprising members from each group will work towards the formation of the NNG, questions about integration and sovereignty remain. While many groups still stand by sovereignty, Muivah’s recent stand has been that “no country is sovereign in the real sense of the word. It is the age of inter-dependence”.
As for the integration of all Naga-dominated areas, the Centre has maintained that “all concerned states will be consulted”. Underground sources suggest that, “We will have to adopt a phase- wise solution and this is Phase 1.”
In a closed-door meeting, all leaders agreed that sovereignty and integration of all Nagas is their ultimate desire. That could be why the statement issue reads that any “interim arrangement will be outside the purview of the Indian Constitution” and not “solution”. Multiple sources suggest that the talks between the Centre and NSCN (IM) are working towards a “Constitution within a Constitution” as a possible solution. While a solution with the Centre is slated to come by 2011-end or early next year, there is a theory that the 2013 Assembly polls will not be held and the collective government, which is to be formed, will come to power.
Meanwhile, Myanmar-based leader SS Khaplang has withdrawn from the reconciliation process and boycotted the NNG. Senior NSCN(K) official Wangdin Naga says that he has told the Centre that, “a solution without Khaplang is only a comma, not a full stop. You need to involve Khaplang for a lasting solution”.
Though the decision to form a single government has revived hope, it remains to be seen if the groups can work out their differences. Nagas can rejoice in the historic step taken by their leaders and continue to hope that one day peace and normalcy will return to the Naga hills.
AR renders FGN ‘Happy Camp ’ to ‘Unhappy Camp’ DIMAPUR(NPN)
NNC/FGN,one of the signatories of the Covenant of Reconciliation (CoR) and also party to the High Level Commission constituted to pursue the formation of ‘one Naga National Government’ has hit out at the 7 Assam Rifles for unprovoked action on September 6 by burning down its ‘Happy Camp’ at Ketsapo village.

FGN ministry of rali wali slammed the ‘friends of the hill people’ the 7 Assam Rifles for targeting its Happy Camp established in Ketsapo village since 1962, while it was observing the commemoration of the ‘Indo-Naga Ceasefire Day of 1964’ with the Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC).

FGN termed the act of burning down of its ‘Happy Camp’ in Ketsapo as “shameful” and “nothing less than a barbaric challenge to peace and reconciliation movement of Naga national political groups”.

Stating that “the seemingly friends of the hill people became monster to the Nagas once again”, FGN also said the 7 AR who were supposed to be guardian of law and order instead “turned out to be the fountain head of emitting hatred and animosity among the people loving Nagas.”

FGN demanded to know from the 7AR as to the reason for burning down its ‘Happy Camp’.Also it also demanded to know from the district administration as to what it did when its camp was being burned down and whether it chooses to remain mute to such actions?

Further, FGN claimed that the perpetrators(7 AR) stated they were only following orders of the “high command”.FGN demanded to know whether the “high command” referred to by the AR was the state government? FGN said the charge was serious since the paramilitary force is supposedly under the control of the state government.

Burmese offensive in NSCN(K) area (NPN)
Heavily armed Myanmarese troops, numbering around 300 to 400, reportedly moved inside NSCN (K) base area, where the outfit’s council headquarters is located. According to NSCN (K) spokesperson P.Tikhak, the Burmese army has been located to the south and south east of its camp.

He said adequate measures to prevent advancement of Burmese army have been taken but disclosed that chairman S.S. Khaplang was safe and was under a “well and highly protective group.” Claiming that its joint protection group, patrolling the area, came under attack from Myanmar Army September 8 noon, the NSCK (K) spokesperson, however, said there was no loss of life. “We got a wind of the heavy mobilization of the Myanmar army about months back in their divisional headquarter in Khamfi, Namjung and Mytkhina,” said Tikhak.

He further said the advancement of Burmese army was not a surprise since the NSCN (K) was apprehensive of “this kind of attack” ever since government of India started supplying arms in return for a crackdown on NSCN (K) and other insurgent outfits in eastern Nagaland. “Given the nature of the military build up in the area accompanied by the approaching dry days the war is likely going to stretch over a period of time,” Tikhak said.

He said their past experiences have helped them from taking “all necessary precaution which was taken well in advance.” Stating that NSCN (K) leadership was not happy with government of India interfering in eastern Nagaland, the spokesperson said if they (GoI) continued with “this kind of gimmick” then the outfit would be left with no choice but to open and explore all diplomatic channels available at hand.

‘Open letter to the Collective Leadership, NSCN/GPRN’ GBUPD Morungexpress
Your Excellency,
With utmost respect to your highest authority, we have the honour to write this sincere letter in regard to the press statement made by R Kiusangthong Tatar and Care Taker Saramati Region of NSCN/GPRN that appeared in Nagaland Post on 4th Sept. 2011 under the caption, ‘NSCN/GPRN on Yimchunger-Tikhir issue’.
It is pertinent to mention that when Naga society has arrived at a certain point of time where the top leaders of all Naga underground factions under the initiatives of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) are tirelessly striving to come under common umbrella and when Yimchungrü as a major Naga tribe is extending fullest support in bringing long and tangible Naga political solution, the press statement issued by R Kiusangthong Tatar and Care Taker Saramati Region of NSCN/GPRN has vehemently hurt the sentiments of the people of Yimchungrü tribe as he had intended to further divide the Yimchungrü family taking the honoured name of the NSCN/GPRN.
Hence, the undersigned on behalf of the public of Pungro area in particular and Yimchungrü in general are constrained to clarify the statement of R Kiusangthong Tatar and Care Taker Saramati Region of NSCN/GPRN who fabricated and misconstrued the joint statement of Kiusumew President Public Forum of Pungro Sub-Division (PFPD), and Musumong President, GB’s Union of Pungro Sub-Division (GBUPD) as ‘Blank Support’.
That, the joint statement of PFPD and GBUPD that published recently in the local dailies was made based on the people’s mandate of the entire Pungro Area relying on the undeniable facts and realities which any responsible underground faction should rather appreciate and uphold the sanctity of its statement. On the contrary, the statement itself in reality was selfish and divisive in nature.
That whereas, the appeal made by R Kiusangthong Tatar of NSCN/GPRN to all organization under its jurisdiction as claimed to refrain from issuing press statement on Yimchungrü-Tikhir issue is ‘mockery’ as the current issue is purely a domestic matter and has nothing to do with any Naga Underground factions. It is therefore, made known to all that every NGO from the grass root level under Pungro area by virtue of its identity are under the shadow of Yimchungrü Tribal Council (YTC) which no any force can deter. And it is also clear and visible that all the villages within Pungro Sub-Division are Yimchungrü in origin under the same ‘sky and sun’.
In the light of the above facts and circumstances, the undersigned in order to avoid any future complication between the NSCN/GPRN and Yimchungrüs and to maintain peace and harmony in the region, seeks your kind and just response through press media that whether;
1. R Kiusangthong Tatar and Care Taker Saramati Region of NSCN/GPRN was officially authorized/ assigned by the higher authority of the NSCN/GPRN to issue such provocative press statement who created social unrest in Yimchungru area and;
2. If not, then, befitting disciplinary action be initiated upon him for misusing the official power and tarnishing the brave national image of the NSCN/GPRN and for intentionally hurting the sentiments of the peace loving Yimchungrü citizens.
Last but not the least, when a “Journey of Common Hope” is on the verge of culmination, we cannot, but constrained to bring this provoked case before your competent authority anticipating your just and kind response, so that your seeds of peace and justice is sown in every nook and corner of Nagalim.
Long live, the Collective Leadership!

Signatories:
1. GB’s Union Pungro Sub-Division (GBUPD)
(a) (Musumong Yimchunger) President
(b) (Shahoto Yimchunger) General Secretary
(c) (Shophu Yimchunger) Jt. Secretary
2. Public Forum of Pungro Sub-Division (PFPD)
(a) Kiusumew Yimchunger) President
(b) (Pensokiu Yimchunger) Vice President
(c) (Kiremong Yimchunger) General secretary
3. Pungro Area College Students’ Union (PACSU)
(a) (Mosa Yimchunger) President
(b) (Rolland Yimchunger) Speaker
(c) (Luntsuba Yimchunger) Dy. Speaker

FGN, NPC observe 1964 ceasefire day Correspondent, CHEDEMA/KOHIMA, (NPN)




Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) along with the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) observed the 48th “Indo-Naga Ceasefire Day” at Chedema Peace Camp Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Naga National Council (NNC) secretary L. Kaiso described September 6 as a “memorable day” in Nagaland. He also lauded the efforts of all those who worked tirelessly to bring cease fire on the day in 1964, to restore peace and normalcy in Nagaland including the peace committee of the NBCC.
Kaiso pointed out that the government of India had unilaterally abrogated the cease fire in August 1972 thus violating its own commitment.

He said despite the subsequent events, the FGN continued to uphold the 1964 cease fire so that Nagas could work together and become strong. On the occasion, he paid tributes to the members of the Peace Mission such as- Jayaprakash Narayan, Reverend Michael Scott and Bimala Prasad Chaliha- along with church leaders for their tireless efforts in bringing about the cease fire between the government of India and the FGN despite heavy military troop movements.

He flayed attempts of a few “anti -Naga elements and enemy agents” to annul peaceful atmosphere in some regions of Nagaland and added that the attitude and intents of such people should not be encouraged in “any form or shape”.

Kaiso also appealed to church leaders and every Naga in general to pursue peace and safeguard the “Naga nation” as enumerated by the NNC from days of former NNC president late A.Z. Phizo even before India attained its Independence.

He also affirmed that the NNC would continue to uphold the “Naga national right” and strive to free the “Naga nation” through non-violence from occupation by India.
In his speech, Rev. Dr. V.K. Nuh paid tributes to Nagas who laid down their lives for the nation and called upon people to remain grateful to those who were instrumental for the historic day, when cease fire was signed.

The programme was chaired by NBCC finance secretary Rev. R.P. Murry while songs were presented by Konyak Baptist Church Kohima and Khiamniungan Baptist Church Kohima.

Peace Day observed at NPC Kohima
Meanwhile, a thanksgiving service in commemoration of the 47th Peace Day was observed at the Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) office, Kohima on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Nagaland Peace Centre Kohima chairman N. Theyo exhorted the gathering to give thanks to God for showering His goodness and mercy on Nagas and Indians and reminded that the day was a ‘historic event’ that brought peace in Nagaland in 1964

He expressed appreciation on “Indian leaders” who took keen interest to solve the Naga political problem from a military to a political engagement. Theyo also urged Nagas to remember with gratitude, leaders of NBCC like Rev. Longri Ao, late Kenneth Kerhuo and many others who initiated peace efforts in Nagaland Baptist Convention held at Wokha in 1964.

He also pointed out that after ten years of violence and bloodshed, loss of precious lives and destruction of property, the ceasefire came into being on September 6, 1964.
Appreciating the truce with Naga factions, he said considerable progress was witnessed towards realizing the ideals of peace with the ceasefire between the government of India and NSCN (I-M) on August 1, 1997 and with the NSCN (K) on April 2, 2001.

Theyo also recalled the suffering of the Nagas during army operations against the FGN in Nagaland and how the latter had to seek political and military assistance from Pakistan and China.

During the march through the international borders, Theyo said the Nagas passed through many “obstacles and hardship” experiencing death, casualties, sickness, starvation, facing wild and dangerous animals in the forest etc. Theyo also lamented that at home, the Naga army was betrayed by the signing of the of the infamous Shillong Accord which heralded splits.

On behalf of the NPC, Theyo appreciated and welcomed the Naga reconciliation initiated by Forum for Naga Reconcialiation (FNR) led by Dr. Rev. Wati Aier, through which six Naga leaders agreed to form one government.

Calling upon all to work towards strengthening force of peace and to pray for ultimate solution, Theyo pointed out that peace could not be imposed upon the will of the people nor could it exist without the removal of eco-political oppression.

Earlier, thanksgiving prayer was proposed by Chakhesang Baptist Church Kitsubozou associate pastor Vezopa Rhakho, while a two-minute silence was observed in remembrance of former NPC member late P. Inaho. Responsive reading was led by Lhusi Haralu. Discussion on present political situation was also held as part of the programme. Among other dignitaries, NPC members from different districts of Nagaland, church leaders and social workers also attended the programme.

'Work for strengthening political forces for peace' Our Correspondent Morungexpress
Kohima: The Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) appealed to everyone to work for strengthening political forces for peace and pray for final political settlement of Naga political issue.
“Peace is understood not just in military terms but a phenomenon encompassing economic development, social- political justice, democratization and respect for human rights,” NPC chairman N. Theyo said in his address at the thanksgiving service in commemoration with the Peace Day held today at NPC office.
He said that these pillars of peace are interrelated and mutually reinforce, he said adding that peace cannot be imposed upon the will of the people nor can peace exist without the removal of eco-political oppression.
Referring to the observance of 47th Peace Day, he said: “We deeply appreciate that it was political magnanimity and the intension of the Indian leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Deve Gowda, P.V. Narasimha Rao, AB Vajpayee and the present prime minister Manmohan Sigh and his government to effect an change from military measures against the Nagas and opt for political engagement in their attempt to find out political and peaceful solution to the Naga problem.”
He said the Indians in due process of peace talk recognizes the uniqueness of Naga history which in itself exhibit the desire for peaceful settlement and to prove it, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the prime minister of India declared that they are prepared to go extra mile to ensure political solution.
At home, Theyo said, it is noteworthy to mention here that Nagas should remember the leaders of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council like Rev.Longri Ao and late Kenneth Kerhuo and many others who initiated peace efforts in Nagaland Baptist Convention which was held at Wokha from January 31 to February 2, 1964. After 10 years of violence and bloodshed, loss of precious lives and destruction of property, ceasefire came into being on September 6, 1964.
“In the recent years we have seen a considerable progress towards realizing the ideals of peace with the ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) on Ist August 1997 and with the NSCN (K) on 2nd April 2001,” he said.
Theyo said that people have seen and suffered the army of India’s cruelty against Nagas in operation against the Federal Army of Nagaland who were compelled to undertake political and military journey to Pakistan and China who are the rival countries of India. They fought for the cause of Nagaland and the people who love for freedom. They want independent Nagaland and they are determined to achieve their goal even with the support of the foreign countries.
“This thinking and militaristic activities was spearheaded by the Naga militant nationalists like Gen. Mowu Angami, C-in-C of Naga Federal Army of Nagaland General Thinoselie Keyho, Th. Muivajh. General Secretary of NNC and Issac Chishi Swu, foreign secretary & vice president NCC Thepushu, Brig. Vedai Moire. They expected to get both political and military assistance from China to work for Naga independence to raise high standard of living for the masses and their prosperity. But ill luck would have it. They were badly betrayed at home by signing the infamous Shillong Accord by the Federal Government of Nagaland following the split into factions. They make selfless sacrifice for Naga cause by realizing what peace can achieve can never be achieved by war & violence and we remember them,” Theyo said.
Theyo said the Nagaland Peace Centre, firmly believed Naga reconciliation initiated by dedicated Naga leaders working to unite Naga political groups to find out political solution of Naga problem.
“We the Nagaland Peace Centre warmly congratulated the Forum of Naga Reconciliation led by Dr. Rev. Wati Aier. We appreciate FNR’s role as peace making body which was also encouraged and supported by 120 nations body of the Baptist World Alliance at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia July 4—9, 2011,” Theyo said.

The 48th Indo-Naga cease-fire day at Chedema Peace Camp L. Kaiso Morung
Rev. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
By the grace and constant sustenance of the Almighty God we could come together again on 6th September, 2011 on the occasion of this Commemoration-cum-Thanksgiving Service of the 48th Indo-Naga Cease Fire Day at this historic Chedema Peace Camp, Chedema.
Indeed we always keep in mind the beginning of peace works and express our gratitude to Peace Committee of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council(NBCC) for all that they have done in the past and even today. I thank you for giving me this opportunity to give a short talk on behalf of Naga National Council(NNC) and Federal Government of Nagaland(FGN). My humble and respectful greetings to you all.
Most remarkably, in the third Nagaland Baptist Convention of the three day Session at Wokha from 31st January to 2nd February, 1964 well attended by representatives from different Associations of Nagaland had unanimously passed a resolution to set up a Peace Mission with an eye to find out ways and means in order to restore peace and normalcy as well as a peaceful solution of a decade old Indo-Naga conflict. Following the historic resolution, a Nagaland Peace Mission was set up with the followings as members;
1) Late Jayaprakash Narayan, a Sarvodaya leader,
2) Late Reverend Michael Scott; a British citizen and
3) Late Bimala Prasad Chaliha, the then Chief Minister of Assam .
Concerned church leaders of Nagaland could insistently persuaded leaders of the Government of India and arranged to relax the Indian Army operation for 8 days in 4 villages. Accordingly, the church leaders along with Rev. Michael Scott walked and walked in jungle path rain or sunshine and reached Zeliangrong Region and met the Kedahge of the Federal Government of Nagaland and his colleagues at Tamphom village. Where they together discussed ways and means to bring about Indo-Naga Cease-fire. As a consequence, the Federal leaders verbally gave green signal to have Cease-fire.
Tirelessly they shouldered it for five months in conducting the negotiations to actualise the Cessation of Hostilities on the 6th September, 1964. But eventfully the major step that was taken was people in great number gathered together at Sakraba in Chakhesang Region on 24th May, 1964 where the Naga Federal leaders, the church leaders and Peace Mission Members were present. The public had witnessed the meeting held for the peace and normalcy in Nagaland. This was a memorable day in Nagaland.
Rightfully, the Dawn of Peace had been kindled in Naga country by the Nagaland Peace Mission instituted by Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) in 1964 at Sakraba, Chakhesang Region.
Indeed, Indo-Naga Cease-Fire Day is a historic event, where the members of Nagaland Peace Mission and dedicated Church leaders had brought about through heavy Indian Military troop movements between the Govt. of India and the Federal Government of Nagaland, after long toiled or sweat and involving high security. They had well done. We very much thank them of their achievement for peace and normalcy in Nagaland. The gun-battle came to a halt after a decade or so of the Indo-Naga conflict. There was a relieve of Indian Armed Forces brutality, and tears from every eye of mourning mothers, sisters, children, etc. were wiped away. And families were united and normal occupation resumed. And thus the peace makers are blessed.
And as a result of the Indo-Naga Cease-Fire the representatives of the two governments, India and Nagaland had peace talks on September 23, 1964 first at Chedema Peace Hall, Chedema village, Angami Region. Thus peace talks continued at Khensa Peace Hall, Khensa village, Ao Region and Chedema Peace Hall. After several rounds of peace talks in Nagaland, the Peace talks were raised to Prime Ministerial level; late Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India and Naga delegates led by Ato Kilonser, late Gughato Sukhai in New Delhi. In the 6th round of Peace Talks in Delhi the two Prime Ministers, India and Nagaland happened to come to a deadlock in October, 1967.
Following the deadlock of peace talks in New Delhi peaceful atmosphere became uneasy mostly in places where church leaders and public leaders are not strong and thereby situation became very uncertain in many parts of Nagaland like Shepoumaramth, Zeliangrong, Sumi etc.
Later the Govt. of India unilaterally abrogated the Indo-Naga Cease-fire in August, 1972 in violation of its own commitment. Whatever may be the situation in Nagaland the Federal Government of Nagaland reasonably continues to uphold the Indo-Naga Cease-fire of 1964 till date so that our people feel strong to work hand in hand.
Instead of stepping up to strengthen peace and normalcy it seems that a few anti-Naga elements and enemy agents attempt again and again to annul peaceful atmosphere in some Regions of Nagaland. And such kind of attitude or intent should not have been encouraged in any form/shape; rather we should encourage each other to hold ourselves together and sweat together for our people where true peace and normalcy be maintained in close co-operation and understanding with concerned young and old clergymen of Mission Field in Nagaland.
Even today and in the days to come it shall be remembered that, at that point of time all walks of life of the Nagas toiled and sweated together for peace works led by God fearing and courageous church leaders to safeguard the Naga lives and nation. On this historic occasion, I appeal to the churches and its leaders and every Naga in general to pursue peace and safeguard the Naga nation; as enumerated by the Naga National Council (NNC) from the days of the former NNC President, A.Z. Phizo even before India attained its independence. To this day, and in the days to come NNC shall uphold the Naga national right and ceaselessly work to free the Naga nation from Indian occupation through non-violence.
“Blessed are the Peacemakers”.

Urra Uvie

L. Kaiso Secretary Naga National Council, Nagaland.
INDIA: Arbitrary detention, torture and enforced disappearance in Nagaland
ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION – URGENT APPEALS PROGRAMME

Urgent Appeal Case: AHRC-UAC-153-2011

INDIA: Arbitrary detention, torture and enforced disappearance in Nagaland

ISSUES: Illegal arrest; enforced disappearance; militarisation; impunity

Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information from Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) concerning the case of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance of a person from the indigenous community in Imphal, Manipur. It is reported that on 18 August at about 7.00 pm, some persons from the Assam Rifles and the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isaac Muivah (NSCN-IM) picked up the victim, a person from the indigenous community of Manipur state and since then he is reported missing.

The victim, Mr Gurumayum Jiteshwor alias G.M. Changjou alias Gypsy, aged about 49 years, son of Mr Gurumayum Goshai Sharma, is from Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak, in Imphal, Manipur state. When the victim was abducted he was at Dimapur, a city in neighbouring Nagaland state. The family had lodged complaints regarding the missing of the victim. Yet the police have reportedly taken no affirmative action to trace the person. It is suspected that the Assam Rifles and the NSCN-IM is responsible for the disappearance of the victim.

CASE NARRATIVE:

It is reported that officers from the Assam Rifles, an Indian Paramilitary Unit and persons associated with the NSCN-IM abducted the victim on 18 August at about 7.00 pm from his residence located at Duncan Basti in Dimapur. Dimapur is a city in Nagaland state. At the time of arrest, the victim was not informed why he was taken into custody, or where he will be taken. Neither were any relatives of the victim informed about the arrest.

Since then the family does not know the whereabouts of the victim. It is reported that the family was also not informed whether the victim would be produced in a court as required by the law or handed over to the civilian police within the time prescribed in law. The NSCN is a political entity operating in the Northeastern states of India, in particular, Manipur and Nagaland. They do not have any legal mandate to maintain law and order. NSCN is a political outfit, formerly fighting against the government, and now after negotiations with the government, reported to be working with the state security agencies.

It is reported that two Manipuri speaking unidentified persons in civilian clothes came into the residence of the victim at Dimapur. After a brief conversation, the two persons forced the victim, Gurumayum to go along with them. Soon an altercation erupted between the victim and his two visitors. It is reported that the two persons assaulted the victim. It is also reported that one of the persons tried holding a pistol at the victim's back to threaten and subdue him. Other persons, who were waiting outside the house, also in civilian cloths, joined them. When the victim was dragged away officers from the Assam Rifles in uniform joined them.

The family of the victim alleges that those who came inside the house also took away valuables from the house, including gold ornaments, for which no seizure memo was prepared. It is reported that neither the victim nor his family members were informed why the victim was taken into custody and where he is taken to at the time of arrest. On the next day morning at about 10.05 am the victim has reportedly sent a text message through his mobile telephone informing his family that the persons who took him into custody were from the Assam Rifles and the NSCM-IM. There was a subsequent message by around 3.05 pm on the same day from the mobile telephone of the victim. But the sending and receiving of the text messages need to be further verified since it is not certain who have sent the message. When the family later tried to reach the victim over his mobile telephone, the phone was switched off. Since then they had no further contact with the victim.

On 20 August, Ms Gurumayum Radha Devi, the victim's mother filed a missing person's complaint at the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) in Manipur state. The complaint reportedly narrates the circumstances in which the victim was taken into custody and about the text messages. The complaint sought the state government of Manipur to help in the case of her missing son, who was taken into custody by the Assam Rifles, the day before in neighbouring Nagaland. It is reported that the neither the police nor the state government have taken any credible or prompt actions upon the complaint. A subsequent complaint was also filed at Dimapur West Police Station, Nagaland. None of these complaints are reportedly registered as cases either at Manipur or at Nagaland.

Since then, the authorities in Nagaland and Manipur have not responded to the alleged enforced disappearance of Mr. Gurumayum. So far the family of the victim has received no further information concerning the victim.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 is one of the worst laws in Indian history. This Act grants extra ordinary powers to the armed forces stationed in places declared as 'disturbed area' by the government. It is widely argued that since the implementation of this law in states like Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, Thripura and Jammu and Kashmir, the number of cases of disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and other forms of human rights abuses including but not limited to torture and rape have increased. At the moment, the law is operative in large areas in Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir states. After the enactment of this act the cases of arbitrary killings, torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and enforced disappearance has been increased. But most of these cases go unreported. The government dies not follow-up those cases that get reported. This has created a climate of fear and impunity in the areas where the Act is implemented.

The National Human Rights Commission, Supreme Court of India and Commissions appointed by the Government of India, all have reiterated this fact and expressed shock and discontentment in the manner in which state institutions like the police, the military and paramilitary units stationed in Manipur and Jammu Kashmir undertake their operational mandate. The government of India and the state administrations of Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir have been directed to enforce discipline within the state police, military and paramilitary units stationed in these two states as an essential precondition for any dialogue for sustainable peace. But unfortunately, neither the state nor the centre bothered to do anything to prevent the violence committed by the law enforcement agencies in these states.

An analysis of the Act by the ALRC, Redress and Human Rights Alert titled "Sanctioning Repression in Violation of India's Human Rights Obligations : The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in Manipur and Other States of Northeast of India" speaks about the incompatibility of this draconian law with human rights standards.

SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please write to the authorities listed below asking for their urgent intervention in this case. The AHRC will also write to the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances for an intervention in the case.

Working paper of Naga Political Solution : An Obligatory Minimalist Proposal? Z. K. Pahrii Pou Morungexpress
The Naga National movement, regarded as ‘the mother of all insurgents’ in north-east India and one of the oldest unresolved armed conflicts in the world, is inching towards solution if we are to believe the news items published in media. It is a fact that the Naga Movement did not remain in isolation (as Naga issue) but is looked upon worldwide with keen interest by many indigenous people’s groups fighting for their rights as guiding light towards achieving their aspiration too. Hence, the wisdom of Naga leaders will be judged not only by Naga people alone but also by all the indigenous people of the world. After more than 60 rounds of talks in secrecy, today we have a glimpse of what was discussed for more than 10 years of ceasefire. Despite the struggle for sovereignty for more than 60 years, the 33 points as mention in “The Working Paper on Political Solution” of the Naga people emerges to be a ‘minimalist proposal” - but that falls within the ‘expected framework’ imposed by various prevailing factors. Disunity among the Naga National workers (NNWs) is one main factor that results to adopting minimalist proposal where bargaining power was reduced to the strength of one faction/group (in spite of the claim of the group that they have the mandate of Naga people). The other reason is the widening gap between Naga freedom fighters (NNWs) and people of grass-root level. No longer does the Movement receive massive support from the general public as it was once before. The fast changing global scenario and India’s emergence as super power country might have its own role in giving birth to such agenda as well.
More than ever before, Naga leaders and thinkers must speak out and share their opinion on the issue. If we keep silent now, it may take another 10 or 20 years to bring solution - where there will be more violence and bloodshed. If we examine seriously the present situation, it is doubtful that there will ever be unification among the various Naga underground groups. While acknowledging the enormous contribution of and sacrifices made by all NNWs towards the cause of the Nagas, the NNWs also need to ponder in depth on the prospect of achieving the desired goal in totality in the midst of disunity, lack of public support and fast changing global scenario. There is limit for everything. There is time for everything. Personally, I feel it is right time for the Nagas to settle for any type of ‘Solution’ within India for a moment- and then give space for evolving a strong civil society (such as Naga Hoho-the apex civil organization of the Nagas) and hand over the responsibility of pursuing the Naga cause further. All NNWs can come overground and become part of this civil society and continue to strive for Nagas’ rights. This is the only feasible platform for different Naga underground groups and the whole Nagas to come together under one umbrella. Then the voice of the Nagas can be aired in unison through Naga Hoho. NNWs needs to weigh and see whether insurgent method or democratic form of protest leading by civil organization through garnering public support is the better way to pursue and assert one’s right in today’s world.
The immediate need of the hour is to start identifying clearly all the Naga-inhabited areas of the neighbouring states of Nagaland and brought under the Sixth Schedule and form district autonomous councils or regional councils in which the Naga Hoho would have a say in their running. The emerging structures could then negotiate their linkages with the present state of Nagaland (such as extension of article 371 (A) to all Naga inhabited areas). This will consolidate the identity of the Naga people presently outside Nagaland. The Naga Hoho can then introduce the common form of administration in all Naga inhabited areas by establishing indigenous forms of governance. Territorial integrity would thus be preserved but the Naga communities would be united emotionally and would be self-governing within the existing states. Peace and social security can thus be achieved. Economy and natural resources can be protected and enhanced. Nagas will be politically empowered to a great extent. Cultural identity and uniqueness of Naga history can be maintained. From this perspective, the present ‘working paper on political solution’ of NSCN and GOI, although emerge to be a ‘minimalist proposal,’ needs deeper analysis by general public, accept and appreciate for bringing such workable arrangement (solution) for the Nagas. Last but not the least, we need to remind ourselves again that the present form of proposed arrangement (33 points) cannot be considered as an ‘end’ of freedom movement but a new ‘beginning’ that would give birth to a new direction (shifting of responsibility from undergroup groups to civil society) to pursue and achieve the right of self-determination of the Nagas.

NB: It must be noted that the NSCN (IM) had denied the 33 points as genuine but the author of this article feels rewarding to think of the Naga Solution from that perspective and published here his view.

Contact the writer at zkpahr@gmail.com">zkpahr@gmail.com


Frans on 09.09.11 @ 10:09 PM CST [link]


Tuesday, September 6th

NSCN blames Khole for split The Telegraph Kohima,



NSCN blames Khole for split The Telegraph | Kohima,

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), which once regarded former commander-in-chief Khole as hero and dedicated rebel leader, is now blaming him for the split of the NSCN in 1988.

After the split of NSCN (K) in June this year, Khole has become the chairman of NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) based in Dimapur. The NSCN (K), in a statement, accused its former commander of killing hundreds of cadres loyal to Thiungaleng Muivah, now general secretary of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim.

Khole’s delusional memory made him boldly proclaim himself as peacemaker and always maintained that he had nothing to do with bloodspill. However, the fact that he himself was the chief commander and only by his order did the Konyak soldiers massacre the Tangkhuls and other Nagas who opted to follow Muivah stands as testimony to his heinous crimes,” the statement from the Khaplang group said.

Currently, Khole is meeting Muivah and other Naga rebel leaders for reconciliation.
Timber smuggling unabated in Karbi Anglong forest Kamal Kr Brahma Assam times
Timber smugglers have been holding sway in Karbi Anglong reserve forests. Illegal trade of timbers has been unabated in the Karbi Anglong hill district. Many valuable logs are being supplied to Nagaland nighbouring State of Assam.
Besides, illegal timber Sawmills are appeared mushrooming along the Karbi Anglong-Nagaon border areas, basically such illegal Sawmills have been running openly at Samurali, Chowdhury bazaar and Zinda bazaar areas of Nagaon district which places are adjacent to Howraghat. The timber smugglers operating in the Karbi Anglong forest reserves since long causing large-scale deforestation.
The illegal trade of timber has flourished in the State as well as in Karbi Anglong hill district for several years now despite a Supreme Court ban, primarily because of the absence of an effective and cohesive joint mechanism between the forest officials of the Karbi Anglong and Nagaon district. As a result, timber smuggling and transportation are continuing unabated openly in Karbi Anglong hill district since past couple of year and posing a threat to the ecological balance of entire the district.
It is worth mentioning that taking advantage of the slack administration of the Forest department; many valuable trees are being felled regularly in Karbi Anglong reserve forests and supplied daily by the timber smugglers in support some local people to the different parts of the State and as well as its nighbouring Nagaland State too. Besides, as the rain starts in summer season, the felled logs are tied up in rafts and sent down through the Jamuna river to the respective illegal bench-saw mills set up along the Karbi Anglong-Nagaon district areas. Though sometimes logs carried by the smugglers were being seized by Karbi Anglong forest, yet the cutting of trees and supplying of timbers have not been stopped.
It may be mentioned here that on Wednesday night too, the Bakaliaghat police under the leadership of Khargeswar Bordoloi, SI, managed to nab two persons from Shilveta Langmili area while they were loading timbers in a truck.
According to police report, though two were detained the other timber smugglers managed to flee from the spot. From the possession, a truck registration bearing No AS-09C/3348 was seized and the two detainees were identified as Nanda Yadav and Ajit Mahatu.
On the other hand, while replying the questions of reporters, SI, Bordoloi revealed on the ongoing timber smuggling in Karbi Anglong. But it is amazing that despite having the specific reports regarding the illegally running sawmills in the Nagaon-Karbi Anglong border areas, both the districts are failing to stop the illegal activities due to the absence of an effective and cohesive joint mechanism.
NSCN/GRPN responds back to NPCC President morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): The NSCN/GPRN reacts testily to the press statement of president of Nagaland Pradesh congress Committee SI Jamir “who echoed the party's stand that ‘any Naga settlement should be acceptable to all.’"
“Mr.SI Jamir is advised to keep track of what is happening today with regards to reconciliation and peace process. The fact that FNR (Forum for Naga Reconciliation) initiated reconciliation process has made significant progress where the highest level leaders have decided to forgive and forget each others wrong doings of the past against each other and focus on strengthening peace process,” a note from the publicity cell of the NSCN/GPRN stated today.
Going further, the note said, a “high level committee” to “concretize” the formation of a “Naga national government” with the main purpose of strengthening the ongoing peace process with the government of India.
“This step leaves nothing to doubt that NSCN is not going to allow any solution imposed by government of India and in the same spirit it is not going to impose any solution on the Naga people without having proper interaction with the people,” the NSCN/GPRN said.
The group condescended saying that the Congress party “should avoid creating confusion without first adopting to the changing political ground reality and place themselves among the larger group who are working tirelessly to bring solution that is honorable and acceptable to both India and the Naga people.”
“To bring back and apply the mistakes of the past to the Naga people’s aspiration under the ongoing peace process will never be acceptable,” the note said
The group claimed further that “NSCN have never taken the stand to isolate the contents of the political talks from the people” but had “given enough indications” that “when the right time comes” the people “will always be consulted.”
Rebels target traders' children in Dimapur Times of india
TNN Despite the state government's resolve to put an end to rampant extortion and kidnappings in the commercial hub of Nagaland, there seems to be no respite for the traders who are constantly living under the shadow of terror.
The recent incidents of abduction for ransom, particularly in the last one month, have virtually crippled trade and commerce in Dimapur with most of the traders fearing to be slapped with extortion notices from various militant outfits every moment. To make matter worse, the rebel groups have now started kidnapping the traders' children.
On Saturday morning, suspected rebels abducted a Class IV student of Holotoli School while he was waiting for a bus. There's no news of the boy is still not known. On August 21, another boy was kidnapped while he was playing with his friends near the Midland area. The Class-3 student of Mother Many was, however, released after his parents paid ransom to the kidnappers.
On July 31, a Class IX student of SD Jain Higher Secondary School was abducted from the state stadium where he had gone along with his friends to play cricket. He was released on August 2, but only after his parents paid a heavy ransom to the abductors.
Incidentally, all these children represent the non-Naga community businessmen. The series of abductions, particularly those of the traders children, have has raised questions about the government's resolve to combat anti-social activities in Dimapur.
A prominent Naga businessman, who agreed to talk to TOI on the question of anonymity, expressed concern over the spate of abductions and the militants targeting little boys and girls. "The Nagas should condemn such incidents. It's sad that even children are no more safe in Dimapur," he said.
The trader urged the state law enforcing agencies and the Naga outfits to take measures against the miscreants. "The day is not far when the militants will even abduct children of Naga parents for ransom," he warned.
The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry ( observed that a strong security mechanism should be in place for the security of the businessmen and their children. DCCI president Hokivi Chishi said it's unfortunate that police have not yet arrested a single person in connection with the abductions. He also urged school authorities or the Private School Association to come out in the open, condemn the incidents and cooperate with the law enforcing agencies to help the latter nab the culprits. When contacted, police said they have launched a manhunt to trace the boy who was kidnapped on Saturday. A top police official said it would be easier the for the securitymen to catch the culprits if such incidents were reported immediately.
Transporter shot at A goods transporter had a miraculous escape when unidentified miscreants shot at him on Friday evening. According to sources, the transporter was in his office and talking over phone when someone fired at him from outside. The bullet missed him by a whisker.
Review Job reservation in totality – Naga Hoho morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): The Naga Hoho has asked the Government of Nagaland to review in totality the job reservation policy of the state at the earliest. The federal assembly of the Naga Hoho met on August 24 and had deliberated at length the government’s controversial reservation policy, which continues to attract criticism and controversy.
“While keeping all these in mind, the Naga Hoho during its 4th federal assembly on August 24, 2011, after a lengthy deliberation on backward/ job reservation the house resolved that the state government must initiate for total review of the policy of job reservation at the earliest on the basis of pocket area by introducing creamy layer for every tribe,” the Naga Hoho said in a brief statement today. The statement was appended by Keviletuo Kiewhuo and general secretary P Chuba Ozukum.
Off late, the Naga Hoho said, much has been written by different individuals as well as organizations about the “backward” quota/ job reservation in Nagaland.
“It has become a matter of great concern for every Naga tribe whether big or small belonging to either the so-called advance or backward tribes. We believe that any society or nation can grow economically sound only when there is balance of growth among different strata of society,” the Naga Hoho stated.
The apex Naga tribal organization expressed surprise to know that the policy of backward quota/job reservation created since 1970s which was actually supposed to be reviewed from time to time.
“However, it was not done as desired by the people for which we have to blame ourselves at this present juncture,” the Hoho said.

To live or not to live under the constitution of a foreign country Kaka D. Iralu
The Constitution of any country is drafted by the people of that particular country based on the history, culture and worldviews of the country concerned. Also, in writing the constitution of country, other important factors like religious beliefs, legal systems and land ownership systems etc are written into the framework of that particular country’s constitution. Based on all these facts and factors, a country’s constitution is drafted by its own people for the governance of its own people. The constitution of a country therefore embodies the thoughts and the social systems of a nation. Every country therefore has their own constitution conforming to their own peculiar historical, political and cultural realities and it is unthinkable for one country to be under the constitution of another country. Now, to live under the constitution of another country is to live under the thoughts and systems of another nation. To live under such a condition is to live the rest of one’s life according to somebody else’s thoughts and systems. Such an existence is not living in freedom and liberty but subject hood and subservience.
In the context of Nagaland and India, the constitution of India was not written by the Nagas or by the Indians for the Nagas. In the first place when option was given to the Nagas to either join Pakistan or India, Nagas refused to join either of them because they were neither Muslim Pakistanis nor Hindu/ Muslim Indians. Consistent with this same stand, when the Sub-Committee of the Indian Constituent Assembly met in Shillong in 1946 and the then President of the Naga national Council (NNC) was invited to join the Indian Union, the then President, T. Aliba walked out of the meeting saying: “We, the Nagas, cannot sign our names to be under India. We do not agree with it and we resign.” When the same Committee again visited Kohima in May 1947, the NNC again refused to join the Indian union. They told the Committee that they were already drafting their own Constitution and that they would not subscribe or surrender to the constitution of any other country.
Thus, refusing to be under the constitution of India, Nagas boycotted the first two Indian general elections. And following these events, India, militarily invaded Nagaland and forcefully occupied our lands. However, India was unable to conquer us constitutionally. But tragically some of our own fellow Nagas ran to the constitution of India with their 16 points proposal and got themselves en-grafted into the Constitution of India. As a result, Nagas were condemned to live under the constitution of a foreign country called India with all its heinous laws like the Disturbed area Act, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act etc for all these years.
Now to negotiate for a special status under the Constitution of a foreign country is a most bizarre and even incongruous activity on the part of any people or nation on earth. It is a shameful activity that should be condemned and shunned by any people who have any sense of dignity and self respect. However, in the case of many Naga leaders, they seem to think that India owes them a special and even extraordinary status within the constitution of India. Quite surprisingly the Indian government also under Nehru granted some extra-ordinary privileges under the constitution of India to some of our fellow Nagas . These privileged Naga leaders have enjoyed both protection and positions for all their lives. But there still appears to be some more Naga leaders who are again pleading for even better special privileges than the ones their former colleagues have enjoyed. All such leaders however should remember that the constitution of India was not written for the special existence of the Nagas within the Indian Union. Some of these Naga leaders even seem to think that India owes them an integrated greater Nagaland with special safeguards and even a special flag of their own. These Naga leaders however must remember that long before Article 371 A was inserted into the constitution of India, there were already other articles in the Indian constitution that had already spelled out that no state boundaries of any state can be altered without the approval and sanction of the state concerned.
Therefore to negotiate or even agitate for a special Naga status of Naga integration within the constitution of India is to waste one’s own time as well as a make a fool of oneself before both the people of India as well as the world. India owes us nothing under her constitution and we also cannot hope to get anything there however much we wriggle or wrangle with the Indian leaders. We should rather, Instead of wasting our time and energies in such wasteful pursuits, turn to our own constitution (Yehzabo) and assert our own rights as a nation before the community of nations. If we do this, we have all the prerequisite political and legal actions in place like the submission of the six memorandums to the British before the transfer of Power in 1947, submission of the ten memorandums to the Indian leaders before modern India was born on 15th August, 1947, declaration of our own independence on 14th August, the Plebiscite of 1952, the adoption of our constitution on Jan.14, 1956 and the establishment of our Federal Government on March 22, 1956. On top of all these records, there is also the unblemished record of our national heroes who have defied the invasion forces of both India and Burma for the past 62 years without surrendering neither to the military might or constitutional powers of either country. With all these stupendous achievements behind us, surely there is a way to our country’s liberty and freedom if we will, but stand united and fight with one common vision and commitment.
In summing up, the following facts must be stated for record:
1. Like any modern nation states in the world, Nagas also have their own Constitution and Government which was established on 14th Jan.1956 and 22nd March 1956.
2. The first article in the Constitution of Nagaland states that “The territory of Nagaland shall comprise of all the lands inhabited by the indigenous Naga tribes…” This territory is over 100,000 sq Km and inhabited by over 54 major tribes and some other sub tribes.
3. Nagas do not recognize any other boundary lines drawn by any other foreign nations across their ancestral lands.
4. The creation of the Indian state of Nagaland by Jawarhalal Nehru and 19 Nagas in 1963 is neither a Naga national act nor wish.
5. The sooner this 16 tribes-16 points-16000 sq Km India’s puppet state of Nagaland is de-recognized by the Naga people and the Indian public, the sooner will dawn a political settlement between the true Nagas and the true Indians.
6. To fight for Naga national rights from within the Constitution of India is to belittle Naga history, geography and rights and make all these noble causes an Indian internal affair under the Indian Government Home Ministry.
7.The place to fight for Naga national rights is not from inside the Constitution of India or the 16 Point Agreement or Article 371A but from outside all these suffocating boxes.

Mission Compound Kohima, Nagaland


Frans on 09.06.11 @ 05:33 AM CST [link]


Saturday, September 3rd

UNFC Forms Peace Group for Govt. Talks Irrawaddy By LAWI WENG


UNFC Forms Peace Group for Govt. Talks Irrawaddy By LAWI WENG

Soldiers of the SSA-South take part in a military drill at their base near the Thai-Burmese border. (Photo: Reuters)
Leaders of an umbrella organization of ethnic parties, the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), formed a peace talk group last week in preparation for future negotiations with the Burmese government.
Speaking to The Irrawaddy on Wednesday, UNFC secretary Nai Hang Tha said, “There are eight representatives within the group which includes Mon, Shan, Karenni, Chin, Arakanese, Karen, Kachin and Pa-O people.
Nai Hang Tha explained that he will head the group with Colonel Lapai Hla, from the Kachin Independent Army (KIA), acting as deputy.
“We are prepared to talk about equal rights for ethnic people in the country. We will also talk about reforming the new constitution so that a genuine federal union will exist [in Burma],” he said.
“We will ask [the government] to stop their military offensives launched in ethnic areas and announce a nationwide ceasefire. If possible, we will ask them to have tripartite dialogue,” he added.
Leaders of the UNFC said that they want to hold peace talks with the government on the Burmese border or at a location within a neighboring country.
“It is best to talk within neighboring countries if those nations allow us to do so,” said Nai Hang Tha. Or we can talk at the border where there is security for us, like Kachin people have done in the past as they control their area.”
UNFC leaders decided to invite neutral persons who are well respected in the country—including pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi—to witness talks, and aim to sign an agreement on paper as evidence of their commitment.
The leaders do not want the government to offer peace talks on a group-by-group basis, as they do not believe this can solve problems in the country.
State-run newspaper The New Light of Myanmar reported on Aug. 18 that the government offered an “olive branch” to the armed groups, encouraging them to contact their respective state or division authorities as a first step toward meeting with a union government delegation.
“The government should not divide groups to have peace talks individually because our country's problems are not down to only one group. They need to talk with the UNFC as we represent all the ethnic groups,” said Nai Hang Tha.
The UNFC was formed in February at a meeting in northern Thailand attended by a dozen ethnic groups. These included the Kachin Independence Organization, Karen National Union, Karenni National Progressive Party, Chin National Front, New Mon State Party, Shan State Progress Party, Pa-O National Liberation Organization, Palaung State Liberation Front, Arakan National Council, Lahu Democratic Union, Wa National Organization and Kachin National Organization.
NAGALIM FOR CHRIST
Council of Nagalim Churches

Greeting in Jesus most blessed name from CNC Office to all the denominations, Executive Secretaries /Directors, Pastors, Catechist, prayer Cells and all the believers in Nagalim.
I on behalf of the CNC Office I would like to thank all for your prayer support in the past. It is through your prayers that the talks are in progress on the right direction. In the past there might have been so many excesses in the work done by our national workers which might have displeased the public as well as individuals. I hereby tender my apologies and beg your pardon for our past mistakes.
Today the CNC would like to humbly request for your continual prayer support.
Let’s look back at the life of the Israelites in Ezekiel 37:15-28. Where God instructed Ezekiel to take one wooden stick and to write on it the words “The kingdom of Judah” and to take another stick and write on it the words, “The Kingdom of Israel”. He was told to hold the two sticks together so that they might look like one stick. In the hand of God the two kingdoms became one kingdom.
In the same way God wants the Naga people to be united around Him.
Therefore, the CNC humbly request you all to kindly pray and fast for our Naga Nation on this coming Sunday 4th September, 2011. The timing of the Council headquarters Hebron is 8:00 – 12:00 noon.
Prayer points:
Sins of the Nagas.
Naga Reconciliation and Unity.
1. Indian authorities.
2. Collective Leadership.
3. Naga public Leaders and Church Leaders.
4. Early political solution.
The Collective Leadership has directed that the Steering Committee Members, all the Council of Kilonsers, Tatars and Secretariat staff s should come to the Council Headquarter Church Hebron for fasting and prayer.
All brigades/battalions/Units or regional offices are requested to conduct fasting and prayer in their respective places.

P.S VAISON VEMAI
VIC Never be a party to sell out Nagaland
Font size:
W. Shapwon

The Eastern Naga people (Free Nagas) firmly stand to defend the sovereignty of Ngaland since Naga leader A.Z. Phizo awakens them to stand to safeguard the sovereignty of Nagaland. And at no time they deterred from the national stand even the Nagaland faced up and down situations. Even Th. Muivah and Isak Swu contemplated to talk with Indian Government on the basis of Suisa’s proposal, the Eastern Nagas never waved from their stand and consequently the two leaders were driven out from the Eastern Nagaland.
However these two leaders did not give up their intention to talk with the Indian Government in the interest of the so-called confederation with India (that is Suisa’s proposal) and have been trying to convince Western Naga people to support their talk. And lastly the renegade leaders gathered together at Niathu resorts near Dimapur, Nagaland from 20th to 25th August, 2011 and signed an agreement under the aegis of the so-called Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) in order to strengthen and broaden the so-called peace process of Isak-Muivah; that is the talk on the basis of Suisa’s proposal. This is nothing but a conspiracy to sell out Nagaland. The word of our leader A.Z. Phizo is true and will be true forever; that is; “To give away Nagaland to please India is not the solution”.
The Eastern Naga people had rejected the wrong political motive of Isak and Muivah and will continue to do so in the interest of brighter future of Nagaland. We will uphold steadfastly the statement of the true sons and daughters of Nagaland dated 21st November 1975. Which reads as follow:
1. The sovereignty existence of Nagaland and sovereign right of the Naga people over their land are historically unquestionable facts and that the question of negotiation on India’s favour does not arise whatsoever. Therefore, whatever may the circumstances the people of Nagaland by no means be a party to any settlement that may entail the loss of their sovereign existence.
2. Therefore, any talk, or any negotiations tending to be ‘within Indian Union’ are unequivocally the works of hidden traitors, and traitors in no way represent the people.
3. No one in whatever name or capacity has the authority to settle the Indo-Naga conflict ‘within Indian Union’.
4. The Naga people love peace, but they cannot afford their land to be occupied by military force of the aggressors. And that how long the invading forces would be there, that long the Nagas are bound to fight.
5. Nagas have to resist any covert or overt act of subjugating them and annexing their land. Consistent imposition of any wrong world on them by the aggressors will be firmly resisted, for the Nagas have the right to own their own land.
6. Upholding the national stand and the declared policy of the FGN, we pledge a new to fight against invasion of any kind to the end.

W. Shapwon,
Joint Secy. NNC,
On behalf of the Eastern Naga people, Nagaland.
E PRESIDENT
COUNCIL OF NAGALIM CHURCHES

The hidden war at Assam Nagaland border – India against itself Times of Assam

By- Pranjit Sarmah| Date- August 31, 2011
During the last two weeks, when all newspapers chose to cover only the Anna Hazare movement, some ignored headlines placed at the corners of the front and middle pages were “More than 9 lakhs people in Assam affected by flood”, “A women with her two children drowned in flood in front of rescue workers at Dhemaji,”, “Assam Chief Minister declared to hand over disputed lands near border to Bangladesh”, “Naga insurgents are building bunkers around Assam-Nagaland border”, etc. Apart from these, other issues ignored during the period were the Mega Dam at Subansiri River and other hydroelectric projects, Brahmaputra river diversion project of China which might not only effect Assam and North-East but our neighboring country Bangladesh.
Each of these needs high attention, but there is one that has baffled the concept of a sovereign nation, – the ongoing conflicts at Merapani, Assam- Nagaland border. It has to be agreed that Merapani has been a long disputed territory since decades. In fact one could hardly forget the incident in June 1985, when over 100 people had died in firing between Assam and Nagaland police at this place. Across the decade, this place has been a hotbed of conflict .The recent developments suggest a more dangerous picture.
It is really astonishing as to how inside a sovereign country like India, NSCN rebels could build bunkers near the Assam-Nagaland border of Merapani, Golaghat District, – that too, with an intention to forcefully occupy lands of Assam, another state of India. It is obvious that this is being done under knowledge and consent of the Nagaland government and in front of the administration of Assam government.
• Few months ago a similar situation had arose in the border of two states which went into riot like situation with many houses of people being burnt. Negotiations between both Governments took place and it was agreed to bring back the peace. The government of Assam removed its battalion from the border, however the Nagaland government did not do so and instead is reported to have started working to convert it to one bigger battle ground by creating bunker in borders, bringing food and logistic by some secrete paths. Now people of that area are living under fear with lots of threat and few are leaving those villages. Businessmen from Assam are not even allowed to enter to those areas.
• Whether it is due to laziness and lack of willingness of the central government to solve the insurgency problem of North-East or the stubbornness of NSCN itself, the negotiation process between Central government and NSCN which started more than a decade ago has still failed to come to one definite conclusion. The demand of Greater Nagalim of NSCN includes parts of Assam and Manipur which is creating problem to both Manipur and Assam. The Naga revolutionists are collecting Taxes from employee, businessmen of Assam-Nagaland border area for many years now, all actively in front of administration. It is really strange that at one hand the centre has adopted draconian laws like AFSPA to tame militancy, while to the NSCN the same centre give a blind eye and remain silent on their growing menace threatening other states.
• It is doubtful if any negotiation by Assam state government will play a good role in solving this issue as it is observed that Nagaland state government is actually dominated and run by a parallel government of Naga revolutionists. In this situation the interference of central government is very necessary. About other solution it is doubtful how far Assam police will be successful against the NSCN to protect the lands of Assam as NSCN is one of the biggest rebel groups of north east with huge volume of guerilla trained commandos and sophisticated weapons. At the same time it is also doubtful if the GoI will deploy its army to combat NSCN with which it is in the process of negotiation and many observations depict that the GoI is in a compromising position with them.
• As NSCN is under process of negotiation and under ceasefire, it is really questionable under which constitutional term they are repeatedly creating disturbance not only in Assam alone, but in Manipur too. It is questionable how they are collecting taxes from government employee, businessmen and small tea planters. Will the central government be able to come to one acceptable negotiation with NSCN is a question mark on the peace process of whole of north east.
• The delay in the negotiation process is creating doubts in many armed groups of the region who are either looking for or already in ceasefire with government. The question raised is if the government has any willingness of good and HONEST negotiation or it is just a tactics to bring them into negotiation table and then to keep delaying the process later. It could never be a good sign if government does not take step against one organization NSCN under ceasefire that is repeatedly violating law and order situations, creating disturbance and that too in front of the administration. It will create many other problems and may lead to some typical situation in this region near future.
There is no doubt that North-East is changing, a wave of will for development, better education, peaceful life are occupying the space of insurgency. Many armed groups organizations are coming to the table of negotiation too, which is a positive sign. At this stage if the GoI shows genuine willingness and activeness in the negotiation table with these organizations, deal with their demand with honesty; the insurgency problem may see an end here. At the same time government should work from here to find out the core reasons which lead to the formation of different arm-revolutionary organization and take necessary step such that in future no one will take up arm here.
Where is a will there is a way – it is not difficult to fathom the reasons, it is none but negligence for development, central government’s failure to understand and study the region of many tribes and ethnic group, the culture and life style of its people which had led to the decades of unrest and militancy. To bring peace to this region there must be a different approach and procedure, which fits with the land and life, culture, social value and life style of people of north east. If government would have considered one research and study about this region, its people’s life style, culture, social value, history, what they want, why they are not happy, what are their differences from mainland India’s people etc and if the government would have considered some changes in the process to role this region, there would not have been the need to adopt any draconian law like AFPSA which only widened the problem far deeper.
Thus the process of negotiation should be faster, with honesty and with good wiliness from government side. It is necessary to realize that the deals made during negotiation with one arm-revolutionary group do not leave any reason to create formation of one other group,- it will only further destroy the peace of the region. At the same time, the negotiation process also must have the level of honesty needed from governments side such that the failure of negotiation with one group do not discourage few other groups which might be looking to join in the table soon.
What Do Talks With Terrorists Mean With Violence On And Arms Still Held? By Anil Bhat kangla on line
Shortly after media reports about China trying to unite North East terrorist groups and the entry of one in Assam to launch attacks around Republic Day, terrorists struck in Imphal.
On August 01, 2011, five persons including two girl students were killed and many were injured as a powerful bomb exploded at about 1.40 pm in front of a grocery shop and a barber`s shop, opposite Sangakpham Keithel (bazaar).
The two girls studying in Class III together at Chingmeirong Primary School were returning home when the bomb exploded, flinging their bodies, one of which was found inside the grocery store and the other’s in the barber shop, where the barber and his son were also killed. Another man’s body was found in front of the shop. The impact of the blast was so powerful that it ripped and charred human flesh, pulverised some vehicles and reduced the place to scattered debris.
While there are reports of this being a failed attempt by National Socialist Council of Nagaland/Nagalim-Issac – Muivah group (NSCN-IM) at targeting members of the Autonomous District Council (ADC) who are housed in a nearby guest house complex, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram are reported to have endorsed the same.
A press note from the state Home Department said, “Government of Manipur has received concrete and convincing evidence which establishes the direct involvement of NSCN-IM in the series of recent violent incidents which left several innocent civilians dead and many seriously injured in various parts.” According to the Home Department one Anthony, son of Bonkulung of Sadu Koireng killed in this blast was an active NSCN-IM cadre.
Apparently, the explosion occurred moments after some vehicles of ADC members went past the blast site. The government stated that these acts of terror are quite clearly designed to thwart the democratic process taken up be the government of Manipur to introduce democratic decentralization by successfully conducting elections to the six district councils which had remained dormant for over two decades.
It may be recalled that last year the, it was on the this issue that All Manipur Naga Students Union had caused a blockade of National Highway 39, Manipur’s main artery, which had extended to three months by Thuingaleng Muivah timing his visit his home town in Manipur after almost forty years.
Almost all the schools located in the valley districts of Manipur staged protest demonstrations and rallies decrying the Sangakpham bomb attack. On Tidim Road, thousands of school students took out a joint protest rally.
One group which has been most vocal is the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), which, while listing a number of violent incidents allegedly involving the NSCN -IM, including the recent bomb blast, accused both the Central and State Governments of being soft towards this rebel group. Contending that inaction against the NSCN (IM), inspite of its involvement in various incidents of violence clearly suggests indirect support of both the Governments to the NSCN-IM, AMUCO president KT Rahman demanded that effective measures be initiated to curb activities of the outfit in Manipur. Speaking to media he is reported to have stated that as the ongoing ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM does not cover Manipur, not only should the illegal activities of the NSCN (IM) need to be dealt with according to law but also all that its camps in the State should be shut-down.
He further stated that the ongoing peace parleys between the NSCN (IM) and Govt of India have been reduced to a mockery as the NSCN-IM is still involved in acts of terrorism, highway extortion, destruction of public properties and intimidation. Mentioning the Sangakpham blast, killing of a couple in Lungphu village of Phungyar sub-division (Ukhrul) and slaying of security personnel of Phungyar AC MLA’s escort party as recent cases involving the terrorist group, he blamed the Govt of Manipur by recounting a particular incident when weapons seized by State security forces near Pallel were returned to the outfit along with its apprehended cadres.
Rahman, while asserting that terrorist attacks in Mumbai and Manipur should be measured by the same yardstick and grimly noting failure of the Home Minister to visit Manipur and assess the overall situation following the Sangakpham blast, commented that that such an attitude demonstrated the Govt of India’s step-motherly treatment to the people of Manipur.
Chronicling a number of attacks by NSCN-IM since at least April this year, the Home Department said that the state government is seriously considering taking up the matter with the Central government to revoke the ceasefire with NSCN-IM due to these continuous and open acts of terrorism being committed by it.
While violence by the number of Meitei terrorist groups in Manipur has been reported much since the arrest of United National Liberation Front’s boss-man, RK Meghen, many of its cadres earlier in Bangladesh and now in Burma/Myanmar are being rallied together by Chinese intelligence, there is no saying how and when they will strike again.
In Assam, as the pro talk faction of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA)’s seven-member team of seasoned hit-men led by its ‘chairman’ Arabinda Rajkhowa submitted the charter of demands prepared by the Sanmilito Jatiya Abhivartan (SJA) under the leadership of noted intellectual Dr Hiren Gohain, to Ministry of Home Affairs, their anti-talks colleague Paresh Baruah is all set to keep Assam on the boil yet again.
ULFA’s bid to strike came to light when the Assam Rifles apprehended hardcore ULFA leader Rwittick Hazarika in Sonitpur district bordering Arunachal Pradesh recently. He confessed before police that a group of harcore ULFA cadres have come down to Assam to strike at the instance of Paresh Baruah. Hazarika ‘second lieutenant’ in the ULFA’s 27 battalion, was arrest was a day after the Union Home Ministry’s advisory to Assam to step up security in view of the ULFA’s martyrs’ day on July 27.
The seven-member ULFA team met Home Minister P Chidambaram in the presence of Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, Home Secretary R K Singh and other senior officials and the as reported in media quoting a source, “The meetings will give fresh impetus to the peace process in Assam as the charter of demands will be the basis of dialogue with the ULFA.”.
Although the contents of the charter have not been disclosed, as earlier reported, the SJA charter demands Constitutional amendments to give Assam, and thereby its people greater control over their own future by strengthening the State`s power to control the revenues generated, the natural resources, and the planning process and ensure a secure demographic situation as well as accelerated and balanced development. Gohain had earlier said, “If the government of India and the ULFA honour the Charter in letter and spirit and do not undersell it, we may look forward to untroubled peace, true development, and vigorous growth of democracy in the region.” SJA noted that the present calm does not at all mean the return of peace.
One aspect of the charter about ensuring a secure demographic situation, ironically stands greatly compromised, thanks to the ULFA, who during the stay of its top honchos in Bangladesh for almost two decades had actually aided and speeded up the illegal migration from Bangladesh, contradicting the very basis of its rise following the bloody Assam agitation of 1983.
This writer’s book Assam Terrorism and the Demographic Challenge (Knowledge World and Centre for Land Warfare Studies) elaborates on how ULFA became an effective tool of Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence organisation’s set-up (based in Bangladesh during Kheleda Zia’s tenure), pursuing its aim of inducting and settling illegal Bangladeshi migrants in various parts of Assam; of raising new madrassas and controlling old ones; trying to convert ethnic Assamese Muslims to fundamentalism; creating communal tension; circulating fake Indian currency; trafficking arms and narcotics; sabotaging installations and generally spreading terror.
Talks with terrorists are fine but must meaningfully lead to permanent eradication of violence by the group and must be undertaken after securing all its weapons and ammunition. In both the cases of NSCN-IM and ULFA that has not been done. Besides, both these groups have factions / leaders / members already guilty of anti-Indian activities and more expected, that too now with China’s support in addition to Pakistan military’s. Both these groups are also involved in supplying arms to Naxal-Maoists. In the case of talks with ULFA, if Anup Chetia is going to be handed over by Bangladesh as part of Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government’s goodwill, then the Centre may consider waiting till Paresh Baruah is caught-he must be caught, interrogated and disarmed- and then hold talks purposefully.
Last but certainly not least, what about ULFA leaders/cadres guilty of heinous crimes against innocent people? If merely their ‘apologies’ are to be accepted and they overnight turn in good ‘mainstream’ citizens, then we might as well free all murderers in death-rows.


Frans on 09.03.11 @ 07:26 AM CST [link]




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