Nagaland on the boil OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Nagaland on the boil OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Oct. 30: Turning the tables on the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, the Congress today blamed it for the prevailing “warlike” situation in the state.
The Opposition party also demanded imposition of President’s rule alleging complete breakdown of law and order in the wake of recent bloodletting by rival NSCN factions .
In a memorandum submitted to Governor Shyamal Datta this afternoon, party legislators said constitutional safeguards could help restore peace in the state.
The Congress alleged that the state government had failed to uphold its constitutional obligations as was evident from regular armed conflicts affecting innocent citizens in the state. “Article 355 of the Constitution clearly says that it shall be the duty of the Union to protect every state against external aggression and internal disturbance and ensure that governance of every state is carried on in accordance with the Constitution,” the memorandum stated.
It also lambasted president of Nagaland People’s Front Shurhozelie who had reportedly said that factional clashes were not law and order issues. The government, too, maintained that the conflict was a political problem.
Leader of Opposition I. Imkong Ao and PCC president Hokheto Sumi demanded that the NPF president substantiate his allegations that Congress was responsible for the recent clashes between Naga rebels. The NPF had earlier alleged that the Congress was harbouring NSCN (K) activists in the state. Sumi said on October 15 Shurhozelie had told Naga leaders from Manipur that Congress leaders in Nagaland were harbouring NSCN (K) cadre. “It’s anything but true. He lied to the people,” the PCC president said. Imkong said the state government was trying to disown its responsibilities by levelling false charges against the Congress. The Congress said their leaders would fly to Delhi to apprise the central leadership of the prevailing situation in the state. The Consultative Committee for Peace (CCP) meeting, chaired by chief minister Neiphiu Rio, has deplored the clashes.
Nagaland Cong demands imposition of Delhi’s Rule The Morung Express
KOHIMA, OCT 30 (MExN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress has beseeched the State Governor Shyamal Datta to exercise his power under Article 356 and recommend for the imposition of President’s rule in Nagaland, stating that NPF led DAN government has failed to contain the law and order problem. NPCC also insisted that underground factions should abide by the ceasefire ground rules and remain confined to their respective camp.
In a memorandum, which was signed by all the legislators of the NPCC, and submitted to the Governor, it alleged that NPF President, Dr Shurhozelie Liesietsu and Minister for Planning and Urban development has shirked away from his responsibilities by asserting that factional killings is not law and order problem.
The Memorandum also came down heavily on the state Home Minister Thenucho for making an appeal to underground factions to vacate the civilians areas instead of ensuring the latter to remain confined to the designated camp as per the ceasefire ground rules.
“Ruling DAN legislators themselves are concerned over the complete breakdown of law and order in the state”, the memo also stated, adding that bomb blasts in business establishments and the state government’s failure to book the culprits and frisking of travelers by the underground cadres are clear indication of the failure of the state government, it said.
“Whereas, Article 355 of the constitution clearly guarantees that it shall be the duty of the Union to protect every state against external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the government of every state is carried on in accordance with the constitution”, the memo also further stated. It went on to state that the present government has shown its inability to maintain law and order in the state and uphold the constitutional obligations as is evident from the regular armed conflicts.
“We hope your Excellency realizes the gravity of the situation and do the needful to salvage the broken and ruined lives of the people Nagaland”, it said, while demanding for the dismissal of the NPF led DAN government.
Latter, addressing the press conference CLP leader and Leader of Opposition, I Imkong said that the party would shortly go to Delhi to press upon the central leaders to implement their demand.
Imkong said that factional killings are law and order problems. “How can they shy away when factions are flouting the ground rules? Is it not the responsibility of the government to protect life?” Imkong questioned, while expressing hope that when the situation going from bad to worse the Centre will react.
Chipping in NPCC president Hokheto Sumi alleged that the state government has failed to take pre-emptive measure so as to prevent law and order problem. He also said that the state government assertion that factional clash is a political issue and not a law and order problem is wrong. The state government, he said, should take a tough stand on the undergrounds so as keep them confined to their respective designated camp.
Congress MLA, Chingwang Konyak, who also joined the press conference urged that the state government should arrest any undergrounds moving with arms in the civilian areas so as to ensure the implementation of ceasefire ground rules by all factions.
NPCC also alleged the DAN government of indulging in rampant corruptions like the excess appointment of teachers, police personnel, NPSC scandal and in the ongoing construction of 9th IRB headquarter at Saijang.
Door open for Rio, Therie: Congress
KOHIMA, OCT 30 (MExN): Congress today said that the party would adopt ‘open door’ policy when it comes to its former member and present NPF MLA, K. Therie and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Asked whether the party would take back its former members, CLP leader said the party the door is open for Neiphiu Rio and K Therie as to whether they want to rejoin the party. Earlier, the Congress had said that they would not take back the two leaders, but now the party would make concession and welcome back if the two are willing to return. It is learnt that K. Therie has expressed his willingness to rejoin the Congress party. “We have told the AICC leaders that if Rio wants to come back to the party, he should come back as mere member and not as a head”, Imkong said, adding that Rio is also trying his best to return to the Congress party.
Yesterday once more The Hindu
Not surprisingly, the latest round of talks between India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isaac-Muivah) have ended without a breakthrough. The sticking points remain the same — the Naga demand for unification of Naga-inhabited areas in a new state, Nagalim, and special federal arrangements between this entity and India. The Indian side, represented by Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes and interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah, was amenable to a special status, and not more. With this, the New Delhi-NSCN (I-M) talks are once again stuck in replay mode, with the 50 or so peace talks since the ceasefire of 1997 having ended in stalemate.
Clearly, an end to the Naga conflict — one of South Asia’s longest running, which has claimed 25,000 lives — requires imagination and flexibility on both sides. There are two aspects to the Naga demands. One relates to political autonomy and is relatively easy to fulfil. NSCN (I-M), to its credit, has gradually reduced the scope of its demands from independence from India to autonomy within the Indian Union. The Indian government needs to come up with outside-of-the-box solutions that will meet Naga demands without violating the Constitution. The Jammu & Kashmir model could be a good starting point. More complicated, and perhaps impossible to fulfil, is the demand for unification of all so-called Naga areas that are now a part of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur under a single Nagalim. The Nagas have never been a unified and sovereign group. There is little agreement even among the Nagas over who is or is not a Naga, and which areas are Naga ones. Naga nationalism is a work in progress, feeding off anti-India sentiment.
For the peace process to move forward, Nagas must accept that Nagalim is not feasible, while New Delhi needs to come up with an acceptable autonomy package. Neither side can expect the other to accept its position, cent per cent. Compromise is the essence of civilised political life.
GPRN tells contractors to complete works or face consequences Ramkung Pamei Kangla on line
Tamenglong, Oct 29: The Zeliangrong region authority of the Government of the Peoples' Republic of Nagalim, GPRN has issued strong warnings against the contractors who were given various road construction works under Tamenglong district and failed to complete their respective works.
The release signed by one Leacy L. Gonniei, Convener Zeilad Block of the GPRN have asked the concerned contractors Jogeshwor Singh, Special contractor and Gobodon Singh, Special contractor who were awarded construction of Kaiphundai - Tousem road (7 kilometer stretch), NH 53 to Nungkao (Luangkao) village and NH 53 to Sibilong village to complete their respective works immediately. The GPRN warned that it would not remain a mere spectator when people are deprived of their rights and facilities.
Fund sanctioned for the 7 kilometer stretch of Khaiphundai-Tousem road, as stated by the release was Rs. 1.15 crore, while it was Rs. 85 lakh and 95 lakh respectively for NH-53 Luangkao village and NH 53- Sibilong village. The GPRN authority also said that the works, awarded under PMGSY and state PWD was supposed to be completed by 2005 however, only 60-70% of the works have been completed so far. The release also lamented that concerned individuals/contractors as well as the authorities concerned have turned a deaf ear to the repeated complaints by the people.
Meanwhile, the Tousem area development committee TADC and the Tousem Sub-division Development Committee, TSDC made available copies of their respective separate meeting proceeding to the press where the committees resolved to take up stern steps against the erring contractors if they failed to complete their respective works within a short period of time.
Official version of Zbto clash Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, OCT 30 (NPN): The deputy commissioner Zunheboto has issued an official version of the series of events starting with the factional clash between the two NSCN factions at Amiphoto Colony, Zunheboto town, and culminating with the visit of Home minister Thenucho to the town on Sunday last.
Referring to the three-day gunbattle between the rival NSCN factions that commenced on October 26 at Amiphoto Colony, DC Zunheboto CK Nihekhu Sema in a press release said since both the factions were observing ceasefires with the Government of India, the district administration and police had to adopt "persuasive approach" only while tackling law and order, in order to avoid "abrogating the ceasefire."
Clarifying on the constraint of the district administration and police to intervene in the clash due to the ceasefire, the Nihekhu said in addition to this, the NSCN (I-M) men who were attacking the NSCN (K) members, had blocked the main road and "threatened to fire on any forces, be it Assam Rifles or IRB forces, and did not listen to persuasive approach of anyone." He however said the state government had taken the right decision at the appropriate time and provided all the requirements needed by administration and police.
On the morning of October 27, chief minister Neiphiu Rio accompanied by other ministers and MLAs held an emergency meeting with other high ranking officials and agreed to provide two more companies of IRB, in addition to one IRB company already stationed at Zunheboto, and two additional companies of Assam Rifles, the release said.
The DC said the government had also dispatched 100 quintals rice and sanctioned Rs. one lakh each to Sumi Hoho and DC Zunheboto and Rs. 50,000 thousand to Zunheboto Town Council, for meeting
exigency expenditure, which the DC said had boosted the moral of the district administration and police to gear up and make a decisive plan of action.
After initial failure by the district administration in convincing both the factions to stop firing by 3 pm of October 27, Nihekhu said an emergency meeting was held at 6 pm, which resolved on two steps: to request the higher up of both the factions to leave the town and to allow the mothers of Zunheboto to meet both the factions in order to persuade them to leave the town voluntarily.
In the event of failure of the two options, the meeting resolved to deploy AR and IRB forces as a last resort to flush out the factions starting from 8 am the next day, Nihekhu said.
But, before the extreme step was taken, the DC received assurance from both the NSCN factions that they would withdraw their men from Amiphoto on October 28 within noon and so the public leaders and STH were requested to wait till noon, he added.
While clarifying that the government had, on its part, left no stone unturned to ease the situation, the DC however regretted that instead of being grateful and heeding to the request of the administration, an unruly mob comprising mostly of Amiphoto residents, under the leadership of certain vested individuals put up their "ugly and undesirable" action before the Home minister and his team.
"When they came with a big heart to listen to the grievances of the Colony people and share their grievances, the road was blocked…One of the individuals who abused the Honble Home Minsiter happens to be the principal of Woodland School Shri. Hokugha, who in reality never did voice a concern when Zunheboto town and surrounding villagers had been besieged with problems..."
The DC said since Hokugha was not associated with the combined concern and efforts of the administration, police NGOs and concerned individuals towards easing the law and order situation, his "abusing words" which had hurt the sentiment of the Home minister, might be taken as "ignorance about initiatives undertaken by the Government."
NSCN-IM toughens stand on sovereignty From Our Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Oct 30 – Faced with a deadlock in the Naga peace process, the Group of Ministers (GoM) is likely to move the Prime Minister seeking fresh directions. With NSCN (I-M) toughening its stand on the issue of sovereignty and seeking written commitment from Government of India, the GoM is not left with any choices other then seeking fresh direction from the Prime Minister.
Centre’s interlocutor, K Padmanabaiah is meeting Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil here tomorrow to brief him about the latest impasse and also reports about the Amsterdam talks.
Sources said that the GoM has no choice other then to approach the Prime Minister and appraise him about the new conditions put by the NSCN (I-M).
Meanwhile, NSCN I-M chairman Isak Chishi Swu demanded the presence of an UN certified mediators at the talks. He said that the negotiations between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) had entered a critical juncture ‘if not a stalemate’ and accused New Delhi of not being sincere with its proposal.
The Chairman, who was addressing the Un-represented Nations and People Organisation (UNPO) general assembly at Taipei, Taiwan, last week, demanded ‘a third party intervention endorsed by the UN through the initiation of the UNPO be undertaken’. “We trust that the UNPO will take all necessary steps in lobbying for our case in the United Nations and other international arenas”.
About the last round of negotiations held at Amsterdam, Swu said ‘Nagas have realised that interdependence has replaced independence in the geo-political landscape of today’ and that the NSCN (IM) had proposed for a ‘special federal relationship between India and Nagalim, which would clearly be defined under the terms of the political agreement’.
“It would be two entities inseparable yet not one within the other. Anything below this would tantamount to political tragedy for our people and betrayal to our nation”, Swu said in his address.
“We have the confidence in the present Indian leadership that neither the bane of party politics nor constitutional intricacies will hamper their correct judgment. A just and honorable solution to the Naga problem would usher in peace in the entire region; equally bringing an end to one of the world’s longest running conflicts”, he said. ‘Anti-corruption movement needed’
Media, NGOs must become whistle blowers: Rio The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, OCT 30 (MExN): A day ahead of the ‘Vigilance Awareness Week’, coinciding with the birthday of the ‘Iron Man of India Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel’, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in his message called for greater resolve to fight the virus of corruption at all levels by one and all. Rio in particular made mention of the media and NGOs pointing out that they have to become the whistle blowers to detect, check and counter corruption because it is morally repugnant and inimical to growth, development and welfare of common man. “We in the Government should stop paying a lip service to fighting corruption if we want our legitimacy to grow”, Rio also stated. Pointing out that the worst victims of corruption are the poor people, Rio said that corruption distorts markets, breeds cynicism, undermines the rules of law, damages the legitimacy of administration and corrodes the social fibre of the society.
“To deal with this monster, we need an anti-corruption movement with the people in the front to translate its rhetoric into action”, he stated while terming as unfortunate that there is growing inertia at different levels to take actions against acts of moral turpitude including bribery and extortion.
“Fighting corruption needs pursuit of enforcement, prevention and punishment with a missionary zeal and designing of institutional reforms to build a transparent accountable, durable, legal, economic and political foundation”, Rio suggested while blaming the forces that perpetuate the problems of corruption as money, greed, power and institutional weaknesses.
“To ward these off we have to create a politics that can make the policies of enforcement and prevention effective and change the mindset of states, governments, companies and the people”, Rio stated. In this regard, the role of media and NGOs is very important to expose the corrupt officials and elements in business and other areas as deterrent, he stated.
NSCN (K) Supervisor refutes on allegations The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, OCT 30 (MExN): Akato Chophi who recently joined the NSCN (K) after serving the NSCN (IM) in various capacity has refuted to the press statement issued by one Kiyeshe Aye, an SO in the NSCN (IM). “The press statement issued against me was not unexpected. But that it was issued in the name of Kiyeshe Aye came as a surprise as I know it was not issued by him. I am certain of this fact as I was also with the MIP in 1998 as S.O during which I was made to sign several statements of which I knew nothing about”, stated AKATO CHOPHI Supervisor Union Territory-1, NSCN (K).
He clarified that he had no ill feeling towards anyone in the IM group individually – “after all we are all supposed to be working for the Naga nation and we should try our best to be assets to the nation and not liabilities”, he stated.
Pointing out that he was not worried because the people of Nagaland (particularly Dimapur) knew him very well and long before “people from Manipur started invading Nagaland on the pretext of Naga nationalism”, he stated.
“Now Dimapur, the so-called commercial capital of Nagaland, has been entirely taken over by the so-called freedom fighters from a neighbouring state with the help from a few quislings and living off the very people they claim to be fighting for”, Akato alleged. Clarifying on the allegation that he had misappropriated the funds of the government and that he was a materialistic power monger, Akato described the allegation as “very amusing and ridiculous”.
“My father established Hoito village in Dimapur and I became the chief of the village at the age of 18. All the land that I have now, i,e, paddy fields, orchards, fisheries, etc, I inherited from my father and I have not bought any property or land after joining the national service”, he clarified and challenged that if the NSCN (IM) can prove that he bought any land or property between 1997 and 2006, he would be ready to surrender them to the people. “Now I challenge you – can you do the same? How many of you joined the IM group not having even footwear and now having commercial buildings, business houses, firms, etc? How many of you joined IM group without having even an inch of land and now are landowners? How many of you joined IM group because you were fined and expelled from your villages by the GBs and village councils for robbery and immoral activities and now have become self-appointed judges and moral-keepers?”, he stated. Akato stated that he had joined NSCN (K) after having studied the feelings of the people where all the support and prayers of the people lie. He also maintained that it is the NSCN (K), which is fighting for the cause of the Nagas as a whole. “Also, as a man dedicated to the Naga cause, I became disillusioned with the IM group which is particularizing just few tribes, thus sowing the seeds of hatred and disunity among the various tribes that make up Naga society. The Nagas know well that the IM group rejects the hands of friendship extended by other factions fighting for Naga cause and offers its help to other militant groups in the Northeast region”.
He also pointed out that the NSCN (IM) has stooped so low in bargaining with the Government of India as far as the demands goes. “From Sovereignty, they have climbed down to asking “Package” which is against the wishes of the people. Also the IM group which was vociferous in its demand for “Integration” has set its focus on “Intangki-Creation.”
On the term “torch-bearer”, he reminded those in the NSCN (IM) set up to retrospect on the affairs of their so-called leaders whose real intention is to sell-out the rights of the Nagas.
“To them, the word “independence” has become a history of the past as they have claimed independence. The palatial buildings, foreign cars and luxurious lives are the ample reasons why I am compelled to say this. The so-called talks are just pretexts of having to enjoy their independence rather than solving the long-pending Naga issue”. He also stated that character assassination and trying to defame someone will not bring freedom but rather will only expose feelings of insecurity. “Had I had any such intentions, I could well-expose the profile of every individual in the IM set-up but by doing so, do I gain anything? I t will only dampen the spirit of the Nagas whose real issue is not domesticated such as these cheap allegations by my rivals”, he stated and reiterated that he had no personal grudges against anyone till now but if such character assassination continues, he cautioned that he will be compelled to do so.
Therie, Rio may join Cong Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Oct 30:: State Congress leaders did not rule out the possibility of former Finance Minister K Therie returning to the Congress party fold while it was averse to the attempts of chief minister Neiphiu Rio's return as the leader of the party.
"Anybody is welcome. We've an open door policy," said CLP leader I Imkong while answering questions from local journalists at a press conference. Imkong revealed that the state party had expressed its opposition to the AICC over the return of Neiphiu Rio as leader of the party was not averse to him joining as an ordinary member. "He may deny," Imkong said adding "Rio is trying to come back to the Congress". (NPN)
Peace committee alarmed by factional clashes Delhi, NSCNs should rectify defects in CF ground rules The Mprung Express
DIMAPUR, OCT 30 (MExN): The Consultative Committee foe Peace (CCP) in its meeting held today passed several resolutions to support the ongoing peace process while also expressing serious concern at the increasing factional clashes amongst the Naga underground groups. In a press communiqué issued by Banuo Z. Jamir Principal Secretary (Home) and Member Secretary CCP, it stated that factional clashes were taking place not only in the jungles, but also in civilian populated areas, resulting in the causalities to the UG cadres as well as to the innocent civilians.
As such, the CCP appealed to the Government of India and the two groups of NSCN to immediately rectify the defects in the ceasefire ground rules and also to see that the ground rules are observed in letter and spirit.
The CCP further appealed to both the Government of India and the NSCN to display more seriousness and commitment in their efforts to find an amicable and acceptable solution to the Naga political issue and to speed up the negotiation process. It also appealed to all the factions of Naga undergrounds to stop fratricidal fighting and killings, but to engage themselves in the process of reconciliation and unity and to stand united on the Naga political issue in the larger interest of the Nagas. The CCP recorded its appreciation of the efforts made by the Naga Hoho to bring together various apex Naga organizations and civil societies on a common platform, with a view to bringing about reconciliation and unity amongst the Naga national workers and take forward the peace process. The CCP also welcomed the initiatives taken by the NBCC to bring about peace in the State through reconciliation and unit amongst the Naga national workers.
The meeting also complimented the civil administration, the police, the army and para military forces for their non confrontationist approach in line with DAN government’s policy and for their deft handling of the delicate situations arising out of the factional fights amongst the UG groups. “The CCP also appreciates the roles played by the NGOs, the civil societies and the public in defusing such situations”, it stated and made special mention of the role played by the Sumi Hoho, Sumi Totimi Hoho and Sumi Kukami Hoho during the recent incident at Zunheboto town.
Locals prevent minister from entering Amiphoto colony The Imphal Free Press
KOHIMA, Oct 29: Clearly in a show expressing their resentment against the government for its failure to contain factional violence, hundreds of people on Sunday prevented Nagaland Home Minister Thenucho and his entourage from entering Amiphoto Colony in Zunheboro district, the place of recent clash between the two NSCN factions. The minister was on his way to Zunheboto's Amiphoto to assess the damages of properties caused by the factional feud and to take stock of the situation.
He was accompanied by another minister Tokheho and two Nagaland's parliamentary secretaries.
It was only after about half an hour detention that Thenucho was allowed to proceed. The citizens alleged their several pleas made to the government to contain the violence fell on deaf ears.
"The government instead of taking some urgent measures remained content with appealing to the two factions for cessation of tile hostility," they said.
When we pleaded with the government to intervene, it did not respond and instead we had had to take matters into our own hand. What's the point in coming now?" questioned a leader of an NGO. The Zunheboto district has been recently in the news for factional violence. Both tile NSCN factions have strong bases in the district. It may be mentioned cadres of both the NSCN factions were compelled to leave Amiphoto Colony on Saturday by the public.
NSCN (IM) on Zunheboto clash Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, OCT28 [NPN] : Making a statement over the recent atest factional clashes in Zunheboto town, the NSCN (I-M) has said it was only due to the intervention of Sumi Hoho members and public leaders to spare the NSCN (K) members on humanitarian ground that allowed the rivals to evacuate the town on Saturday afternoon.
The MIP, NSCN (IM) claimed the rival cadre members were cornered and held under siege for sometime to make them realize they were being misled and to convince them of the futility of confronting the GPRN/NSCN (IM).
Further, it said in order to avoid excess loss of human lives, its men had left spaces for the rival cadre members to know the tolerance of the Naga Army/NSCN (IM), even though it could have pounded the rival's camp. The NSCN (IM) also said it had consented to the appeal made by DC Zunheboto to allow safe passage to the NSCN (K) cadre members.
"But to our dismay, the Khaplang followers, despite being cornered without any options but to either die or surrender, rejected this offer…But at this hour of either capturing or killing them all, the Sumi Hoho members, public leaders like Mr. Kiyelho etc. intervened upon and requested the Naga Army Field Commander to spare the Khaplang boys," the release said .
The NSCN (IM) said it heeded to the public plea after "assurance and assertion from the public not to shelter or host them in their midst in the future". It said that only then were the rivals allowed to evacuate at 4.30 pm, thus permitting a safe passage upto Sotomi village."
After the evacuation, the Naga Army, NSCN (IM) cordoned the rival camp after which police subsequently retrieved a dead body and also took into custody four injured NSCN (K) members, the release said.
The NSCN (I-M) has asked the public to take note of the assurance given and further cautioned the Sotomi villagers against hosting the NSCN (K) men since the village was only a boundary point for evacuation and escort by the public.
The Future? The Morung Express Editorial
The process of nation-building is greatly influenced by intergenerational perspectives and opinions. Issues surrounding how different generations approach this are critical in the making of a nation. While older generations feel they have earned the right to determine the course of the future because they have lived the past, younger generations feel they are better equipped with current realities to decide what is best for their own future. What is needed is a process of consistent in-depth dialogue between different generations. An attempt to close the generation gap is always fundamental in the re-examination of any situation.
Can there be an honest and free inter-generational dialogue amongst Nagas? Are Naga elders only too concerned about their own experiences that they give little or no room for the youths to take ownership of their future? Are Naga youth indifferent to the experiences of their elders? An interesting observation reveals how elders so wish to make their own personal experiences that of the youth as well. If not put into perspective, it could have detrimental consequences on the youth. Perhaps the task is to facilitate a space where both elders and youths can share their experiences and create a common experience that will propel the people into the future.
When envisioning the future, Nagas are compelled to not just wish for freedom, they need to think about how they will exercise their freedom. In the final analysis, the question of how one exercises freedom is essential for the survival of a people. A realistic shift of focus from ‘status’ of right towards ‘exercising’ of right is required to fully experience and live out the values of freedom. It may therefore be helpful to start a public discourse on how do Nagas exercise their freedom? We need to start wrestling with the many issues concerned with nation-building, so that there is at least an iota of preparedness and conscious awareness that will prevent any misuse of freedom.
In a new world-order of monoculturalism, militarism and globalism it will take enormous will and resolve for Nagas to march undeterred. It will require a clear vision to reorganize and evolve policies and structures around values of democracy, human rights and self-determination that are comprehensively woven into the process of nation-building and governance. Can the Naga vision carry the beacon of the human spirit to live in freedom, dignity; respect and to stand for the liberating truth founded on a worldview that recognizes the indispensability of common humanity? At this core lies the need for trust. In creating trust it helps remove fears of uncertainties. It is told that great changes have occurred only when people believe it was for the better. Indeed to build a dignified future, one is required to shed the feelings of mistrust, suspicion and hate that they carry within themselves, and to take the profound risk of believing and trusting one another. Can Nagas do that?
UNLF refutes army claim Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Oct 30: United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has refuted the claim of the army authorities that three cadres of the outfit had been arrested from Patsoi area of Imphal West District on October 27.
In a statement, senior publicity officer of the outfit Ksh Yoiheiba said the three persons identified as Khu-lem Maniton s/o Tomba of Luker, Khumucham Dabal alias Jiban s/o Kulla of Awang Khunou and Konthoujam Meghachandra s/o Gouramani of Awang Khunou whom the army authority claimed to have been arrested by Maratha Light Infantry, have no connection whatsoever with UNLF or its armed wing MPA. Infact, all three of them are innocent civilians, Yoiheiba said, while flaying such false propaganda of the army.
AR in the news again Sangai Express Editorial
The uproar raised over the killing of a youth at Laipham Khunou by 4 Assam Rifles personnel on October 27 and the charges of torture hurled against the same unit by the Nupi Sangsthan, Echumlairembi Loitang Leikinthabi have once again brought the focus back on the conduct of the security personnel while they go about discharging their duties. The charges are serious, very serious. While the Assam Rifles has maintained that the Laipham Khunou youth was killed in a shoot out, local people insist that he was picked up first and later done to death. In the second case, the personnel of 4 Assam Rifles have been accused of subjecting an innocent man to extreme torture with even chillies (U Morok) being inserted inside his anus. The Assam Rifles authority has already come out with the story that its men did not venture out to Loitang Leikinthabi in response to the second allegation. Even today, the local people of Laipham Khunou have not yet taken back the mortal remains of the youth killed on October 27 and while it is too early to say that the twin incidents may serve as the rallying point for the people to come together, the irony of the situation is not lost on us. The two incidents have come even as the voice against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act has found a renewed vigour after Irom Sharmila Chanu shifted base to Delhi to continue with her fast unto death agitation against the Act. The two incidents have also come at a time when the Justice (Retd) Jeevan Reddy Committee has recommended the repeal of the said Act. It is not the case of this paper to say whether the allegations of the local people are true or not, but the fact remains that allegations, that too very serious allegations, have been raised against the Assam Rifles and it would be in the fitness of things to view the two incidents with the seriousness it deserve.
The office of the IG Assam Rifles (South) was opened after the State went up in flames following the custodial killing of Th Manorama by Assam Rifles personnel in the summer of 2004. We believe that the office of the IGAR was opened here to restore the confidence of the people in the Assam Rifles and to streamline the functioning of para-military force. It is still too early to say whether the opening of the office of the IGAR (South) has had the desired effect or not but it should be indicative that despite the steps taken up by the Union Home Ministry, allegations continue to fly thick and fast. In a conflict situation zone like Manipur, winning the trust and confidence of the people is the most important thing and we also admit that it will not be easy. Too much have happened in the past to easily win over the confidence of the people in one stroke and it will take more than Military Civic Action programmes to achieve the onerous task of winning the hearts of the people. We do agree that the Assam Rifles personnel or rather any security personnel operating in Manipur will face a hard time but what is important is to realise the plain fact the CI Ops is not only about gunning for the militants but also involves winning over the local people. Unfortunately, as long as allegations of torture and custodial death continue to do the round, the task of winning over the hearts of the people will remain an elusive aspiration. The first corrective measure would be to seriously conduct some self introspection and learn to respect the sentiments of the people
.Mamoni makes fresh bid to revive talks From Our Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Oct 30 – Mediator and Jnanpith awardee, Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami today made a fresh attempt to revive the ULFA peace process, contacting National Security Adviser (NSA), MK Narayanan. The mediator now wants the Government of India to clarify, ‘what it wants to revive the peace process’. “The Centre’s response would be conveyed to ULFA, through the peoples Consultative Group (PCG)”, Dr Goswami told newsmen here.
The author called up the NSA, this morning to explore the possibility of reviving the peace talks. This, she claimed was the desire of the PCG. “The PCG would await the instructions from Government of India to start the peace talks”, she said.
Dr Goswami said having conveyed to the NSA that the peace talks should start once again. “In which case, we wish to know what the Government of India wants,” she said.
The mediator said that she was starting the process afresh at the instructions of the PCG.
Dr Goswami said the NSA after hearing her, said he would ‘consult others’ before responding. His response is likely to come within a day or two.
The mediators and Government of India had broken off contact after the suspension of operations was withdrawn on the midnight of September 23. The PCG had also soon announced its withdrawal from the peace process but reviewed its stand later, even as full scale army operation resumed all over the State.
The Centre too had kept a small window open by stating that efforts would continue, at the time of withdrawal of the ceasefire. Operations had been suspended some time back because of possibility of direct talks with ULFA towards peace process. “However, efforts for pursuing the peace process by the Government will continue,” the statement further added
However, PCG’s latest gambit does not find favour with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which is opposed to the idea of reviving the peace process at a time, when ULFA is supposedly on the run. “It is the familiar ploy used by the outfit to buy time, whenever pressure mounts”, said an official.
Indications are that, the Centre might agree to start the peace process, as desired by PCG, but may not order suspension of operations, until the outfit comes for direct talks. The process was deadlocked after ULFA insisted on release of five prisoners and Government of India on a written commitment.
According to sources, the issue of the peace talks with ULFA had figured at a review meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on October 16. The Prime Minister, who was under pressure of the Asom Government and the Left parties, was reportedly keen to start the dialogue process.
At the meeting the Home Ministry conveyed its stand, stressing that the outfit should be first made to fulfil the pre-conditions.
After the suspension of operations was withdrawn, the Government of India had come out with a two-line statement, blaming the continued violence and extortion by ULFA cadres.
The killing of the tea garden manager and a police constable by ULFA acted as the proverbial last straw.
Though the term of the suspension of operations ended on September 20, the Centre had been putting off a final decision, but when the reports of killings reached its ears, it decided to act.
Gogoi protests against Shourie to Vajpayee By Indian Express
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has reiterated the state's oft-repeated complaint of neglect against the Centre, this time accusing Union Minister for Development of North-eastern Region Arun Shourie of setting preconditions for allocation of additional funds to implement development projects. He has also shot off a letter to Prime A.B. Vajpayee in this regard. Gogoi's sharp remarks against Shourie come close on the heels of the latter telling the Assam Chief Minister here on Wednesday that honesty and promptness had to be ensured in order to expect more funds from New Delhi. Shourie said this as Gogoi pleaded for more funds while they shared the dais here on the occasion of inauguration of an exclusive air service for the North-east. Gogoi had also complained that the Centre's policies were solely responsible for increasing regional disparity.
''The Assam government will have to ensure prompt and honest execution of all projects and also put an end to all kinds of extortions,'' Shourie had said in response, adding that only then could he ensure that a special package was cleared by the Centre. Taking a strong exception to this, Gogoi has asked the PM if it was a policy decision of the Centre to consider this a pre-requisite for financial assistance. ''Chief Minister Gogoi has also asked the Prime Minister if Shourie's remarks reflect any kind of a policy of the Centre to release funds to Assam,'' Himanta Biswa Sharma, State Minister for Planning and Development said.
Gogoi and Shourie had earlier joined issue when the former had accused the Union minister of rejecting most developmental schemes submitted by the Assam government on ''flimsy grounds''. Shourie's ministry, according to the Assam government, had rejected projects worth several crores of rupees on the ground that these were not prepared properly and lacked a lot of technical and feasibility details.
MPP will remove AFSPA if voted to power: O Joy Sapam Aruna
IMPHAL, Oct 30: Come what may, AFSPA will be removed from the state, if an MPP-led coalition comes to power in the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly election. Asserting this during an exclusive interview with the IFP, the former MPP president Okram Joy Singh said in the 8th state Assembly election, regional parties returned 24 MLAs, including two of MPP, 13 of FPM, two of DRPP and seven of MSCP while the Congress tally was 20. Howerver, owing to the absence of any arrangement of partnership among them, the regional parties missed a chance to form the government, he added. Observing that people know the fact that the Congress is responsible for merger of Manipur into India, he reiterated that removing AFSPA is in MPP`s agenda and if regional parties form an MPP-led government, the Act will be removed immediately. Replying to a question, he said though there is no report of the 13 MLAs of FPM joining any other political party, some of them may not contest the elections on regional party tickets. The SPF government has failed in every front of governance and its coalition partners, the Congress and the CPI, will be defeated in the election, he predicted.
In the hills, the newly formed Peoples Democratic Alliance will bag most of the Naga dominated 12 constituencies reducing the Congress to naught, he observed. Alleging that the Congress is good at adopting anti-people policies and corruption, he said the government is unable to take up development activities successfully, he added. Instead of resolving issues, the government has adopted many anti-people policies which has raked up many crisis like the one following the myopic termination of teachers, he added. Asserting that the people know that the Congress supports Naga integration movement paving way for disintegration of Manipur, Okram Joy hoped that this time round people will leave the Congress and vote for MPP. Stating that the process of unification of regional parties has just been completed, he said as of now the MPP has not yet entered into any pre-poll alliances with any political party for the coming election.
MPP is contemplating to field 50 to 60 candidates for the Assembly election in both hills and valley and the names of the candidates will be announced very soon, he disclosed.
Stating that only able persons, males or females, who can fight for people`s cause and who will pay heeds to public voice, should be field in the election, he said not necessarily only MLAs can contest elections.
Arms Sales and Offensives : (Online Commentary) Nagarealm.com
Burma’s State Peace and Development Council has reportedly purchased military equipment from South Korea and India to bolster its forces, according to two reports in the past month. At the same time, it is gearing up for three different dry season offensives against ethnic opposition groups.
In early September, reports emerged that the South Korean company Daewoo was being investigated for acting as an agent to send military equipment to Burma for an unidentified South Korean defence company. The equipment has been variously described as lathes and press machines or detonating devices for artillery shells.
Daewoo is one of the biggest foreign investors in Burma and has recently been criticised for its investment in offshore Burmese gas fields. The military arms sales were apparently made without the permission of the Seoul government, and the South Korean special investigation department is investigating both Daewoo and the defence company. South Korea is not a traditional arms supplier to Burma, and if the deal did take place, it would be in violation of South Korean law.
The Indian government has also confirmed it is supplying the Burmese junta with military hardware, in a quid pro quo deal connected to countering the influence of China and Pakistan and the suppression of insurgent groups opposed to New Delhi,
The arrangement apparently came about during a meeting between Indian Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt and Burmese Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye at Naypyidaw in early September. The deal was confirmed in statements made by Indian Army Vice Chief Lt-Gen S Pattabhiraman to the Indian magazine Force in late September. “We have recommended and started giving them [Burma] 105mm field guns.” Pattabhiraman said. In addition to the field guns, New Delhi is also providing T-55 tanks, armoured personnel carriers, mortars and locally-designed advanced light helicopters.
Two BN-2 ‘Defender’ Islander maritime surveillance aircraft were transferred to Burma by the Indian Navy in August, despite protests by the British government. The aircraft were manufactured in the UK. In addition to the aircraft, Burma also received deck-mounted air-defence guns and surveillance equipment.
The two deals come as Burmese Army troops are moving into position to launch three separate dry-season offensives.
A large-scale offensive against the Karen has been ongoing since February. The relief group, Free Burma Rangers, and the KNU reported the arrival of two new divisions to join the offensive earlier this month.
The Shan Herald Agency for News also reported the massing of army units near Shan State Army-South bases along the Burma-Thailand border at Loi Tailang and Loi Kawwan in late September. Some observers say these battalions as well as units of the United Wa State Army will attack the Shan military camps once the rains finish. Various Indian news agencies as well as the insurgent National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) have reported that several Burmese Army battalions are moving into positions in Sagaing Division. The battalions have reportedly been sent to conduct offensive operations against the NSCN and insurgent groups opposed to New Dehli’s rule in northeast India, such as the United Liberation Front of Asom. This offensive is reportedly coordinated with Indian forces operating on their side of the border. These military offences come at a time when the regime is coming under increasing international criticism for its repression of ethnic minorities along its borders. Last month, the US successfully lobbied to have Burma placed on the UN Security Council’s agenda because of its threat to international peace and security and its poor human rights record.
The report of the UN’s Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, which was submitted to the UN General Assembly last week, was highly critical of the junta’s military operations in ethnic minority areas. The report said that “among the most tragic features of the military campaign in ethnic areas is the disproportionate effect on civilian populations. In addition to the heightened risks posed by the widespread availability of small arms and light weapons and anti-personnel mines, the killing, terrorizing or displacement of civilians is often part of a deliberate strategy.”
Human rights groups consider the provision of more weapons to Burma as only increasing the junta's ability to repress its own citizens, especially among ethnic minority groups where the army’s brutal tactics against civilians have been well documented.
Burma is considered by military analysts to have the second largest military in Southeast Asia. Although its neighbours China and India do not have much to fear from Burma, the acquiring of more weapons will likely be of special concern to Thailand, which has had several armed clashes with the Burmese military over border disputes, the most recent in 2003. [Clifford McCoy]
Frans on 10.31.06 @ 04:04 PM CST [link]