Friday, December 30th
NSCN (IM) denies setting up Lineof Actual Control inside Assam
NSCN (IM) denies setting up Lineof Actual Control inside Assam The Morung Express News December 29
DIMAPUR: Despite Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s repeated assertions that “Not an inch of Assam land would be given to Nagaland”, there are allegations over the unabated encroachment and atrocities triggered by Nagas reportedly at the behest of NSCN (IM), where over 1.4 lakh acres of Assam land all along the six sectors of four districts have come under the dominance of Nagas currently. According to news report carried in The Sentinel, a leading Assam based news daily, besides allegations of Naga atrocities like assault on transport operators and grazers, it was also pointed out that on December 7, armed Naga ultras had intimidated the villagers of Grazing village (Mogroi), 32 km from Jorhat to quit the village.
As per the news report, Assam Forest Department sources also disclosed that ‘Government of People’s Republic of Nagalim’ is contemplating to set up an LAC on Assam soil —engulfing 18 encroached Naga villages of Dessoi Valley, Dessoi and Tiru Hills reserve forests of Jorhat district. It also alleged that two subdivisions of Nagaland already exist on Assam soil —Newland in B Sector (Golaghat) and Tizit in F Sector (Sivasagar).
Assertion of a tacit deal and prior understanding between the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) that the latter’s demand would be conceded at the cost of the three neighbouring States of Nagaland are also doing the rounds. Not to be left out, the Nagaland Government has also been charged of making concerted moves to set up an administrative subdivision of 60,875 acres of land in Doyang.
The NSCN-IM on its part maintains that at present, Naga areas have been subdivided by the Government of India into four different administrative units in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland. Likewise, Myanmar too has claimed parts of Naga areas and has divided it under two administrative units of Kachin State and Sagaing division. A map of Nagalim, released by the NSCN-IM, claims the Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills District of Assam. Besides, the map is also shown to include parts of the districts of Golaghat, Sibasagar, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Jorhat. It also includes Dibang Valley, Lohit, Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh and significant parts of the four of the seven districts of Manipur – Tamenlong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Chandel.
Meanwhile, denying the statement that it was contemplating on setting up a Line of Actual Control on Assam soil, the NSCN (IM) today said that there was no question of such a move being undertaken. “Recognition of traditional territory of the Nagas is an integral part of solution,” an NSCN (IM) home ministry source said. “The people and the land can never be parted,” the official said. The outfit’s stand that there is no greater or smaller Nagalim was reiterated.
Interestingly, there have been reports that the Government of India had offered during the peace talks an autonomous status under Article 244A. As per the said article Parliament may, by law, form within the state of Assam an autonomous state comprising all or any of the tribal area specified.
30 AR reaches out
to recovering addicts
Colonel Sanjay Kapoor of 30 Assam Rifles extends his hand of friendship with a recovering addict at Care Counseling Centre, Mokokchung.
DIMAPUR, DEC 29 (MExN): 30 Assam Rifles as a good will gesture went out to celebrate Christmas with inmates of Care Counseling Centre on December 28.
Besides cakes and eats, Col Sanjay Kapoor, Commandant took a host of gifts items like DVD player, chairs, volley ball set, badminton set for four, bed sheets, towels and other toiletry items. He also presented medicines, bags of rice, flour, sugar, refined oil. “These items were presented by the Commandant after knowing the desire of the people when he had met them on December 15 at the centre itself,” a release said.
Speaking on the occasion, Col Sanjay Kapoor mentioned that we should not discard drug addicts and look down upon them and rather condemn the drug abuse as such. Efforts should be made by the society in general to bring these people to the main stream of the society; it was mentioned in the release. Centres like these are doing a noble job and we should all come forward and get emotionally and materially involved for the cause and make positive contributions.
He promised frequent interactions and looking after the centre in future also. He played indoor games with the inmates. As a return gift the inmates promised that they would never ever indulge in drugs again, according to the release.
KIM hails Hoho call
IMPHAL, Dec 29: Saying that it was an apt Christ-mas message in as much as Christ came into this world to reconcile the sinful world with God, the Kuki Inpi, Manipur has hailed the statement of the Naga Hoho and the Church leaders which pleaded for the extension of the Naga ceasefire beyond January next. A statement issued by KIM observed that continua-tion of the talk would be in the interest of both ‘our spiritual and material well being.’ It also pledged its support in finding an amiable solution to this vexed problem of Naga insurgency while conv-eying their wish for a happy and prosperous New Year. However it cautioned that attempts to impose the will of Nagas alone would defy all probable solutions.
2nd NSF Federal Assembly in Jan
KOHIMA, Dec 29: A Press communique released by NSF Speaker W.H Maring notified all all the Federating Units and Subordinate Bodies of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF)
that the 2nd Federal Assembly shall be held on the 28th January 2006 at Conference Hall, Naga Club Building, Kohima.
He also added that many important issues needed to be seriously discussed for which all units were informed to attend the meeting without fail.
Naga political set up, appointments irregularities, high point of 2005 in Nagaland NET News Network
Kohima, Dec 30: Demand for a unified Naga political set up gaining impetus, hints of early settlement of the Naga conflict and the unearthing of major irregularities regarding the appointments in the Public Service Commission and School Education Department stands as the high points in Nagaland during the year 2005.
The year 2005 took off on an optimistic note with the Naga peace process getting a boost up after the top NSCN (I-M) leaders arrived in Delhi to participate in the discussions with the Centre to find a mutually accepted solution to the protracted Naga political problem.
This was followed by NSCN (I-M) leaders engaging themselves in consultative meetings with representatives of various Naga groups and reached on a consensus that no solution could be found without integrating Naga-inhabited areas of the region in a single administrative unit.
After this declaration, various Naga NGOs and churches spearheaded the campaign for Naga integration. Rallies were organized in Naga-inhabited areas across Nagaland and Manipur.
The ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) and opposition Congress expressed solidarity with the Naga integration rally organized by apex tribal council Naga Hoho at Kohima.
The peace process, at the end of the year, received a jolt when NSCN (I-M) threatened to opt out from peace process if the conflict is not resolved within the current spell of the cease-fire, which expires in January.
Representatives of the Centre and the underground outfit held negotiations in Bangkok and decided to hold another round of talks scheduled for next month.
Reports of intermitted armed clashes among rival underground groups, killings, kidnappings and extortions were received from various parts of the state during the year.
The year, 2005, also saw a bitter rivalry between the two tribes in the border district of Tuensang cropping up out of the long-drawn-out land ownership disputes. The rivalry erupted again in April after rival underground groups were found involved in the dispute.
But the government brought the situation under control and engaged tribal councils to sort out their differences.
The ruling alliance also received a major setback when chief minister Neiphiu Rio sacked his once close confidante and Finance Minister K. Therie for his alleged anti-party activity.
Whereas, on the other hand, Congress continued to corner the government on utilization of Rs. 365 Crore special Central grant and rejected the official white paper on the same.
With pressure mounted by students bodies and opposition Congress, the DAN government constituted special investigation teams (SIT) which exposed major irregularities in appointments in Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and school education department
DATELINE Guwahati/Wasbir Hussain Secrecy and the politics of mediation Naga talks Sentinel
Predictably, there has been a deadlock in the Naga peace talks. But, the one thing that both the Government of India and the NSCN(IM) shares in common is the lack of transparency in so far as the content of the negotiations is concerned. It has been eight years since the two sides started talking. Still, one is not aware if the NSCN(IM) has agreed to work out a solution by giving up its demand for an independent Naga homeland or if New Delhi has actually indicated at a solution by merging the Naga areas in the North-east into the State of Nagaland.
Lack of transparency leads to confusing signals. Take the instance last week of news reports that had quoted a middle-ranking NSCN(IM) leader as saying that both his group and the Government of India had agreed to utilise the services of Dutchman Michael C. Van Praag to take the Naga peace process forward. A local English daily had a news report to this effect in its December 24 edition. It quoted NSCN(IM) ‘Deputy Information Minister’ Kraibo Chawang as saying that the two sides had agreed on a ‘third-party mediation’ during the last round of talks in Bangkok earlier this month, and that Praag was going to be the ‘pointsman.’
For journalists and observers, it was breaking news and much more. The question being asked obviously was whether New Delhi has actually relaxed its stand against any third-party or international mediation in its internal affairs. If that was so, it was big news indeed. It took a full four days for New Delhi, its negotiators on the Naga issue in particular, to react.
Union Minister Oscar Fernandez, who is heading the Naga peace talks on behalf of the Government of India, made two points while dismissing the news reports: that news about Praag’s role as a mediator was ‘baseless’ and that ‘the question of appointing a mediator does not arise.’
When this writer spoke to a top NSCN(IM) leader on Wednesday to ascertain the facts, he said that no decision has as yet been arrived at to utilise the services of Praag to give a momentum to the peace talks. ‘Michael Praag has been associated with the talks since 2001, but no decision has been taken officially yet to have him as a mediator,’ RS Raising, NSCN(IM)’s ‘Home Minister’, reached on his cellphone somewhere in Nagaland, said. Raising said Praag is a ‘well wisher of the Nagas’ and a ‘good friend’ of both his group as well as the Government of India.
Now, the latest statement from Raising has added to the confusion and has raised doubts on whether the matter of Praag’s role was meant to have been a secret and whether it was premature on the part of the NSCN(IM) spokesman to have disclosed it at this stage. New Delhi has denied Praag’s role, but that is not enough. What Oscar Fernandez has not clarified (at least in the bit that has appeared in the media) is the claim by Chawang (as also by Raising in his conversation with this writer) that Praag was mediating unofficially since 2001. Chawang was even quoted as saying that Praag’s ‘contribution towards salvaging the peace process has been acknowledged by both sides (NSCN-IM and New Delhi).’
Now who is Praag? He is the Executive President of Kreddha (an Indo-European word meaning ‘to place trust’), an international NGO committed to ‘prevention and resolution of violent conflicts between population groups and states.’ He was a former General Secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and People’s Organization (UNPO). Van Praag, according to a latest article in the South Asia Intelligence Review, has been one of the international promoters of the cause of ‘Naga independence’ and was instrumental in securing some international exposure for the NSCN-IM by its inclusion in the UNPO in 1993. The article says that it was during his tenure (1991-98) as the General Secretary, that the UNPO passed a resolution, in January 1995, condemning the Indian and Myanmar Governments for their military action against the group and for what was described as their ‘forceful invasion and continual occupation of Naga territory and their rampant violations of human rights.’
Raising said the next round of talks will be held in Bangkok in the second week of January. ‘We (NSCN-IM) are not going to say anything new to the Indian negotiators as our stand is clear. The ball is in New Delhi’s court to give the desired momentum to the peace process,’ he said. From New Delhi’s point of view, the top priority during the forthcoming talks in Bangkok will once again be to work out an extension of the ceasefire that is to expire on January 31. And in getting the truce extended, the Indian negotiators might give certain indications that could make the NSCN(IM) leadership agree to carry on with the truce. In fact, the Nagas want peace and a unilateral snapping of the prevailing truce by the NSCN(IM) is easier said than done. That’s a different story though. What is needed is some amount of transparency in the entire Naga peace process for it to remain on track. (Feedback: wasbir@yahoo.com">wasbir@yahoo.com)
GOC Eastern Command visits Nagaland New Kerala
Kohima: Lt. Gen. Arvind Sharma, GOC-in-C, Eastern command has paid a two-day visit to Nagaland.
Defence sources said here today Lt.Gen. Sharma, who arrived at Dimapur on last Tuesday, came here by helicopter.
He was received by Maj. Gen.S.S.Kumar, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (IGAR) at the helipad, who briefed Gen. Sharma on the prevailing situation of the state.
Gen.Sharma also called on Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta on Tuesday and visited Tuensang districts, where he was briefed by the commandants of the Assam Rifles posted in the districts.
He left for Kolkata yesterday, sources said.
Police seize drugs in Nagaland New Kerala
Kohima: Kohima police has seized 61,000 Spamo Proxyvon capsules at Khuzama check gate yesterday and arrested one person in this connection.
Official sources said today the capsules, which have high demand among the drug addicts, was carried by one Alauddin (39) from Lilong under Thoubal district of Manipur in an Imphal bound bus.
The accused were arrested and a case has been registered under section 13 of Drug and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Investigation was on to ascertain the source of supply of the drug, sources said.
Army operations in Arunachal against ULFA By Indo Asian News Service
Guwahati, Dec 30 (IANS) Indian soldiers have launched a massive crackdown on United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) rebels in Arunachal Pradesh - one of the few peaceful northeastern states, officials Friday said.
Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Jarbom Gamlin said the military operations that began Thursday were aimed at nabbing rebels and uprooting the bases of the outlawed ULFA.
The ULFA is a rebel group fighting for an independent homeland in Assam and has recently set up bases in bordering Arunachal Pradesh.
The offensive is currently on in a thickly forested area in the state's Lower Dibang Valley district, about 800 km east from state capital Itanagar. The area of operations borders eastern Assam's Tinsukia district.
'Army soldiers along with state police commandos are jointly carrying out the operations in an attempt to flush out ULFA rebels taking shelter in our territory,' the home minister told IANS.
'We shall not allow our land to be used by any militant group as a safe haven.'
Arunachal Pradesh, bordering China's Tibet region and Myanmar, is among the few northeastern states that do not have any militant group.
'We cannot allow this oasis of peace to get vitiated. Some of the local people in the Lower Dibang Valley area are giving shelter to the ULFA out of fear,' Gamlin said.
'So far we are yet to get details of the operations but we are hopeful of getting positive results soon.'
The ULFA is one of the most organised militant groups in India's northeast, where more than 30 rebel groups operate with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy.
The minister said ULFA rebels were taking advantage of the 'hostile terrain' in Arunachal Pradesh to set up temporary shelters to carry out their hit-and-run guerrilla strikes in adjoining Assam.
'We are not sure as to the exact strength of the ULFA cadres inside our territory but then they have been taking shelter in the area prompting us to launch operations,' Gamlin said.
'Our reports suggest that the ULFA is yet to set up major bases in our land, but then their cadres are scattered in the forests.'
The ULFA had earlier operated out of well-entrenched bases in Bhutan before the Himalayan kingdom evicted the rebels in a massive military offensive in 2003.
The rebel group is currently negotiating for peace with New Delhi with the authorities in Assam announcing that it had 'scaled back' operations against the ULFA following peace overtures. The ULFA in October nominated an 11-member group of civil society leaders to begin talks with the Indian government.
The ULFA designated civil society group on Oct 26 held the first round of talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi to prepare the ground for a bilateral ceasefire and then direct talks between the rebel leadership and government peace negotiators at a later stage. Singh later said he was ready to discuss 'all issues relating to the ULFA'.
More than 15,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in Assam since ULFA's inception in 1979.
Gogoi urges PM for direct talks with ULFA NET News Network
Guwahati, Dec 30: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to initiate the process of "direct talks" with the banned ULFA for bringing a permanent solution to the vexed insurgency problem of the state.
"I have requested the Prime Minister to initiate the process of direct talks with the ULFA so that ceasefire could be declared as a first step to bring a lasting solution to the problem," Gogoi told reporters in New Delhi after emerging from a meeting with Singh.
"The Prime Minister has assured me that he will discuss the issue with National Security Advisor M K Narayanan for taking a proper decision on the matter," he said adding, "but we all know that such a process always takes time." The government so far had held one round of talks with ULFA-selected Peoples Consultative Group with the aim of bringing the outlawed outfit into the negotiating table. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Singh, Chief Minister Gogoi, NSA Narayanan and 11-member delegation of PCG.
In the October 26 meeting, the Prime Minister had said he was willing to discuss all issues bothering the people in Assam within the framework of the Constitution.
Gogoi also requested the Prime Minister to use his good office for creating a Legislative Council in Assam for proper representation of ethnic communities.
"I have also invited the Prime Minister to visit Assam for inaugurating 250 MW Bongaigaon Thermal Power Project," he said.
Integrity, what for? By K Leuho
(Contd from previous issue) Sangai Express commentary
If the Meetei way of thinking that, “to cheat someone of his wealth is wise”, is not rectified, then the woes besetting the State can never end. More and more innocent tribals may be cheated but that will worsen the social entropy of the people of Manipur. Naga integration or no integration, social unsatisfaction with the Meeteis is one important factor for the tribals to do away with the Meeteis and the State of Manipur if and when possible. Like it or not, that’s the truth.
If we take a deep introspection on Manipur, Imphal is the only place liveable. The rest is horrible. All modern amenities are found only at Imphal. Imphal, being the capital, should be developed but that is not an alibi for neglecting the rest. Sports developments and facilities, stadiums, TV, Radio, postal services, drinking water, Telegram, phones, hospitals, electricity, internet etc should also be a part of the life of the tribals. These things, I guess we are not asking for the moon.
Actions needed:
If we are truly a man of will and action, nothing is impossible or impossible is nothing, both are true. Men have climbed the highest mountain; men have gone down to the abyss of the seas. We have conquered the moon, we have conquered the atoms. We have calculated the universe to seconds just after the big bang. In certain field much progress is made but in certain fields, all is still in the dark. It is not that they cannot be learnt, but it is that we are not trying enough. If we invest our efforts a little more, then things here in our part of the world can also improve. Things are bound to change. No force can stop changes but if we are wise we can direct the changes to something positive. The wind of change can be destructive but can also be constructive by tapping the energy for something good for one and all. For all the evils of our State, I am 100% sure that corruption is the root cause. Much has been written about the corruption practices in Manipur but things are not improving. To strike where it is most effective, can be one practical way to reduce and ultimately control corruption. The first and foremost step is to abolish contract system of work in state departments. The departments where contract works are given to contractors have become the haven for all the infamous politicians and workers to cash upon for their next election. Insurgency is a, blessing in disguise to the politicians, workers, contractors etc. Insurgent groups may be easily blamed for all the failures & missing account in the State records. Nobody is losing; everybody is in a win-win situation. Only the poor, unconne-cted, hard working, sincere people are left helpless. Democracy in Manipur is a license for the contractors, politicians & their workers to loot the public and the State’s coffer.
In the meantime, we, the public should also realise that unfair means during elections are breeding mo-re corruption in the higher ups. We should start clea-ning our rot by tracing wh-ere the entire politician’s money has come from. Once contract system of work is abolished, the political allure would fade among the younger generations. Thus the energy of the youths can be diverted to other useful productive works. If political allure loses its lustre, youths will be automatically inclined to work and produce. Dignity of labour will find a new meaning otherwise dignity of labour is nonsense with respect to the present chaos.
Bureaucrats in the State is painted with political colours. This is most unfortunate. If State machi-neries are apolitical, then one can expect something fair, but if they are used in such a way as one political party sees it fit, things are bound to go from bad to worst.
— to be contd
SKA’s worry over fresh violence in KA Sentinel
DIPHU, Dec 30: The Somindar Karbi Amei (SKA) has expressed deep concern and apprehension over the incident of burning of houses at Pupsilputa Belaram village under Bakolia police outpost by some miscreants, and said that the atmosphere in Karbi Anglong is turning out to be such that it is becoming hard to heal the wounds of the victims of the most unfortunate and uncivilized incidents occurring in the recent history of the State.
The SKA has strongly condemned all acts of violence perpetrated upon the innocent villagers or civilians by miscreants which has jeopardized the normal life of the common people, stated a press release.
The SKA has also expressed its reservation over the allegation levelled by Rosling Dimasa, the organizing secretary of the Dima Halem Daoga (DHD) in an interview in the NE TV channel on December 28, 2005, against the Karbi social organizations in general, terming it as unfortunate, continued the release.
Frans on 12.30.05 @ 07:36 PM CST [link]
Wednesday, December 28th
Rio tosses interim solution idea
Rio tosses interim solution idea The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, DEC 27 (MExN): In the backdrop of news reports doing the rounds of a major deadlock in the peace parleys between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM), Chief Minister Nephiu Rio has reportedly tossed a new idea into the framework of the current peace parleys by speaking of the need for an interim solution.
In a news article carried in today’s edition of The Statesman, Rio speaking to senior journalist from the Northeast, Sanjoy Hazarika, tossed the new idea on the need for an interim solution to break the deadlock.
Replying to a query on remarks by the NSCN I-M questioning the future of the ceasefire and the peace process, Rio said that if there was a deadlock towards finding a solution and if it becomes very tough, “it can take the shape of an interim solution, not a final one.”
According to him, a deadlock and breaking the ceasefire will not be advisable as (territorial) integration was at the heart of the solution. “We (Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh) are neighbours and will continue to be so, that is why we must have an amicable solution”, Rio was quoted as saying.
Mention may be made that the peace talks between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India is reportedly stuck over the unification of Naga inhabited areas and the other demand of granting limited sovereignty. According to a news report carried on the December 23 issue of the Indian Express, New Delhi’s Emissaries, Minister for Planning & Programme Implementation Oscar Fernandes and K Padmanabhiah, who had gone to Bangkok for talks last week tried to convince the NSCN (IM) that neither the Prime Minister nor the Centre could accept their present demand. Things must be within Constitutional framework, said a senior official to the Indian Express.
Subsequently, they were asked to consider the autonomous status under Article 244A. The NSCN (IM) leaders, however, did not relent and were insistent on their demand for the unification of all Naga inhabited areas, many of which were in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Further, even the NSCN (I-M)’s demand for limited sovereignty, whereby they are insisting on a special federal arrangement in which the Nagas will have to be recognized as an independent entity, has not found favour from New Delhi.
The Centre’s emissaries would be flying out again on January 13 for another round of talks in a bid to save the six-month ceasefire, which will expire on January 31 2006.
Burmese Nagas in deplorable condition Thannganing Hungyo
& Peter Chachei December 27 The Morung Express
Aung San Suu Kyi
in a Naga costume
DIMAPUR (MExN): The reign of the military junta in Myanmar does not seem to augur well for the Nagas across the border. The economic breakdown as conceived by organizations working for the heralding of democracy in the country has left thousands of Nagas in appalling conditions.
Speaking to The Morung Express, Sosa, President of the Naga National League for Democracy (Burma) revealed that they were successful in delivering a ‘letter’ to Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s icon for democracy. She had also dispatched a photograph where she is seen wearing a Naga ‘mechla’ and shawl.
Using this picture, the NNLD whose motto is ‘peace, democracy and equality’ has come out with a calendar in order to raise funds for their activities, which revolves around the attempt of harbouring in of democracy, and for the welfare of Nagas in Myanmar.
The calendars are out for sale in Nagaland too.
Sosa is from Leshi, a township in Myanmar. He disclosed that a ‘settlement’ for Nagas in Myanmar would take a relatively longer time as the issue is an international one. He also stressed on the need for unity among the Nagas.
The military government in Myanmar has been alleged of carrying out illegal activities by various bodies throughout the world.
These include drug trafficking, human rights violation, corruption, forced recruitment of minors, forced labour, religious exploitation and conversion to Buddhism, planting of landmines in public places, black money laundering, banning of the mass media and exploitation against ethnic groups.
The NNLD has put the number of Myanmarese Naga refugees in Nagaland and Manipur at 7411.
The organization has to carry out activities inside Myanmar discreetly and with caution for fear of reprisal. The organization is also devoid of an office for want of funds.
Human rights violations towards the Nagas of Burma by the military government of Burma as according to the NNLD -
• Religious exploitation
• Banning of the Naga cultural heritages
• Imprisonment of all political leaders without trial
• Policy of cultural assimilation
• Non-existence of educational institution and medical department in Naga inhabited areas
NSCN (K), UNLF cadres arrested Newmai News Network December 27
Imphal: In another unrelated incident, four underground activists were arrested by security personnel from two different places yesterday. Two belong to NSCN (K) while two were UNLF cadres.
The two NSCN (K) cadres were arrested by jawans of 5th Manipur Rifles while loitering near the Jiribam ADC bungalow gate yesterday evening. They were identified as Johny Rongmei from Awang Khul and Khongreilong Rongmei from New Keiphundai in Tamenglong district.
District police Imphal West also arrested two UNLF activists from Haobam Maarak in Imphal West. The two militant has been identified as Ng.Premjit alias (26) Nganthoi of Singjamei and Th.Victor alias Thomas(23) of Nambol Kha Jiri village.
Our land their living space Nagalim: How far from reality?
A security personnel stands guard at the New Chuntia BOP at the backdrop of hamlets of Naga encroachers. (Inset) A view of the deplorable BOP. (Sentinel) By Rituraj Borthakur DESSOI VALLEY (E Sector, Assam-Nagaland border), Dec 25: Approximately 16 km beyond the Tsuetapala check post constructed by the Nagaland Police (NAP) in Assam’s Jorhat district and just concomitant to, what the Governmernt of Assam claims, the actual Assam-Nagaland border there lies a dilapidated barrack manned by around 18 personnel of 1st APBn. Enclosed in an area of a few square yards, the barrack is surrounded by bastis of Naga encroachers. Inadequate manpower, lack of drinking water, deplorable bamboo structure of the camp, etc., are other prominent features of the barrack. Every evening an wireless message is sent to the headquarters from the camp, and the message is the cliche "situation normal".
This New Chuntia camp is one of the dozens of dormant Border Observation Posts (BOPs) along the Assam-Nagaland border. While Naga miscreants continue to encroach Assam land at random, the personnel of these BOPs are ‘compelled’ to virtually rest on their oars. The irony is inescapable when one recalls what Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said on the floor of the House early this year —"Not an inch of Assam land would be given to Nagaland".
"A few months back when the AASU had launched an economic blockade against Nagaland protesting the illegal subjugation of Assam land by Nagas, tribal militants hemmed in the camp threatening to demolish it...but we were only helpless spectators," an inmate of the BOP said on condition of anonymity. Such threats, including stone pelting by Naga miscreants, have reportedly become frequent to these BOPs, thanks to the callousness of the dispensation at Dispur. Worse, the BOP personnel have to show their identity cards at the NAP-manned Tsuetapala check post (17 km inside the actual border) to go to the BOP.
As Assam Government continues to keep mum over the unabated encroachment and atrocities triggered by Nagas reportedly at the behest of NSCN (IM), over 1.4 lakh acres of Assam land all along the six sectors of four districts have come under the dominance of Nagas currently. This apart, Naga atrocities like assault on transport operators and graziers are frequently reported from these tucked-away places. On December 12 last, a goods truck (AS03 C4179) plying from Assam was set ablaze while two others (AS03 G6591 and AS03 C3939) were vandalized by Naga miscreants at Longkim-Tuenchung road. In another incident, armed Naga ultras had intimidated the villagers of Grazing village (Mogroi), 32 km from Jorhat to quit the village on December 7.
In a stunning revelation, Assam Forest Department sources said that ‘Government of People’s Republic of Nagalim’ is contemplating to set up an LAC on Assam soil —engulfing 18 encroached Naga villages of Dessoi Valley, Dessoi and Tiru Hills reserve forests of Jorhat district. Two subdivisions of Nagaland already exist on Assam soil —Newland in B Sector (Golaghat) and Tizit in F Sector (Sivasagar).
As Assam Government continues to keep its own council, it is not far that the NSCN(IM)’s demand for ‘integration of all Naga dominated areas’ would be a reality.
Exclusive video interview with Dr. T. Lunkim, chairman of Kuki Movement for Human Rights (KMHR) By: Kukiforum E Pao net news
This is an excerpt from the 25th November 2005 Kukiforum exclusive video interview with Dr. T. Lunkim, chairman of Kuki Movement for Human Rights (KMHR), at the end of a two day Kuki International Forum (KIF) Annual Meeting -cum- KUT celebration in Laurel, a suburb of Washington, DC, USA. Dr. Lunkim, who also holds the Administrative Secretary post of the Kuki Christian Church (KCC,) was an invited Chief Guest for the KUT celebration.
"Everyone should unequivocally understand the fact that the Kukis live in their own land, and they were the people who fought the British to protect their land in the northeast India and northwest Burma."
Kukiforum: Dr. T. Lunkim, we are glad to have you for this exclusive interview.
T. Lunkim: It is my pleasure to be here too. I am honored to be interviewed by the KIF leadership.
Kukiforum: Can you share us your visit to the States?
T. Lunkim: There are two important reasons – (i) to update and encourage churches that support seminary and hospital that the KCC runs in Manipur, Northeast India, and this is a routine work (ii) another reason is to meet face to face with the core leadership of KIF at this KUT celebration. With the formation of KIF, governments and military authorities have come to see the presence of our people at the international level. As a KUKI INPI (Kuki government) adviser, I came here to discuss the endeavors of the Forum so that it continues to remain a boon to our people.
Kukiforum: We do acknowledge your untiring services for the Kuki society. Keeping that in mind, which one do you consider the most remarkable success?
T. Lunkim: I am a religious worker and did not initially volunteer to be a national worker. However, since my election to the post of Matejang area Secretary in 1952, I have not given up my relentless commitment for the Kuki people. I was elected the first General Secretary of the Kuki Baptist Convention (KBC). This was the reason why I had to go to a Theological Seminary. KBC taking the leading role, six Baptist associations – KBC, KBA, KCA, KCBA, KVTBA and Presbytery consultatively formed a council, which eventually led to the Holy Bible translation. This is one of my greatest achievements in religious circle. On the other hand, although the general public might not be aware of the revitalization of the KUKI INPI on June 29, 1993, I consider this as the most remarkable success we achieve collectively.
Kukiforum: What is your understanding on "Who are the Kukis"? Can you tell us the origin of the term "KUKI?"
T. Lunkim: It is not for me to answer who the Kukis are in this generation. To understand who the Kukis are, distribute this booklet amongst yourselves and read it (the Kukiforum was presented a booklet entitled "The KOOKIES (KUKIS)" by Dr. Horatia Bickerstaffe Rawney). * The Kukiforum will release the text of this booklet in its website www.kukiforum.com at the earliest convenient time.
Kukiforum: We would like to know the challenges you had gone through at the time of translating the Holy Bible. Given the fact that there are different dialects in the Kuki society, what prompted you to call the language as "Kuki Language"?
T. Lunkim: The general public believes that I manipulated the language. I am a man of discipline; I did this in conjunction with committee's decision. During the translation, two associations each from Assam, Burma, Manipur and Nagaland, who used this language, formed a literature committee at Motbung village in Manipur where U Lunneh was the Secretary and I was the Chairman. The committee decided that the translation language should be called "Kuki Language." The committee further sought the approval of the Kuki National Assembly (KNA), the then political body. As a result, KNA discussed the matter on December 16, 1959 at Kumbipukhri (Koite) in Manipur. U Thongkhopao was the President of KNA at that time. U Paokhohang, who brought the matter into motion, said, "Some called this language as Haokip dialect or Khongsai dialect or Thadou dialect, but these are only names of clans, therefore, they cannot be used. The term KUKI language is most appropriate one." The same agreement had been reached at the September 10, 1938 Kuki Literature Society meeting in Kangpokpi. At that time, there was no separate identification as of today such as Kom tribe, Vaiphei tribe, etc. All participated. Disgruntled individuals brought the language case to the court and even put me in prison. I had gone through several pains during the Bible translation, but I have no slightest regret about it. By God's grace, today we have the finest translation amongst the tribal community. Our translation is not from English, but from Hebrew. English is also a translated version like ours. Therefore, you should not complain the translation by comparing with the English versions. I agree that there are numerous dialects in our society, however, many surveyors and linguist experts opined that the dialect we now speak was the most widely used and was considered to be the lingua-franca. The British imperialists used "divide and rule" policy to disintegrate our nation. In spite of that we still can communicate one another using our own dialects. For instance, if you travel to Falam, Tiddim or Mizoram, we can still understand each other. What you should tell to people who say if this dialect is a Kuki language, I am not a Kuki: "All dialects such as Lushai, Tiddim, Falam, etc. are also Kuki language." The dialect we use most widely will eventually become common language for our people who are living in Bangladesh, Burma and India.
Kukiforum: Today, many people, particularly the younger generation, have questioned the spelling usage in Kuki Bible translation. In this regard, many are of the opinion that it has to be either modified or changed. What is your opinion about it?
T. Lunkim: In my view, it is simple. When I extensively studied Hebrew, I came to understand that our problems are vowels and not consonants. Hebrew language has no vowels but only consonants. As they are the native speakers, they have no problems. But for us, we use vowels very often. For instance, the Hebrew says "QHL," but for the non-native speakers they have to change into "QAHAL." Language is primarily meant for its native speakers. For me, I copied the standard which Pu Ngulhao Thomsong (another Bible translator) used, and would like to give him the credit for this. I am very much eager to see the introduction of a standard grammar which we all can comply with. Till that happens, we need to stick with the spelling usage in the Bible translation.
Kukiforum: What is your evaluation on the pace of our contemporary socio-political development?
T. Lunkim: I appreciate for raising this issue. Whether they identify themselves as CHINS or LUSHAIS, they are all Kukis. The Kukis around the world should have a serious thought why the Kukis of Burma and India are not flourishing as they should be. Starting 1761, we fought the British colonizers to defend our country from occupation. Again in 1917-1919, the brave Kuki fighters resumed their fight against the British army. It should be vividly understood that the Kuki fighters did not surrender. In the context of India, we have time and again demanded explanation from the central government to explain why the Kukis were not given adequate protection during the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issak-Muivah) ethnic cleansing on the Kukis. If the government considers the Kukis as citizens of India, why remained silent spectators during the heinous killing of more than 900 innocent Kukis and the burning down of hundreds of houses? In this regard, the Indian government has not given any official response yet. The Kuki people, under the aegis of the KUKI INPI, have also intimated the government of India that not an inch of the Kuki inhabited land should be ceded to others. We do not have any misgivings on the NSCN-IM and Indian government talk for a peaceful solution, but not at the cost of the Kuki inhabited land. The Kuki Students Organization-Delhi (KSOD) has courageously shown patriotic acts in India's national capital. Everyone should unequivocally understand the fact that that the Kukis live in their own land, and they were the people who fought the British to protect their land in the northeast India and northwest Burma.
Kukiforum: During the gruesome killing of hundreds of innocent Kukis by the NSCN-IM cadres in the early 90s, you had a chance to brief the situation to the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the then Prime Minister of India, Atal Behari Vajpayee. This timely action largely contributed to the cessation of the genocidal killing in the region. While recognizing your altruism, there were also people who were of the opinion that this was something not relevant for a Church leader to do. How would you like to react to that?
T. Lunkim: It would be more appropriate for the people who sent me to answer this question. With the reorganization of the Kuki Inpi in 1993, I have been an advisor to the body. In addition to that, I am also the chairman of the Kuki Movement for Human Rights. Given that responsibilities by my people, I did the right thing at the right time in concert with my designation. I was sent to both New Delhi and Washington, DC by the KUKI INPI.
Kukiforum: With the need of having an international platform for the diversely populated Kuki people around the world, the Kuki International Forum was formed in 2002 in the United States of America. In conjunction with its founding objectives, it has had some accomplishments. What is your observation about KIF?
T. Lunkim: With the revival of the KUKI INPI, every organization formed in the Kuki society is considered to be part of the INPI. The formation of KIF is very good and is a tremendous treasure for our society. We have to use discreetly. The Kuki Inpi considers the KIF as its International Relations branch. If you refuse to say no to this proposition, you are lying that you have love for our nation.
Kukiforum: Finally, what words do you have for the youths of the Kuki society?
T. Lunkim: The youths should not be swayed by different Christian denominations of our society. As the Bible says, the Church is one and, therefore, we should be one. Church leaders and religious workers should work not only for one particular denomination, but inclusively. In politics, we must remember that our land was given neither to Burma nor India by the then British; we are living in our own land. Historically, the Kukis did not go by tribes, but by clans. This can be ascertained from the fact that people from the same clan are seen under different tribes' names. In Manipur, the Indian government in 1956 divided our nation into 21 different tribes, which has become a source of contention in our society today. This classification was done at the time when Rishang Keishing was Member of Parliament from the state. It is now the younger generation's responsibility to protect the land that our forefathers fought to defend it. I am getting old; I am not the one to get this job done.
Kukiforum: We appreciate your time. See you again next time!
T. Lunkim: Thanks.
Human Rights Groups to fight against alleged AR Newmai News Network December 27
Imphal: Three human rights groups of Manipur have been set to petition jointly to the National Human Rights Commission seeking action against personnel of the Assam Rifles for allegedly committing unrestrained behavior after an encounter with Kuki militants in Senapati district last week.
Troops of the Assam Rifles had an exchanged fire with militants of the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA), one of the eight militant groups which entered into an agreement with security forces to stop hostility at Bongyang village under Sadar hills in Senapati district on December 20.
During the encounter the Kuki militants shot dead one Assam Rifles personnel and wounded another. No militant was injured in the encounter. After the gunfight the troops took away a village girl on the charge that she was a cadre of the outfit.
After the firing, troops also burnt down two civilian houses in the village and allegedly beat up the village pastor and the secretary. The troops also caused destruction to church properties. A media team that visited the village days after the encounter saw two houses completely razed to the ground.
The villagers charged that the arson was committed by the troops. Fearing reprisal from the troops, villagers numbering about 150 fled to the nearby village called Saichang. The villagers are yet to return to their homes.
A team comprising representatives of Human Rights Alert, United Peoples Front, and Manipur Forward Youth Front visited the deserted village yesterday to take stock of the situation after the gunfight.
Talking to media persons today Y. Devaduta, spokesman of the groups said that the villagers have not returned due to fear of the troops. The villagers reportedly told the human rights team that the Assam Rifles asked them not to return to the village, saying that if they return the militants would return again.
The villagers also complained to the team that the Assam Rifles personnel took away church properties including cash. The burning down of the houses and intrusion into the church are acts against international laws and as such strongly condemnable.
Devadata, who is also the president of the United Peoples Front, charged that the troops took away all the equipments used by the villagers for cultivation and farming.
After the encounter, the KLA accused the Assam Rifles of violating the cease-fire signed by the outfit with the security forces.
Devaduta said the three organisations would lodge a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission against the excesses committed by he Assam Rifles personnel.
State Museum to divulge new faces of NE tribes By: Sanjoy Ray, NET News Network
Guwahati, Dec 27:People having inquisitiveness to know more about the various primordial tribes and diverse culture of Northeast have more than a reason to cheer about.
Inexorable endeavors since the last couple of years on the part of the Assam State Museum has bore fruits as the authorities managed to add numerous antique items to their kitty, which according to them, will provide an in-depth glimpse of the region and its age-old tribes.
Copper plates dated 8th century, painted manuscripts, hitherto undetected coins of Ahom Kingdom, ornaments and exquisite textiles of Kanyaknaga, a prime tribe of Nagaland are few of the collection of unique ancient items.
R.C Das, Director of State Museum while talking to northeasttribune.com informed that these items would add novel outlook towards the Museum besides boosting the research works and tourism sector of the region.
“We have collected 615 exclusive items from various parts of NE like Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Assam among others, out of which only 200 would be showcased during an exhibition slated to take place in mid January next”, revealed Das while adding that the Wood and Bronze carving textiles of Kanyaknaga would be the center of attraction.
“Even the common public would be enthralled by these rare collections of antique items”, speculated Das.
Exhibition Officer Samiran Baruah also informed that earlier the collections in the textiles gallery of the Museum was very limited but with these new inputs every aspect of region’s diverse culture would be covered.
Baruah further asserted that earlier the textile gallery comprised of the tribes of Brahmaputra valley only but with these new participations one would be able to peep inside the diverse tribes of the region too.
Attires made of leaves and other constituents of a tree would also be displayed during the three month long exhibition, tentatively scheduled for a kick off from January 18 next. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is expected to inaugurate the exhibition.
It can be mentioned that the Assam State Museum is the biggest Museum in the entire Northeast.
On being asked as to whether the authorities had to face any difficulties in collecting these rare items, Baruah said that the people who possesses these antique items normally represents well-to-do families and hence they do not want to sale it for money or make it public which is disappointing for us.
Advani to step down as party chief on Dec 31 From Our Staff Correspondent assam Tribune
MUMBAI, Dec 27 – Even as controversy dogged BJP’s Rajat Jayanti celebrations over the issue of the party’s next chief, national president, LK Advani is all set to announce his resignation on December 31 before naming his successor. The confusion over the leadership issue continued to rock the party and threatening to over shadow the five-day jamboree organised to mark the 25 years of party’s existence. No sooner had the dust over Rajnath Singh’s candidature settled when the party was jolted by another bolt — this time from Dr Murli Manohar Joshi – who questioned Advani’s actions in dealing with the cash-for-question scandal.
The top leadership of the party went into a huddle following reports in the media that Dr Joshi called for Advani’s resignation as Opposition leader. The man himself, a known Advani baiter, denied having made any such statement. But the damage had been done, with the BJP jumping into yet another fire fighting mission.
Dr Joshi was quoted as having questioned Advani’s wisdom of following dual policy in the parliament last week, when the BJP supported the move to expel the tainted MPs in Rajya Sabha, while opposing it in Lok Sabha.
The party brought in known Advani loyalist and former party president, M Venkahiah Naidu to control the damage. But the press conference convened to announce the party’s foreign policy resolution got hijacked in the process.
The party has come across speculative media reports carried without any basis about Advani continuing as Leader of Opposition. “There is no question, no need for discussion as it is clear that the party has accepted his desire to step down from the party presidentship but continue as Leader of Opposition,” Naidu said.
The party president would make an announcement on December 31 after the conclusion of the three-day meeting of the national council about who and when, Naidu said, seeking to treat the issue as a closed chapter.
Though the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh is the chosen one is final, however the BJP tried to maintain a façade on the whole issue. Advani reportedly objected to the name being leaked prematurely and has asserted that his successor was yet to be selected.
The leaders have since gone into denial mode, as speculation about the tussle between Advani and RSS once again taking centre-stage. The party president, meanwhile, is slated to clarify the scenario, when he announces his resignation.
The three-day conclave, meanwhile, gets underway here tomorrow with former Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee hoisting the Party flag and Advani’s inaugural address. For the next three-days members of the national council would deliberate on the political and economic resolutions, while the last day is reserved for discussing the Party’s future.
The conclave itself is being held at the reclamation ground in suburban Mumbai renamed as “Rajat Jayanti Nagar” where the Party has pitched tents to accommodate the 3,000-odd visiting delegates.
Alarmed by reports that the BJP has spent about Rs 5 crore for the five-day conclave, the RSS mouthpiece The Organiser criticised the party in its editorial. “Alongside the brouhaha of the birthday bash, the BJP would do well by reiterating a clearer vision of its political understanding.”
“The BJP was credited as a party with difference because of the belief that it is committed to socio-political transformation. The BJP was credited as a party with difference because of the belief that it is committed to collective leadership and accountable to its cadres and level of reticence in public conduct,” it further commented.
Centre’s rethink on AFPSA soon From a Correspondent Sentinel
NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said that the Centre would soon announce a decision on the demand for repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFPSA) in force in the North-east. "The recommendations of the high-power review committee on AFSPA have been discussed with the Home Minister and a decision will be taken by the Government soon," Mukherjee said on the sidelines of the Coast Guard investiture ceremony in New Delhi.
The Centre had set up the Review Committee following widespread agitation in Manipur calling for withdrawal of the Special Powers Act after the alleged rape and murder of Th. Manorama Devi by Army Rifles personnel in July 2004. This Act also seeks to insulate security forces operating in anti-insurgency operations from being hauled up in civil courts. However, the high-power review committee had also suggested that the personnel of the armed forces can be prosecuted for human rights abuses in Army courts. The Committee had submitted its report to the Government over six months ago.
Meanwhile, a delegation of the AJYCP met Union Minister of State for Home J Jaishwal today, and demanded the immediate repeal of the AFSPA.
Peace rally for Dimasa-Karbi amity DHD lauds PCC initiative From our Correspondent Sentinel
DIPHU, Dec 27: After successfully holding the massive peace rally for the Dimasa and the Karbi communities on December 22 by the Peace Co-ordination Committee (PCC), Younish Dimasa, Eastern Zone ‘unit commander’ of the DHD highly applauded the noble steps taken by the PCC. The peace rally was held at Manja, 14 kms from Diphu.
While expressing concern over the impetuous killings between the Dimasa and the Karbi tribes, Younish added that such initiatives will serve a long way in bringing the lost confidence and trust which has engulfed the region for more than three months.
He also advocated for holding of such rally to foster mutual understanding and inter-tribe reliance.
It may be recalled here that the meet was jointly organized by the KSA and the ADSU and distinguished leaders from both the communities, besides other officials who keenly took part in the meet. The presence of more than 2,000 people from both the communities in Manja speaks the intensity of the need for early restoration of peace and that both the communities are still in favour of the spirit of mutual coexistence.
Frans on 12.28.05 @ 03:34 PM CST [link]
Tuesday, December 27th
Nagaland reels under cold wave
Nagaland reels under cold wave
Kohima: Sunny morning has brought relief to the people of Nagaland today following showers of hailstorm that lashed the hilly state yesterday and pulled the temperature below zero degree celsius in some places.
Zunheboto district and Aghunato town and its adjoining areas were most badly hit by the hailstorm and registered over two feet of hail deposits.
The capital town of Kohima also experienced heavy hailstorm yesterday and the Japfu peak in Puliebadze Range, situated just above Kohima, was covered by snow since yesterday.
The mercury was down between three to four degree celsius.
Hailstorm also swept Tuensang, Phek, Mokokchung, Longleng, Kiphire and Wokha districts.
The highest altitide town of the state, Pfutsero in Phek district, was also reeling under a severe cold wave where mercury was between zero to one degree celsius.
No loss of human lives were reported.
The commercial hub of Nagaland, Dimapur, was also hit by hailstorm yesterday.
Rio tosses interim solution idea
Open Forum
Chief Minister Nephiu Rio of Nagaland spoke to Sanjoy Hazarika on hiccups in the Naga peace process, a problem of numbers and innovative ideas. Known for his proximity to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN, I-M), although in his early months in office, he spoke of a need for equi-closeness with all Naga militant groups, Mr Rio tossed a new idea into the framework of talks. He spoke of the need for an interim solution, remarks which bear significance both in the light of the recent Bangkok dialogue between Indian peace negotiators and the NSCN as well as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s interview to Jonathan Power of the International Herald Tribune where he said, albeit in the context of Jammu and Kashmir but with a resonance that covers the North-east, that “short of secession, short of redrawing boundaries, the Indian establishment can live with anything.”
On remarks by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN, I-M) questioning the future of the ceasefire and the peace process:
That is between the NSCN and the Government of India. We hope and pray that it will continue. But because the NSCN is issuing strong statements so we have to be prepared. There was a deadlock (earlier) and if it is there, then we have to be prepared. It should take some time but let us find a solution. If it becomes very tough, it can take the shape of an interim solution, not a final one.
If you climb to a summit, a hilltop, then you can think of the next hill. A deadlock and breaking the ceasefire will not be advisable and (territorial) integration is at the heart of the solution. There was a 16-point agreement (in the 1960s) between the Government of India and the Naga Peoples Convention. People feel that it has to be resolved. It is not our view that we can force a settlement on anyone.
We (Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh) are neighbours and will continue to be so, that is why we must have an amicable solution.
But can the Nagas accept that Manipur should decide their fate?
Manipur does not want the Nagas to decide its future!
We have to take decisions in the Assembly and outside, calling for integration. My government also passed such a resolution, there are four such resolutions. The House has passed this unanimously. Some people outside may oppose it but then we cannot have consensus on all matters. An interim settlement is part of the peace process, all of these are part of the peace process. The process should continue now and the solution should be immediate. I am only a facilitator and can speak to our Naga brothers (NSCN) and the Government of India. There has been much progress, sovereignty is not being discussed any more. I see the 31 January deadline as a flexible arrangement.
On the population of Nagaland...
It is 14 lakh (although census figures have turned up 19 lakh!). It is a problem and figures are exaggerated. Because if it is reviewed, we have had warnings from village and district levels that in the review, the population will increase, not decrease!
All this is because of competition among the tribes, between districts. So we have been told that if we go for a review, then it will be more. The delimitation commission process is also creating problems because some districts are losing seats and Dimapur is gaining five seats. Mokokchung seats are dropping by three, Phek will have one less and so on. In the plains, the constituencies are large, Dimapur I has 50,000 voters but the hills have smaller voting numbers, between 12,000 and 20,000. Now these seats are distributed on tribal lines but the ones which the hills are losing are being added to Dimapur which has a three lakh population. And Dimapur has a lot of non-tribals.
Dimapur elects Nagas, not non-tribals...
That may be — but the problem is that a non-tribal area is taking seats away from Naga areas. Nagas must elect their own leaders and this process is not fair.
On innovative ideas for the state...
Nagas are good at picking up languages and human resource skills. We have had training for a few thousand youth in hotel, travel, tourism and call centres. You see them (working) in malls, hotels, about 23 have even gone to work in hotels in Dubai.
This is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Development for the North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and the Nagaland government. Now we are thinking of sending them to Bangalore where they can be trained for in-flight (cabin attendants) work. We are trying to give training and placement opportunities. Nagas want to work in other places because there is little for them to come back home to, in terms of opportunities and jobs. I want to set up an Eastern Asia Centre for languages in Kohima. We keep talking about the Look East Policy but all this will remain on paper and just ideas unless we work at a practical level to change things and develop and implement new plans. A centre like this must train people in Chinese, Malay, Thai, Burmese – if visitors from these countries come here, we must have tour guides who can speak their languages. Otherwise how will they communicate?
Why would they feel comfortable, how would they think of travelling as tourists if not invest. This is a first step, it is innovative and we want Central support for it because it has great potential to generate employment. There is no future in government employment, we cannot absorb people, that is why our young people are going out of the state and the region, they see no future there.
Foreign investment and collaborations...
The Koreans are here and working in developing the state’s hydel potential. They are also taking a test order of our ginger. They import ginger from China at huge costs.
But our ginger is as good, if not better and it is cheaper and quicker to transport. If we set up processing units in the region, there will be value addition. There is also the Naga chilli, the hottest in the world. So there are some small steps which can grow into bigger ones.
ARunachal gets an Opposition party in ’ 05 Assam tribune
ITANAGAR, Dec 26 – The biggest political event in Arunachal Pradesh in 2005 was the emergence of an Opposition party for the first time. The bureaucracy showed its determination to root out social evils in the name of customary laws and tribal rights and took several steps to tap the huge potential of this mountainous state, reports PTI.
Ever since parliamentary democracy was introduced in this tribal land in 1972 first as an Union Teritorry which graduated to statehood in 1987, Arunachal Pradesh enjoyed a single party rule without any discernible opposition.
The Gegong Apang-led Congress ministry for the first time recognised Kameng Dolo of BJP as leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly in September this year. The BJP has nine MLAs in the 60-member state Assembly.
The Opposition along with NCP MLAs and NGOs forced the government to announce a financial package for revival of the lone state-owned Apex Cooperative Bank whose 32 branches across the state had become non-functional for several months due to non-recovery of loans amounting to Rs. 170 crore.
Director General of Police Amod Kanth called upon the people to come out openly to register cases specially those related to atrocities against women committed in the name of traditions and customary laws.
He ordered the arrest of a panchayat leader who abducted a school girl, raped and married her all in the name of customary law in November, and said time has come “when we should determine how far the customary law and the rule of law will go together despite conflicts between them.”
The State Government decided to invite private sector for the first time to tap the huge hydel power potential which has been estimated to be 50,000MW, enough to meet the one-third requirement of the whole country.
MoUs are likely to be signed soon with three companies, including Reliance Energy, for development of five mega hydel projects in Siang Basin as per a Cabinet decision taken in September. These projects will generate a total of 5,000 MW.
BJP vehemently opposed the State Government’s decision to rename Arunachal University after Rajiv Gandhi following the visit of Congress president Sonia Gandhi during the statehood day celebration in February.
However, the Bill to this effect was passed unanimously in the State Assembly. This was followed by a recent assurance from the Union Human Resources Development Minister Arjun Singh that a Bill to convert the lone univerisity in the state into a Central University will be brought in the Parliament soon.
Faced with strong criticism, the State Government also launched a vigorous loan recovery drive involving deputy commissioners of all the districts and superseding the board of directors and appointing a commissioner rank officer as administrator.
In a rare display of political will to root out corruption, the state Cabinet on November 29 ordered an inquiry by NABARD into the bank scam and decided to refer cases of corruption and irregularities to CBI.
A case of over-payment of Rs 193.63 crore to the State Government by the Centre under the Hill Transport Subsidy Scheme was also referred to CBI.
The Union Panchayat Raj Minister Mani Shankar Aiyer took special interest in development of Panchayat Raj system in the state, undertook visit to several remote areas of the state in November and held a meeting with Ministers, MLAs and elected panchayat leaders, including women members to get a first hand knowledge. He signed an MoU with the Chief Minister for effecting mapping of panchayat activities for devolution of powers to Panchayat bodies.
To tap the tourism potential of this picturesque state, the government started Siang festival which was inaugurated by Rahul Gandhi at Tuting on December 11. The young Congess MP recognised the potential of the state and called upon the people to focus on promoting tourism and development of hydel power.
To improve the functioning of health centres specially in remote areas the State Government has signed MoUs with non-profit making NGOs to run all primary health centres in 16 districts in pursuance of the State Government’s public-private partnership programme under the national rural health programme. – PTI
While several of the 16 health centres have been handed over to Karnataka based NGO Karuna Trust, one PHC was handed over to a local NGO.
Being strategically located and sharing long international borders with Tibet (China), Myanmar and Bhutan a lot of ground work was made this year to reopen border trade through traditional routes and a team of high officials of Union Ministry of Trade and Commerce and External Affairs Ministries had visited the proposed points for this.
The state police launched a joint offensive along with army, Assam Rifles and Assam police in August to flush out ULFA insurgents from the Arunachal forests joining Tinsukia district. – PTI
UNLF condoles, accuses SF
By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Dec 26 : Deeply condoling the demise of one of its cadres, Sgt Maj Lukram Meeteingamba alias Nandakumar of Moreh Turel Wangma Leikai on December 11, the proscribed UNLF today said that he was killed in a landmine explosion laid by the security force at Mol-pibung in Chakpikarong sub-division of Chandel district.
The late Meeteingamba was a true soldier of the MPA, said the outfit in a statement and added that his commitment to duties was above board.
Pointing an accusing finger at the Indian security force, UNLF said that numerous landmines have been laid at Chandel, Churachandpur and Tamenglong districts by the security personnel to trap the revolutionaries and added that the landmines are mostly planted at roads and routes which are frequented by the villagers and the revolutionaries.
Citing examples, the statement said that on December 19, a 40 year old man identified as Hrangkhulien Joute was killed in a landmine explosion at Thanlon in Churachandpur district.
Another man identified as Lenkhomaang was also injured in the explosion.
On December 10, on International Human Rights Day, Thankhonchin Kuki (25) of Lanching village was grievously injured when a landmine exploded at Hengsi, added the outfit.
In a more sinister design, a GREF labourer identified as Lalneilen was seriously injured when he was used as a landmine sweeper by the Indian security force in between Keiphundai and Lhangnom village on November 21 on NH-53, charged the outfit.
The Kuki Movement for Human Rights took a bold step in exposing the modus operandi of the security force, added the statement.
The basic objective of the Indian security force in adopting such terror tactics is to shift the blame on to the armed outfits and try to portray the revolutionaries in the wrong light, asserted UNLF and added that it is also a ploy to strain the ties between the armed cadres and the villagers.
The outfit also shared the pain and grief of the bereaved family members of Meeteingamba as well as those who have been at the receiving end of the landmines planted by the Indian security force.
‘Govt shows lukewarm response to Bodo problems’ From our Correspondent Sentinel
GORESWAR, Dec 26: The Bodos are at present a divided lot due to the double role played by the Assam Government, and they are at present deprived from enjoying their rights. The Bodos seek peace in Bodoland, hence they brought the BLT from the jungles to the mainstream of society and thus were able to maintain 80 per cent peace in Bodoland. The remaining 20 per cent peace will also be established in Bodoland when the NDFB too will come to the mainstream of society through peaceful talks with the Central Government. These were some of the thoughts expressed by and shared with the gathering by Rwngwra Narzary, president, ABSU, while addressing a huge gathering that had come to participate in an open meet held at Goreswar on December 25.
Inaugurating the open meet of the 18th annual conference of Goreswar Anchalik ABSU, 10th annual conference of Goreswar Anchalik Bodo Women Welfare Federation, the first annual conference of Goreswar Anchalik Boro Harimu Afat, which were held jointly at the premises of Goreswar Higher Secondary School with a two-day long programme recently, Bipul Kumar Basumatary, speaker, Bagsa district ABSU, said that for the greater interest of Bodoland, all the ethnic groups should help the struggle of ABSU. Because ABSU works for the people of Bodoland, in times of danger, all should be united to stand against any anti-social activities.
Taren Boro, vice-president of the Boro Sahitya Sabha (BSS) urged the government to provincialize the venture-level school, to supply adequate school materials for the sake of education, and to fill the vacant posts in all departments.
He further said that Bodo language had been included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution due to the struggle of ABSU, BLT and the good activities of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha. He also said that the NE TV was also compelled to transmit Bodo cultural programme due to the demands of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha. Now the Bodo people are enjoying Bodo programme in the NE TV from August 19.
Earlier, on December 24, games and sports competition, plantation, spot poem writing competition, extempore speech competition, registration of delegates, poem recitation competition, inauguration of wall magazine and a seminar on the importance of horticulture in economic development was held.
Frans on 12.27.05 @ 03:45 PM CST [link]
Monday, December 26th
PM cannot accept NSCN (IM) demand
PM cannot accept NSCN (IM) demand
Centre says no to unification, limited sovereignty The Morung Express
NEW DELHI, DEC 23 (AGENCIES): The peace talks between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India is reportedly stuck over the unification of Naga inhabited areas and the other demand of granting limited sovereignty. According to a news report carried on the December 23 issue of the Indian Express, New Delhi’s Emissaries, Minister for Planning & Programme Implementation Oscar Fernandes and K Padmanabhiah, who had gone to Bangkok for talks last week tried to convince the NSCN (IM) that neither the Prime Minister nor the Centre could accept their present demand. Things must be within Constitutional framework, said a senior official to the Indian Express.
Subsequently, they were asked to consider the autonomous status under Article 244A. The NSCN (IM) leaders, however, did not relent and were insistent on their demand for the unification of all Naga inhabited areas, many of which were in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
‘‘Even the suggestion of unifying the areas is enough to create unrest in the neighbouring states. The Centre cannot take any chances and is therefore, treading cautiously,’’ the official added.
Moreover, there can also be no give on NSCN (I-M)’s demand for limited sovereignty, whereby they are insisting on a special federal arrangement in which the Nagas will have to be recognized as an independent entity.
‘‘This is not acceptable, specially since NSCN is not even willing to consider an autonomous system under which defence, foreign affairs, currency and communications will be New Delhi’s responsibility, while other subjects will be under the state’s jurisdiction. The Centre’s emissaries would be flying out again on January 13 for another round of talks in a bid to convince them.
‘‘Even they are under pressure to create unrest and force a migration of the local population,’’ sources in the government told the Indian Express.
As per the news-report keeping the government on tenterhooks, the NSCN (I-M) has refused to extend the six-month ceasefire, which will expire on January 31 2006. Even the government’s offer of granting them an autonomous status has failed to break the ice. The government has convinced NSCN (I-M) leaders Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah for another round of talks in mid-January to discuss extension of ceasefire. But according to the report, the Centre’s emissaries, who had gone to Bangkok for talks last week returned without assurance of ceasefire extension.
Isak Swu’s Christmas message The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, DEC 23 (MExN): “Let the 95% Naga Christian population rejoice together with the heavenly hosts and receive the great salvation which is freely given to us through his grace,” says the Christmas message of Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman of the NSCN (IM). While preaching the message that Christ’s birthday was not derived by human beings but an origination from God, the septuagenarian advocates, “So on this marvelous special occasion let our perspective be a new one.” Saying that the door is widely open for us to accept “His salvation,” the message reads, “Do not miss this opportunity by indulging in food and drinks alone but let it be an occasion for a spiritual feast so as to renew our spiritual lives and grow in his Grace to enjoy everlasting life with the Lord.” Re-enacting the Christmas story, the Chairman greets, “May the joy and happiness of 2005 Christmas give a refreshing touch and mighty anointing to all of us.”
Datta, Rio & Jamir greets people on Christmas The Morung Express
Dimapur, Dec 23 (MExN): The Governor of Nagaland Shyamal Datta has extended his greetings to the people of Nagaland on the occasion of Christmas. In a message of greeting the Governor stated that Christmas was a time to rejoice and rededicating oneself to the need for better understanding and appreciation of the essence of celebration. “The essence lies in giving and not taking (but) by treading the path of fellowship and brotherhood” the Governor reminded and wished the people that the Lord Jesus and the celebration would give the people the courage to stand up against all that undermine human dignity. “May the Lord guide us to have greater wisdom to make our life one of peace and goodness”, Governor Shyamal Datta prayed wishing all the people of Nagaland a merry Christmas and a happy new year ahead.
In a separate message, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio while greeting the people also asked that all traces of enmity, hatred and ill-will be removed from the mind because negative thoughts and feelings don’t co-exist with goodwill. “Let us truly send out our goodwill to one and all including to those we have not so far thought of as our friends and well-wishers”, Rio stated adding that the occasion be taken as an opportunity to widen “our circle of goodwill, without considering whether our goodwill will be received and responded to positively.” He reminded that God sent his goodwill towards men when they were still sinners and unworthy of his love and it was duty-bound that God be given a chance to heal the land, wounded hearts and bring true peace amongst the Nagas.
The Governor of Goa, SC Jamir in a separate massage stated that mankind is facing dangers and insecurity, with ever individual craving for peace and harmony which every religion of the world seem to respond to this felt need. He called upon the people to make this year’s Christmas a time for reconciliation between broken families, warring factions and groups, conflicting nations and peoples.
“Let us join the multitudes of angels and praise God almighty. Let the world proclaim glory to God in the highest and along with the shepherds of yore, let us take a spiritual journey to Bethlehem to witness the event which has come to pass”, Governor Jamir called.
Nagas consolidate demand for a unified set up The Morung Express
Kohima, Dec 23 (PTI): The demand for a unified Naga political set up gaining momentum amidst hopes of an early settlement of the vexed Naga conflict and unearthing of major irregularities in appointments in public service commission and school education department were major high points in Nagaland during the year gone by.
The year 2005 began on an optimistic note when the Naga peace process got a major boost with the arrival of top NSCN (I-M) leaders in Delhi and holding of discussions with Indian leaders to find a mutually accepted solution to the protracted Naga political problem.
The NSCN (I-M) leaders were also engaged in consultative meetings with representatives of various Naga groups during their stay in Nagaland and declared no solution could be found without integrating Naga-inhabited areas of the region in a single administrative unit.
Following the declaration, various Naga NGOs and churches spearheaded the campaign for Naga integration and rallies were organized in Naga-inhabited areas across Nagaland and Manipur. Both ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) and opposition Congress expressed solidarity with the Naga integration rally organized by apex tribal council Naga Hoho at Kohima.
At the end of the year, the peace process appeared little uncertain when NSCN (I-M) threatened to back out from peace process if the conflict is not resolved within the current spell of the cease-fire which expires in January. But representatives of Government of India and the underground outfit held negotiations in Bangkok and decided to hold another round of talks next month.
Unification before solution,UNC tells PM The Morung Express
Dimapur Dec 23 (MExN): The United Naga Council (UNC) in its memorandum to the Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh in Delhi on December 15 has reaffirmed its stand for the conviction that any honorable solution to the Naga Peace Process must begin with the unification of the Naga areas first.
The UNC in a memorandum to the PM which was submitted on December 15 by a delegation of UNC which included Manipur-based tribal Naga Hohos and the All Naga Students’ association Manipur (ANSAM), stated that the Naga people derived the affirmation from the premise of the unique history and situation of the Nagas and for this matter, any solution which excluded Naga unification would not be meaningful, honorable or lasting. The Council also expressed concern that even after eight long years of ‘patient expectation’ no solution appeared to have emerged till date. “Eight years, we strongly feel, is more than adequate time to hammer out a solution howsoever complex the issue might be” the UNC in its memorandum stated.
Further maintaining that it was not forthcoming of what it said was disappointment of the collective leadership with the progress of the peace process and the statement that they (the NSCN-IM) would walk away from the negotiations, the UNC urged the Prime Minister to expedite the ongoing peace talks. “We urge upon you to kindly expedite the ongoing peace talks that appears to have stalled and erase the feeling in the hearts of the Naga people that the Government of India had not been sincere in their efforts to bring final solution to the Naga people” the memorandum stated.
Reminding the PMO of the several initiatives of non-cooperation taken by Nagas to put pressure upon the Government of Manipur and the Meities, “whose dictates and uncompromising attitude towards the Rights of the Nagas have dominated response of Manipur Government ”, the UNC made it clear that unification should be given priority over solution.
The Council impressed upon the PM’s office the ‘ardent desire and wishes’ of the Naga people of Manipur for the unification of Naga areas under one administrative roof. For this matter, it asked the Government of India to demonstrate its political will to resolve the Indo-Naga issue by carrying forward the peace process to an acceptable and settlement at the earliest.
All factions precious assets for Naga people The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, DEC 23 (MExN): The Naga National Party (NNP) has asked all Naga factions and people to take advantage of “Christmas and New Year” season and to come out and reconcile and stand unitedly for a peaceful settlement. “To the Naga people, all these groups are precious assets in their own levels,” a release said while stating that it was high time to leave behind past misgivings and be “reconciled as one family.” Reiterating that past clashes have caused far too much damage, the NNP said that the time has now come when the Naga people feel that “we can not go on like this for any longer.”
The organization which has its office in Imphal has appealed to “all who love our Nation and our people” to stop ridiculing the general public, stop harassing the intimidating people because “it is for the peoples’ freedom that the national workers are fighting.” Further, the NNP said, “Our so-called common enemies take advantage to divide us further so that they can rule over us.”
“Our Naga peoples want peace, unity and peaceful settlement of Nagas’ struggle once and for all,” the release said while maintaining, “Let the hearts of all Nagas be united spiritually and we struggle unitedly for unification of all Nagas and our land to come under one administrative unit.”
Nagas consolidate demand for unified political set-up Assam tribune
KOHIMA, Dec 25 – The demand for a unified Naga political set-up gaining momentum amidst hopes of an early settlement of the vexed Naga conflict and unearthing of major irregularities in appointments in the public service commission and school education department were major high points in Nagaland during the year gone by.
The year 2005 began on an optimistic note when the Naga peace process got a major boost with the arrival of top NSCN-IM leaders in Delhi and holding of discussions with Indian leaders to find a mutually accepted solution to the protracted Naga political problem. The NSCN-IM leaders were also engaged in consultative meetings with representatives of various Naga groups during their stay in Nagaland and declared no solution could be found without integrating Naga-inhabited areas of the region in a single administrative unit. Following the declaration, various Naga NGOs and churches spearheaded the campaign for Naga integration and rallies were organized in Naga-inhabited areas across Nagaland and Manipur. Both ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) and Opposition Congress expressed solidarity with the Naga integration rally organized by apex tribal council Naga Hoho at Kohima. At the end of the year, the peace process appeared little uncertain when NSCN-IM threatened to back out from peace process if the conflict is not resolved within the current spell of the cease-fire which expires in January. But representatives of Government of India and the underground outfit held negotiations in Bangkok and decided to hold another round of talks next month.
After declaring 2005 as the year of youth empowerment, the government encouraged the educated youth to take up self- employment ventures and organized cultural and sports meets at different parts of the state throughout the year. Another important development during the year was the villagers’ initiatives towards conservation of the rich biodiversity of the state and many village councils declared community conservation areas in their respective localities.
Although investors generally shy away from the militancy ridden state, luxurious Volvo bus services were introduced for Kohima and Dimapur to Guwahati by a private operator and Nagaland was covered by another cellular service Aircel. More and more Naga youth were seen opening shops and business establishments at Kohima and Dimapur during the year.
As usual the festive season began with the opening of the annual Hornbill Festival on December 1 and followed by a series of musical concerts, fashion parades and other modes of celebration across Nagaland, hoping for a peaceful and prosperous new year in this troubled land. – PTI
ULFA talks, IM(DT) scrapping, ethnic clash dominated State
Assam ends 2005 with hopes, an uncertain note Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Dec 25 (PTI): A ray of hope for end to ULFA insurgency, violence, scrapping of the controversial IM(DT) Act, a split in the regional party AGP and a controversy in the judiciary were the major issues to dominate the headlines in Assam this year.
After two and a half decades of insurgency, hope for peace appeared to dawn in the State with banned ULFA appointing a Peoples’ Consultative Group (PCG) to hold talks with the Centre and prepare the ground rules to resolve the issue. Noted litterateur and Jnanpith award winner Indira (Mamoni) Raisom Goswami had initiated the peace process last year and several rounds of exchanges were held between her and emissaries of the Prime Minister’s Office and ULFA leaders.
The outfit, in a surprise move on September 7, announced its decision to go ahead with talks on a give-and-take basis and asked Goswami to convey the same to the Centre. On September 8, ULFA ‘chairman’ Arabinda Rajkhowa nominated a nine-member Peoples’ Consultative Group comprising prominent personalities, including three journalists, while Goswami and noted footballer of yesteryears Rebati Phukan would be the facilitators. The PCG initiated a series of discussions and sought the people’s opinion of a cross-section of people on the modalities of the peace process prior to holding the first round of talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on October 25.
The first round of talks in New Delhi saw all the issues aiming to bring the ULFA to the negotiating table discussed and both PCG members and the Centre expressed the hope of a negotiated settlement. The peace process, however, had received a jolt in the initial stages with the army launching an operation in the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Tinsukia district to flush out ULFA militants. During the operation, codenamed ‘Operation Balwan’, two ULFA camps were destroyed and five top leaders of the outfit were killed and a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered. Both the PCG and the ULFA threatened to walk out of the talk process if the operations were not called off and Army later suspended it though a battalion was still posted there.
The ULFA-sponsored violence, however, continued in the State till August this year with the outfit triggering a series of blasts and grenade attacks targeting oil pipelines, security forces, railway tracks and market places. On the Republic Day this year, the ULFA exploded two time devices in the high security Judges’ Field where the official function was being held and Assam Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Singh was addressing the people. Violence continued to haunt the State with ethnic clashes between the Karbis and Dimasas claiming more than 120 lives, while thousands of houses were torched since September 26.
The Army was deployed under the Unified Command in Karbi Anglong and security personnel allege that militant outfits — the United Peoples’ Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) and the Dima Halam Daoga (DHD) — had instigated the attacks. Both the militant outfits, which are now in ceasefire, have been asked by the Government to remain within their designated camps and were assured that they will be called for talks soon. A landmark event in the State’s history was the scrapping of the controversial Illegal Migrants Determination by Tribunal (IMDT) Act by the Supreme Court on July 12 thereby changing the political equations of ruling Congress with the minorities which is considered its dominant vote bank. The scrapping of the Act, which was applicable only in Assam for detection and deportation of illegal infiltrators from across the border, was, however, welcomed by the opposition AGP, BJP and the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU). The minorities were miffed with the Congress Government for the scrapping of the Act and decided to form a separate political party for forthcoming Assembly polls in the State.
In the run-up to the Assembly elections next year, the political scenario in the State witnessed a realignment of forces with the opposition Asom Gana Parishad splitting following the expulsion of former Chief Minister and its founder president Prafulla Kumar Mahanta who formed a new party.
Mahanta, who was removed from the party’s top post in 2001, was expelled along with a few former ministers and senior members in July this year for alleged anti-party activities. Mahanta launched the ‘Asom Gana Parishad (Progressive)’ and claimed his party was the real AGP.
The Congress too received a jolt before the polls with Gauhati High Court quashing the selection list of constables in 15 districts for irregularities and the opposition putting the heat on the ruling party. The quashing of the constable selection list coupled with the scrapping of the IM(DT) Act and ethnic violence in Karbi Anglong are likely to be the major poll issues to be raised by the opposition parties against the Congress. The Gauhati High Court was in news this year when its judges and lawyers took strong exception to its then Chief Justice B K Roy’s conduct of proceedings urging the Chief Justice of India to remove him. Roy, who was also involved earlier in a controversy with judges and lawyers of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, was later transferred to Sikkim High Court. Elections to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) constituted last year, the raging 23-day fire at an Oil India Limited (OIL) oilfield at Dikom in Dibrugarh district, the killing of NRI businessman Pratul Deb and postponement of the National Games to October next were the other highlights of the year
Nagaland: Peace Games Bibhu Prasad Routray Research Fellow, Institute for Conflict Management SATP
On September 21, 2001 emerging from negotiations in Amsterdam, the Government of India’s Chief Interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah and National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) General Secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah declared a two-year time frame for the ‘solution’ of the Naga imbroglio. Very few actually believed such an assertion, although it raised some hopes in Nagaland and outside, of an end to the long-standing conflict.
Four years and three months after that declaration, and after numerous rounds of subsequent parleys between both the sides in India and abroad, Nagaland still stands at the crossroads, waiting for peace. And recent statements by the NSCN-IM suggest that both sides are still far away from anything that resembles a settlement.
Difficulties became apparent on July 31, 2005, with the NSCN-IM’s demand that the ceasefire extension be limited to six months, rather than the usual one-year period. Then, on November 5, IM leader R.H. Raising declared: "There is no point in operating a cease-fire and holding talks without any solution in sight." This statement came less than a month after the October 11, 2005, negotiations in Bangkok, where Muivah had stated, "We are very happy to have the talks with the Indian representatives because both sides are now more serious about all the issues." On November 7, other sympathetic organizations, including the Naga Hoho, the Naga Mothers Association and the Naga Students’ Federation put their weight behind the NSCN-IM’s position that the talks served no purpose unless they were seen to be leading up to a peaceful solution, creating some consternation in the concerned circles. Finally, on December 19, Muivah issued a veiled threat of the resumption of a bush war in case a tangible solution was not found by January 31, 2006, the day the current ceasefire comes to an end.
The eight year-old ceasefire, beginning August 1997, has led to a significant reduction in insurgency-related fatalities in Nagaland. Between 1992 and 1997, 1,338 persons had been killed in the conflict, averaging 223 per year. Between 1998 and 2004, a further 595 persons have been killed, bringing the average down to 85 per year, still a disturbing number in view of the ‘cease fire’ that is now in place. During the current year, 40 fatalities (data till December 25) have been reported from the State. The fatalities in the post cease fire period have overwhelming been the result of turf wars between the NSCN-IM and its arch rival, the Khaplang faction (NSCN-K). However, the reduced fatalities fail to reflect the ground-level violence which persists across the State, and which affects the widest possible spectrum of the population. A review of some incidents in November 2005 alone gives an indication of the nature and extent of this impact.
• On November 8, suspected NSCN-K militants killed Hesso Mao, former Director General of Police of Nagaland, at his residence in the capital Kohima.
• On November 10, NSCN-IM militants abducted seven persons from the Phek district, including Pfutsero Town Council chairman Dingulo Khutso, Chakhesang pastor Nuvosaye Vese and village elder Puneru Chakhesang. The abducted persons were later released following intervention of community-based organizations.
• On November 25, militants opened fire on two journalists, injuring Xavier Rutsa, senior correspondent of ‘Nagaland Post’ at Kohima.
Violent area-domination attempts by both factions (Khaplang and Isak-Muivah) continue and during just the second half of 2005, both factions clashed at least five times [Kohima (August 1), Peren (September 10 and December 5), Tuensang (September 26), and Mon (October 5)]. The most recent clash was reported from the Makhom Part-I village in Tamenglong district in neighbouring Manipur on December 19.
The ‘threat’ to withdraw from the peace process needs to be seen in the context of the failure of the NSCN-IM leadership to make any sort of progress towards its final goal, the integration of the Naga inhabited areas (NIA). On December 15, Muivah, in fact summed up his frustration in the following words. "We Nagas have extended our hand of friendship and India is putting conditions before accepting it. Is this wise? Can we keep coming back again and again, demanding friendship from India? Do Nagas have no honour?" Muivah claimed further that there has been no progress ‘from the Indian side’ over the last six months of the ceasefire. Five days after, on December 20, the NSCN-IM Deputy Kilonser (Minister) of the Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), Kraibo Chawang indicated that unilateral abrogation of the ceasefire by the outfit is still a possibility and will rest on the outcome of the next meeting between the two sides.
There is a pattern to these threats, issued periodically by the NSCN-IM since 1997. These have been used either to keep its bete noire, the Khaplang faction, out of the negotiation process in spite of several demands to broad-base the process; or to wriggle out of difficult positions after the Government has indicated the possibility of a solution short of the IM demand of an integrated Naga territory. Threats have also been used to keep its support base intact, to ensure that the Nagas do not come to view the group as a weak organization, susceptible to the Government’s pressure.
The fact remains that, in spite of Muivah’s six-month stay in India between January and July 2005 and the three rounds of dialogue [July 29-30, October 10-11 and December 16-17] that followed, very little has been achieved beyond the usual rhetorical assertions. States like Manipur and Assam remain opposed to any dismemberment of their territory to please the NSCN-IM. Minister and mediator Oscar Fernandes’ October 18 assertion that the NSCN-IM was ready for an interim solution was rebuffed by the outfit. Even the show of camaraderie, evident in Minister Fernandes’ playing the mouth organ to the tune of Muivah’s favourite ‘We shall overcome’, is fast disappearing as the NSCN-IM resorts to tough talk in the hope that this may prod the Government to take some action.
In a lateral effort to force some progress in the process, reports are now being vigorously circulated that a Dutch non-governmental organization is being ‘formally involved’ in the peace process as a third party facilitator. The NSCN-IM had, for some time, been hard-selling the idea of involving Kreddha (the organization takes its name from an Indo-European word meaning ‘to place trust’) as a facilitator in the process. Consisting of ‘experts in conflict resolution’, led by the former Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) General Secretary Michael C. Van Walt Praag, Kreddha, is reported to have ‘briefed’ the Indian negotiators on their proposals for taking the Naga peace process forward, on December 17, the second day of the two-day round of negotiations in Bangkok. Media reports suggest further that the Indian Government has ‘accepted the proposal’ and that Kreddha and its team of ‘experts’ would consequently be involved in the next round of negotiations – an eventuality that borders on the ludicrous.
Kreddha’s links with the NSCN-IM and its support for the Naga right to ‘self-determination’ is well-known. Van Praag has been one of the international promoters of the cause of ‘Naga independence’ and was instrumental in securing some international exposure for the NSCN-IM by its inclusion in the UNPO in 1993. It was during his tenure (1991-98) as the General Secretary that the UNPO passed a resolution, in January 1995, condemning the Indian and Myanmar Governments for their military action against the group and for what was described as their "forceful invasion and continual occupation of Naga territory and their rampant violations of human rights".
Official sources reject the idea of third party intervention in the talks with the NSCN-IM, or even of the supposed December 17 'briefing' by Van Praag, and it is apparent that current media reports regarding Kreddha’s involvement in the ‘dialogue process’ are part of the insurgents’ continued efforts to internationalize the issue, and possibly to lift the IM leadership’s sagging spirits. The involvement of a third party would militate directly against the established Indian policy of rejecting international mediation in internal conflicts, and its impact would reverberate well beyond Nagaland. It is a decision, consequently, that is not likely to be taken lightly.
Frans on 12.26.05 @ 05:02 PM CST [link]
Now, Centre for mid-January Naga talks
Now, Centre for mid-January Naga talks
BHAVNA VIJ-AURORA NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 22: Keeping the government on tenterhooks, the NSCN(I-M) has refused to extend the six-month ceasefire, whuic will expire on January 31 2006. Even the government’s offer of granting them an autonomous status has failed to break the ice.
The government has convinced NSCN(I-M) leaders Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah for another round of talks in mid-January to discuss extension of ceasefire. Centre’s emissaries, minister for planning and programme implementation Oscar Fernandes and K Padmanabhiah, had gone to Bangkok for talks last week only to return without assurance of ceasefire extension.
The talks with NSCN(I-M) were stuck over Greater Nagaland or Nagalim and granting of limited sovereignty. The emissaries tried to convince them that neither the Prime Minister nor the Centre could accept their present demand. Things must be within Constitutional framework, said a senior official.
Subsequently, they were asked to consider the autonomous status under Article 244A. The rebel leaders, however, did not relent and were insistent on their demand for the unification of all Naga inhabited areas, many of which were in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
‘‘Even the suggestion of unifying the areas is enough to create unrest in the neighbouring states. The Centre cannot take any chances and is therefore, treading cautiously,’’ the official added.
Moreover, there can also be no give on NSCN(I-M)’s demand for limited sovereignty, whereby they are insisting on a special federal arrangement in which the Nagas will have to be recognized as an independent entity.
‘‘This is not acceptable, specially since NSCN is not even willing to consider an autonomous system under which defence, foreign affairs, currency and communications will be New Delhi’s responsibility, while other subjects will be under the state’s jurisdiction. The Centre’s emissaries would be flying out again on January 13 for another round of talks in a bid to convince them.
‘‘Even they are under pressure to create unrest and force a migration of the local population,’’ sources in the government added.
NSCN (K) turns tables on GoI, fires at IM group
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 19: Taking strong exception to the hue and cry and the threat of abrogating the cease fire over the killing of former Nagaland DGP, Hesso Mao, the NSCN (K) today said that unlike the IM group it has not made any political commitments with the Government of India.
In a statement, the NSCN (K) today said that since it has not made any political commitments with New Delhi, the GoI is free to pull out of the cease fire any time.
Likewise the NSCN (K) too is free to break the cease fire anytime.
However as the IM group has committed itself politically to the GoI it cannot abrogate the cease fire under ordinary circumstances said the statement.
Referring to Clause C of the cease fire pact signed between the outfit and the Government of India, the statement said that some people have misinterpreted the cease fire ground rules.
On the other despite the clear cut ground rules, the GoI has been allowing the IM group to carry on rampant extortions, threats, intimidations, attacks and killings without any restraint, charged NSCN (K).
The NSCN (K) has been witnessing the excesses of the IM group with restraint but the silence of the GoI has exposed its irresponsibility and hypocrisy, charged the statement.
Making its stand clear, NSCN (K) said that it entered into a cease fire pact with the GoI under pressure from Naga NGOs like the Naga Hoho, NSF, NBCC, NPMHR etc and at the direct and indirect requests from the GoI.
The NSCN (K) leadership accepted the cease fire proposal to give peace a chance and expected constructive overtures from the IM leadership and GoI, asserted the outfit.
However Isak Swu and Th Muivah let loose a reign of terror towards all section of the Naga people and hoodwinked the people with talks of Solution, Integration, Independence and Sovereignty, said the statement.
Countless sittings have been conducted between the IM leaders and GoI during the eight and half years, said the statement and added that if sovereignty for Nagaland had been realised then the NSCN (K) would have accepted it as this is the objective of all.
However the Naga people have been betrayed by the IM leadership by climbing down from sovereignty and talking separate State and autonomous councils, which the Naga people already have since attaining Statehood many years back.
Today the stand of the IM group is Naga territorial integrity whereas the stand of the NSCN (K) is integration after settlement.
The stand of the IM group is settlement and then unity which means that all sections of Nagas will be united through coercion and killings which is nothing but a manifestation of hatred, said the statement.
On the other hand the stand of the NSCN (K) is unity before settlement which means accomodative spirit and goodwill, added the outfit.
The stand of the IM group is that all factions or sections of Nagas should surrender to them while the stand of the NSCN (K) is unity through reconciliation with the spirit of forgive and forget without digging up the crimes of Muivah and Swu, asserted the statement and added that these are the striking differences between the NSCN (K) and the IM group.
NSCN (IM) blacklists peace process ‘saboteurs’ Ceasefire may be extended for interim period The Morung Express News December 22
DIMAPUR: The NSCN (IM) has not only blacklisted the names of ‘saboteurs’ playing a negative role in the peace process but has also expressed resentment over the alleged connivance of Indian intelligence agencies such as the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau with the NSCN (K) and the NNC/FGN.
While underlining that it had pinpointed four such persons including a senior Cabinet Minister in the UPA government and ‘others’ serving in various top level official capacities, the NSCN (IM) however refused to divulge the names at this juncture.
Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with this paper, a top NSCN (IM) official who has been involved in most of the peace parleys said the three main points which need further deliberations between the negotiating sides are, “joint defence, integration and some matters related to external affairs. Other points are more or less negotiable.”
The NSCN (K) and “Indian agencies” have also been alleged of attempting to cause a dampener in pushing forward the peace process and relaying false propaganda through the media to mislead and confuse the people. According to the official, secret meetings are arranged between the outfit headed by SS Khaplang and intelligence agencies.
Back from Bangkok only recently, the NSCN (IM) leader who works in close proximity with the Collective Leadership said there may be an interim period of ceasefire after the expiry of the same as made in the declaration during the last people’s consultation meet in Bangkok.
“The decision does not rest with NSCN (IM) alone”, the official said and also disclosed that Delhi does not want the ceasefire to expire.
A revelation made was that, after holding talk sessions, the NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th. Muivah keeps all crucial documents to himself and does not make them available even to Special Emissary to the Collective Leadership VS Atem. Blue prints demarcating the borders of ‘Nagalim’ have reportedly been outlined by both the NSCN and the Centre. Further, Muivah’s earlier statement in BBC’s ‘hard talk’ where he had said that no solution should be arrived at within the Indian union or constitution was reiterated.
Relating as to why Michael van C Praag, a council member of Kreddha, the Dutch-based non-profit organization earlier proposed to act as a ‘facilitator’ had gained importance in the peace process, the NSCN official had this to say:
“Michael understands the Naga problem. He has been deliberating with both India and the NSCN (IM). After the Indian government had recognized the ‘unique history’ of the Nagas, Padmanabhaiah (the Centre’s chief interlocutor in the peace talks) had made a statement that Manipur and Assam had unique histories as well. In response, Muivah had said that the NSCN (IM) would be withdrawing from the peace talks.
The interlocutor had then asked Michael to intervene to which he did. ”
Earlier, Deputy Kilonser of the NSCN (IM) Kraibo Chawang rubbished the allegation of rival faction NSCN (K) that Muivah and Atem had secretly submitted proposals to the Centre.
The NSCN (K) had alleged that its rivals had proposed the formation of Naga Inhabited Areas within the purview of the Indian Constitution. “The so called secret proposals do not belong to us but is the game plan of the Indian intelligence to confuse the Naga people and we have already condemned the so called document”, Chawang strongly reiterated.
Political Affairs
The gist of the matter: Differences of opinion from within the Union government over Naga issue
Hard talk: Muivah says no solution within the Indian union or constitution, NSCN (IM) claims of nexus between intelligence agencies, rivals
Delhi’s core concerns: Joint defense proposal seen as national security threat, will face flak if integration demand is met
NESO demands joint boundary panel
DIMAPUR, Dec 22: North East Students Organisation (NESO) has demanded that the Centre constitute a joint boundary commission involving all the NE states...
for an early and honourable settlement to the inter-state boundary disputes.
The apex students' body of the region in its two-day session at Dimapur in Nagaland on December 17 to 18 also adopted an eight-point resolution demanding Jammu and Kashmir-like status to the region, according to a press communiqué issued here today by All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) general secretary Gumjum Haider, who attended the session with a delegation.
Some of the important resolutions adopted include granting of land right and its natural resources to the people of the region, expediting political negotiations with different armed groups within a time frame, scrapping of the provision 3 (1) (A) (B) of the Indian Citizenship Act to prevent citizenship rights to descendents of illegal foreigners in NE, curbing ISI activities and establishment of administrative centre for the Look East Policy within the region, the communiqué informed.
NESO also decided to hold dharna in front of each Raj Bhawan of the seven Northeast states seeking immediate intervention of the Centre in tackling the problems confronting the region, the communiqué added. (UNI)
Independent living and living together: the right of the Nagas The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, DEC 20 (MExN): The General Secretary, South Nagas Union of Nagaland State (SNUNS) on behalf of the union has congratulated the United Naga Council (UNC), Manipur team for their successful trip to New Delhi under the dynamic leadership of Puni Modoli, President UNC.
C.D.Pao, General Secretary SNUNS stated that the UNC has taken the right steps at the right time and added, “this is the aspiration of the Naga people in Manipur in particular and Nagas in general”. Nagas in Manipur state are living in their own land since time immemorial which was given by God stated Pao and added that the Nagas never occupied others land. Asserting that land and people are inseparable, he stated, “The land where they (Nagas) are living belongs to them and them alone”. While pointing out the rights of the Nagas to be independent and to live together in their own land according to their will and aspiration, he stated that there could not be any compromise on the issue of unification of all Naga inhabited areas.
Stating that it was up to the centre to take appropriate step now, to bring about solution acceptable to all, Pao stated, “Otherwise none of the insurgencies in the North-East could be addressed through peaceful means”.
The SNUNS while conveying their sincere gratitude to Mani Charenamai, MP for his service to the Naga people and the role played in the Indian Parliament and in the UNC team at New Delhi, stated, ‘Naga people need true and real leader like him at this juncture’.
Nagas consolidate demand for a unified Naga political set up KOHIMA, (PTI) Outlook India
The demand for a unified Naga political set up gaining momentum amidst hopes of an early settlement of the vexed Naga conflict and unearthing of major irregularities in appointmetts in public service commission and school education department were major high points in Nagaland during the year gone by.
The year 2005 began on an optimistic note when the Naga peace process got a major boost with the arrival of top NSCN(I-M) leaders in Delhi and holding of discussions with Indian leaders to find a mutually accepted solution to the protracted Naga political problem.
The NSCN (I-M) leaders were also engaged in consultative meetings with representatives of various Naga groups during their stay in Nagaland and declared no solution could be found without integrating Naga-inhabited areas of the region in a single administrative unit.
Following the declaration, various Naga NGOs and churches spearheaded the campaign for Naga integration and rallies were organized in Naga-inhabited areas across Nagaland and Manipur. Both ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) ang opposition Congress expressed solidarity with the Naga integration rally organized by apex tribal council Naga Hoho at Kohima.
At the end of the year, the peace process appeared little uncertain when NSCN(I-M) threatened to back out from peace process if the conflict is not resolved within the current spell of the cease-fire which expires in January. But representatives of Government of India and the underground outfit held negotiations in Bangkok and decided to hold another round of talks next month.
Reports of intermittent armed clashes among rival underground groups, killing, kidnappings and extortions were received from various parts of the state during the year vitiating the comparative peace for which the naga people have been yearning for years.
The year also witnessed a bitter rivalry between the two tribes in the border district of Tuensang arising out of prolonged land ownership disputes. The rivalry reared its ugly heads in April after rival underground groups were involved in the dispute.
But the government brought the situation under control and engaged tribal councils to sort out their differences.
The ruling alliance also received a major setback when chief minister Neiphiu Rio sacked his once close confidante and Finance Minister K Therie for his alleged anti-party activity. On the other hand, Congress continued to corner the government on utilization of Rs 365 crore special Central grant and rejected the official white paper on the same.
After pressure mounted by students bodies and opposition Congress, the DAN government constituted special investigation teams (SIT) which unearthed major irregularities in appointments in Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and school education department. Many senior government officials were arrested in this connection.
Nagaland's Hornbill festival continues to be a fascination for all New Keraa
Kisama (Nagaland) : People of Kisama village in Nagaland had fun and frolic when several tribesmen from all parts of Nagaland showcased the best of their indigenous arts during the Hornbill festival hel this month.
The grand display of the Naga culture was a colourful event celebrated by tribesmen who arrived here from all parts of Nagaland.
Started in the year 2000, the Hornbill festival is aimed at bringing all the locally popular art forms and traditions on one platform. The mega event fascinates many tourists who come here from across the country and abroad to witness this extravaganza.
"The Hornbill Festival was started in 2000 to attract tourists because Nagas have so many festivals but they are all celebrated in different regions. So, the Hornbill festival was evolved to bring all these festivals together at one location and ensure maximum participation from all tribes of Nagaland," says K J Thomas, Assistant Director of Tourism of the Nagaland Government.
Paintings, woodcarvings, sculptures made by the Naga artistes were on display during the festival. The Naga troupes sang folk songs and perform traditional dances. One can enjoy indigenous games and sports. The evenings were rich with music concerts that make it a lively atmosphere.
Tourists found the festival charming. "We came here before and saw wonderful people live in Nagaland. The richness of culture and colours, all that folk tradition we see here is really fascinating. It feels really nice to experience others' culture like this. It is (something) that makes us come back all the time, " said Alder Hoppe, a visitor from Switzerland.
"It is true that such festivals are possible only because of the harmony that comes with peace. I think this should be made into a year long festival, something on the lines of Delhi Haat," said Virendra Sharma, a tourist from Dimapur in Assam.
The festival is named after the hornbill, a widely loved bird that feature up in the folklores of most of the Nagaland's tribes. Of the sixteen major tribes the notable amongst them are the Angamis, Aos, Chakhesangs, Konyaks, Kukis, Kacharis, Sumis, Changs and the Lothas.
GPRN details IM's 'secret document' to Centre
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 21: Asserting that the NSCN (IM) had submitted a secret proposal to the Government of India for settling the Naga issue, the GPRN reiterated charges upon the IM group of abandoning the cherished goal of the Nagas sovereignty.
A GPRN statement issued by its sectional officer C Obed Lotha detailing on the secret representation handed over to GoI officials in February 2005 at new delhi by Th Muivah and his emissary VS Atem cautioned the nagas on alleged sinister design and clandestine affairs of the NSCN faction. Contrary to the GPRN still holding dear Naga sovereignty the IM duo compromising the spirit and aspiration of the Nagas relied more on formation of ‘Naga inhabited areas' (NIA), said the statement and pointed out that ‘NIA is an effort from the Naga people to resolve their issue within the framework of the Indian Union' contained in the memo as belittling the blood and toil of the Nagas.
Another passage said to have been extracted from the secret document include the IM's assertion that ‘Naga history of British resistance be treated as a part of the Indian freedom movement and as the first organised revolution against British oppression as a part of the school and collegiate education in all the schools...'.
Divulging further details on contents of the documents, the GPRN cited the IM insisting that its proposals are needed for maintaining integrity of the masses to revitalise a new spirit, national level competitions and championships which will be set open in the State in the next five years.
Moreover, the IM duo's proposal covered developing a cricket team to play at Ranji trophy level as well as priority on preparing football team for participation at national level, C Obed added.
Informing that the GPRN had published texts of IM's ‘secret proposals' in booklet form which could be accessed from NSCN offices, the sectional officer referred to another section of the document which suggest that constitution of Naga Inhabited Areas ‘is to effectively marginalize and nullify the armed conflicts in the region and to silence other factions'.
Another passage implying that the IM group is willing to accept the Constitution of India relates to the document favouring Article 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution that guarantees special provision to Nagaland, said the GPRN.
It also observed that such contentions highly contradict the four point resolution adopted on September 4, 1974 at UN Sethi located near Ighanumi which borders Sumi and chakeshang regions.
Elaborating on the resolutions in which Th Muivah was the sessional secretary with Zashei Hurie as the sessional chairman, the statement cited the gathering endorsing unalterable historical facts of Nagaland being neither a part of India nor of any other country with the firm assertion that compromising rights of the Nagas would tantamount to misleading the people.
Based on ‘Nagaland for christ' the said session envisaged attaining the political freedom of the ‘country' only by pursuing the truth and through securely safeguarding the sovereignty of Nagaland at all cost, contended the GPRN statement.
It further conveyed of the UN Sethi congregation resolving to stiffly oppose any attempt to revise the national policy or deviate from the national right and stand while asserting that compromise of the cherished doctrines would ne construed as an act of treason and betrayal to the people.
Citing the above grounds and accepted pledges, the GPRN called upon the Naga people to understand not only of the IM group belittling the cause of the Nagas but to be wary of the NSCN faction trying to create divisions amongst various communities inhabiting in the region.
“The secret proposals of Th Muivah and his confidantes means exploiting people Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland as well under the pretext of creating NIA administration by injecting fear psychosis in the minds of the people exactly what Tangkhuls and their cohorts are doing today,” C Obed charged.
Ulfa camp busted in Assam New Kerala
Guwahati, Dec 22 : Assam Police and CRPF in a joint raid today busted a United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) camp in Assam's Golaghat area bordering Nagaland today.
A huge quantity of arms and ammunition, including two kgs of RDX explosives, was recovered from the site.
About eight insurgents, who were operating from the camp, however, fled after about two hours of encounter.
Camp was raided around 1615 hours. There was no report of casualty on either side. Police suspect that two militants were injured in the gun battle.
It was the first such encounter after the banned outfit showed its interest to come forward for talks with the Union government.
Nagaland too far, too remote, too unconnected Commentary Morung Express
I had never seen the shades of green that unraveled before my eyes as the car revved up the winding mountain road. It was a verdant world of greenest of green and bluest of blue. Pillows of white fluff were thrown here and there for cloud which ran along with me all the way from Kohima to Chizami.
Nagaland. A small state tucked away in the North East which is too far, too remote, too unconnected. Ask anyone, your neighbour, your chemist, your mechanic. Chances are it has never crossed their mind. Only exception is when momentarily the eye glides over news headlines; NSCN, ceasefires, protests, demands for Nagalim. On the cultural front there is greater recall; Naga costumes in brilliant colours, dances, war hoops and war cries. This essentially is all we urbanites know about Nagas.
But I was more fortunate. Not only Kohima and Dimapur I had the good fortune of visiting Chizami.
It is situated ninety kilometers from Kohima through a winding mountain road. I don’t like mountain roads; have never enjoyed car journeys to hill stations. But had I gone on a chopper I would never have seen the slender bamboos rising through dense forest cover and the plethora of colours splashed on green foliage; poinsettias, hibiscus, bougainvilleas, and scores of varieties of orchids. I recall when I was a small girl my brother in law, a brigadier in Indian army, was posted in a place which I could hardly locate on the map. My sister wrote inland letters to ‘Kohima’. Fifty years later I was to travel to that very place. Visit to Nagaland completed my parikrama around the North East.
My friend Monisha Behal had been regaling me with stories about Chizami for two years. She had started working in Nagaland with women and youth on issues of health. She had a small core group of women Chizami Women’s Society, women who dreamed of improving the lot of their people. They worked from homes. Then someone gifted them a piece of land. A resident of Chizami, N. Lohe had watched them working for two years. Their dedication and commitment won his trust. He had a piece of land on the hillside. North East Network Resource Centre, Chizami thus came into being. Villagers of Chizami donated materials and labour. Seno a woman from the village became the focal point and moving spirit. The building came up like a crest rising from the mountains—inspiring, promising.
Its sight is pleasing. With sloping roof and cheerful façade it is an emblem of ‘communitization’ a new concept of community ownership which has taken root in Nagaland. The careful arrangement of rows of marigolds lining the various paths which led up to the main building is a visual feast. The place was buzzing as if it was the centre of the universe. Momentarily, that universe was also mine!
Chizami is all about the President of India’s theory of PURA (Provision of Urban facilities in Rural Areas). Bringing urban facilities to rural hinterlands is to give youth a level playing field and incentive to stay on instead of flocking to cities like Kohima and Dimapur. It is a centre for village youth where they can work and play; where they can get involved with village development—from health and education to handlooms and handicrafts. No magic mantra, just simple common sense of engaging young men and women in development, giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility. This is what I saw as the spirit of Chizami. I saw many 12 to 14 year olds called ‘green volunteers’ rushing around. These were kids from the village who had come to the centre to offer their services and be part of the grand endeavor.
I learnt that villagers had to cut 139 trees to construct the centre but had already started planting tree for tree. 43 had been planted already and the rest will be planted soon, all fruit trees. The building has been carefully designed by a young woman architect; she designed a structure which would include many existing trees and plants. We sat on a platform built entirely of green bamboo. Our audience, villagers of Chizami, sat on the mountain slopes, a unique natural amphitheatre. Boys and girls appeared in their Chakkesang regalia. Music and dance seemed to flow down the slopes. A Naga skit told the story of a dying mother with three sons, each wanting to be her heir. The dying woman was Earth and her three sons were Tiger, Devil and Man. She did not want her inheritance for her tiger son who would eat everything in sight, or her devil son who would trick, mislead and spread canard. It was only her man-son who could preserve the heritage and save the earth. So man inherited the earth. What he did with it was beyond the scope of the skit. The point of the play was respect for environment and ecological consciousness of Naga youth.
Members of the Village Development Board accosted me. ‘In November we are going to commission our very own hydro electric project which will generate 200 kvs. After our needs are met there will be surplus. Will you help us to set up a mini industrial park for the youth of Chizami? It will give them skill development. We can teach them woodwork, food processing, granite, even gems…’ Big plans were unfolding before me. I looked at the young girls and boys rushing around the campus, bright faces full of laughter and fun. Just the right age to learn and benefit from these schemes being devised by their elders!
At lunch I was served the best Black Forest cake I had tasted anywhere in the world. ‘There was no oven. So we used hot sand to bake’. Athsole confided. I marveled at their innovativeness.
I left Chizami, laden with jams, preserves, juices made by young women and men from local pineapples, guavas, passion fruit, amlas, with help of Zinobia Schroff of Mumbai. It was 4 PM. In the east the sun sets early. Mountains wear a different look. Happy faces lined the hillside to wave goodbye. I left with regret which stems from being wrenched away too soon when you are having a good time! I decided then to remain linked with these people, women and men who aspire to bring development to their village without disturbing their equation with their natural surroundings.
Courtesy: Real Politk, New Delhi.
(December 2005 issue)
(Dr. Syeda Hameed is a Member, Planning Commission of India)
Gandhi's teachings to find place in Northeast institutions By Indo Asian News Service
Guwahati, Dec 21 (IANS) Mahatma Gandhi's teachings on peace and non-violence could soon form part of the curriculum for students in insurgency-hit northeast, a region that has witnessed a massive outflow of youths to other parts of India for further studies.
'We are currently involved in drafting a curriculum with help from a team of experts to include the subject of peace, mainly to teach students from Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography My Experiments with Truth,' noted Assamese writer and a professor at the Delhi University Indira Goswami said Wednesday.
'We would soon be submitting the draft curriculum to the University Grants Commission (UGC) for approval,' she said at a peace dialogue organised by the Centre for Development and Peace Studies, a think-tank based in the city, with support from the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata.
Goswami, a Jnanpith award winner, in her paper titled 'Northeast India: The Education, Militancy and Peace Linkage' said there was need to include 'the subject of peace and the ideals of Gandhi' to help the northeast get out of the conflict mode in the future.
'This new curriculum would be introduced in schools, colleges and universities to help the youths understand the Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence in a better perspective,' she said.
'People have almost forgotten Gandhi and only recently did the Delhi University introduce a subject on peace in its curriculum.'
Citing various reports and personal interactions with youths from the northeast studying outside the region, Goswami said a highly 'disturbed security situation' has forced many of them to venture out for further studies.
'Many of the students from the northeast live in extremely unhygienic conditions in and around the Delhi University campus but they still want to study outside as the situation back home is not conducive in terms of security,' she said.
'Moreover the syllabus in most of the colleges and universities in the northeast is outdated and needs to be revised.'
She said it hurt the sentiments of the people in the northeast when their 'rich traditions' did not find a place in history books taught in educational institutions.
'The 600-year-old Ahom rule in Assam deserves a place in Indian history books and it is a shame the syllabus has not been revised,' Goswami said.
CIA fomenting trouble in northeast: Tripura chief minist By Indo Asian News Service
Guwahati, Dec 21 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has accused the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of backing Pakistan's Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) to foment trouble in India's northeast.
'It's not only ISI but also CIA that is responsible for aiding and abetting rebels in the northeast,' Sarkar, who heads the state government led by his Communist Party of India-Marxist, told reporters Tuesday after the passing out parade at the North Eastern Police Academy near the Meghalaya capital Shillong.
'ISI is still active in Bangladesh and continue to back rebels of the northeast with CIA's support,' Sarkar was quoted as saying by Guwahati-based news portal northeasttribune.com.
'The main objective of this assistance is to destabilise the country,' he said.
Sarkar said he had informed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about this and also the existence of anti-India rebel camps in Bangladesh.
The Border Security Force and the central government have submitted a list of rebel camps in Bangladesh to Dhaka and urged it to dismantle them. But Bangladesh has denied the presence of such camps on its soil.
Package in the offing for Garo Hills From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
TURA, Dec 22 – The Meghalaya Government appears to have finally woke up to the reality that Garo Hills is extremely under-developed and much needed to be done to regain the people’s confidence. A high-level meeting was called by the Meghalaya Chief Secretary with the Deputy Commissioners of the three districts of Garo Hills and all heads of departments posted in the region recently.
The meeting is aimed at bringing forward a series of developmental schemes and projects targetted at the Garo Hills.
The meeting which began at the main secretariat in Shillong on Monday morning discussed at length ways to hasten the developmental works and creation of fresh proposals for the neglected parts of the region. The West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner P Sampath Kumar has also taken with him a number of schemes and proposals for clearance by the government.
Cash-for-query’ scam: 10 MPs held guilty, face expulsion Assam Trubune
NEW DELHI, Dec 22 – Ten Lok Sabha members, caught on camera accepting money for raising questions, were today held guilty by a House Committee which recommended their expulsion but the BJP dissented on the punishment being given “without” following “proper procedure”, reports PTI. The five-member Committee headed by senior Congress MP Pawan Kumar Bansal, held the continuance of the membership of the ten accused as “untenable”, but BJP member VK Malhotra appended a note of dissent to the report.
The 10 members are Narendra Kumar Kushwaha (BSP), Annasaheb MK Patil (BJP), Manoj Kumar (RJD), Y G Mahajan (BJP), Pradeep Gandhi (BJP), Suresh Chandel (BJP), Ramsevak Singh (Cong), Lal Chandra Kol (BSP), Rajaram Pal (BSP) and Chandra Pratap Singh (BJP).
“Considering the totality of the facts and circumstances of the case, the Committee is of the opinion that the allegation of accepting money by the ten members have been established,” it said in its 38-page report tabled in the Lok Sabha today.
As a follow-up action for implementing the Committee reccomendation, a resolution is likely to be moved in the Lok Sabha tomorrow, last day of the current winter session, for expelling them from the House.
If the House adopts such a course of action, the BJP would be the biggest loser as its strength would deplete by five from 136, followed by three of BSP (18) and one each of Congress (147) and RJD (24).
“In the Privileges Committee the tainted members will have a right of cross examination, arguments, defence etc., which is necessary for natural justice,” Malhotra said.
In its recommendation, the panel said that “howsoever harsh it may sound, the continuance of these members as members of Lok Sabha will be untenable”.
“The Committee accordingly recommends that the House may consider the expulsion of the ten members from the membership of the fourteenth Lok Sabha”, the 38-page report said.
The Committee said considering the “totality of the facts and circumstances of the case, it is of the opinion that the allegation of accepting money by the said ten members have been established.
“The Committee further notes that it is difficult to escape the conclusion that accepting money had a direct connection with the work in Parliament.
The Committee felt that such conduct of the said members was “unbecoming” of Members of Parliament and also “unethical”.
“The Committee is, therefore, of the view that their conduct caused for strict action,” it said adding stern action also needs to be taken against the middle-men, touts and persons masquerading as private secretaries of MPs since they are “primary responsible” for inducing members for such activities.
KNF condemns killing
IMPHAL, Dec 22: The Kuki National Front (KNF) has strongly condemned alleged cold- blooded murder of its defence secretary Mangoi Kuki by Imphal West police commandos.
In a statement, information and publicity secretary of the outfit LH Stephen informed that Mangoi was arrested by the commandos from Paona Bazar area on December 21 at around 11 am. The commandos then telephoned his (Mangoi) wife to pay Rs 3 lakhs for his release within three hours. His wife arranged the money and paid the said amount to the commandos. But instead of re- leasing, the commandos took him to Kangchup area where he was shot dead at around 3.30 pm of the same day, the statement alleged.
Condemning the killing, the outfit has appealed to the authority concerned to punish guilty securitymen while warning that KNF would no longer restrain from striking State security forces if such acts continue in the future.
While informing that the slain defence secretary was on a mission for the last several months for a peaceful negotiation with the Indian security forces, the outfit lamented that Mangoi was killed even as the KNF is currently negotiating on ceasefire agreement with both the Central and State Governments. It also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.
Plebiscite meet By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Dec 22: A public meeting held at Kakching Khunou Bazar today has endorsed the proposal for holding plebiscite under UN supervision as proposed by UNLF to resolve the Manipur-India conflict.
The meeting jointly organised by All Kakching Khunou Meira Paibi Wel-fare Association, Progres- sive Youth Club and United Youth Club, further resolv-ed to exert pressure on the Government of India and other authorities concern-ed for taking up necessary measures in this connec-tion.
All Kakching Khunou Meira Paibi Welfare Association president S Keina- hal, secretary Kh Mema, ex-chairperson Th Bimola, Kakching Khunou College principal Kh Ibetombi, social worker Ibobi Meitei, Councillor Kh Kunjo Mei-tei, social worker S Sanahal, social worker Th Bhorot and Thoubal District Unit-ed Women’s Development Organisation president K Thasana Leima were presidium members of the meeting. Prof Ch Priyoran-jan of Economics Dept, MU; UPF president Y Dev-adutta, National teacher awardee Th Rameshwor and All Kakching Khunou United Clubs’ Organisation secretary Kh Ranjit were among those who spoke as resource persons during the meeting.
Frans on 12.26.05 @ 05:01 PM CST [link]
Dutch negotiator for talks with Naga rebels
Dutch negotiator for talks with Naga rebels
Michael C van Walt van Praag, a rights campaigner, was earlier general secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation IANS
Dimapur (Nagaland): The government has appointed a Dutch negotiator to help save a fragile eight-year-old ceasefire with a powerful tribal separatist group in Nagaland from breaking down, a rebel leader said on Saturday.
Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs (Independent Charge) Oscar Fernandes and leaders of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) formally nominated Michael C van Walt van Praag from the Netherlands as a 'third party mediator' in Bangkok.
"The talks in Bangkok were almost on the verge of collapse with the government failing to respond positively to our demands," senior NSCN-IM leader Kraibo Chawang said.
"Praag's intervention helped in saving the peace process from breaking down," Chawang said.
The NSCN-IM and New Delhi entered into a ceasefire in August 1997 with the ongoing truce expiring on January 31 next year.
The last round of two-day peace talks ended in the Thai capital Bangkok December 17. The Dutch rights campaigner attended a lunch hosted by Fernandes in Bangkok on the last day of the talks where senior NSCN-IM leaders were also present.
"Praag would be playing the role of a facilitator or a peace broker and he is expected to submit a list of independent proposals to resolve the problem in fresh talks next month," Chawang said.
"The proposals may not be acceptable to us or to the Indian government, but his impartial role, we believe could bring in positive results and also help patching up differences between our group and New Delhi."
Praag is currently the executive president of a Hague-based non-governmental organisation called Kreddha, which works for the prevention and resolution of violent conflicts within existing states.
"Praag has been unofficially assisting the two sides (NSCN-IM and New Delhi) in the talks since 2001 and only now his role as a negotiator has been formalised," the rebel leader said. "He had visited Nagaland twice before and he is a friend of both the Naga people and the government."
An internationally acclaimed rights campaigner, Praag was earlier general secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation. The UNPO claims the support of over 100 million people in 52 countries and works for protecting the rights of minorities not represented in global forums.
Now, Centre for mid-January Naga talks BHAVNA VIJ-AURORA NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 22: Keeping the government on tenterhooks, the NSCN(I-M) has refused to extend the six-month ceasefire, whuic will expire on January 31 2006. Even the government’s offer of granting them an autonomous status has failed to break the ice.
The government has convinced NSCN(I-M) leaders Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah for another round of talks in mid-January to discuss extension of ceasefire. Centre’s emissaries, minister for planning and programme implementation Oscar Fernandes and K Padmanabhiah, had gone to Bangkok for talks last week only to return without assurance of ceasefire extension.
The talks with NSCN(I-M) were stuck over Greater Nagaland or Nagalim and granting of limited sovereignty. The emissaries tried to convince them that neither the Prime Minister nor the Centre could accept their present demand. Things must be within Constitutional framework, said a senior official.
Subsequently, they were asked to consider the autonomous status under Article 244A. The rebel leaders, however, did not relent and were insistent on their demand for the unification of all Naga inhabited areas, many of which were in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
‘‘Even the suggestion of unifying the areas is enough to create unrest in the neighbouring states. The Centre cannot take any chances and is therefore, treading cautiously,’’ the official added.
Moreover, there can also be no give on NSCN(I-M)’s demand for limited sovereignty, whereby they are insisting on a special federal arrangement in which the Nagas will have to be recognized as an independent entity.
‘‘This is not acceptable, specially since NSCN is not even willing to consider an autonomous system under which defence, foreign affairs, currency and communications will be New Delhi’s responsibility, while other subjects will be under the state’s jurisdiction. The Centre’s emissaries would be flying out again on January 13 for another round of talks in a bid to convince them.
‘‘Even they are under pressure to create unrest and force a migration of the local population,’’ sources in the government added.
Governor urges for peace in Nagaland
Kohima | December 25, 2005 3:38:55 PM IST Webindia
Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta today said here today Christmas celebration will bring peace, fellowship and understanding among the Naga people.
Speaking at the Christmas celebration of Kohima this morning, Mr Datta said, celebration reminds us of our individual and collective responsibilities.
The function was led by Vevo Phesao. Nagaland Agriculture Minister Kuzholuzo Nienu, Deputy Chairman of the state planning board Deo Nukhu, former Nagaland Speaker Z Lohe and Inspector General of Assam Rifles Major General S S Kumar were present at the ocassion.
Rio urges reconciliation for settlement of Naga issue
Kohima | December 25, 2005 3:38:53 PM IST Webindia
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said that for peaceful settlement of the Naga political problem forgiveness, reconciliation and unity amongst the Nagas is essential.
In an All India Radio broadcast on Christmas eve yesterday evening, Rio expressed hope that this Christmas will bring out the best in all and bind the citizens closer together.
"Let us try to make this Christmas season a time of loving and giving," he said.
He wished all a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Datta, Jamir greets people on Christmas
Kohima | December 24, 2005 11:38:58 AM IST Webindia
Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta today greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Christmas.
In his message, Mr Datta called upon the people to understand and appreciate the essence of the celebration better.
He expressed hope that the celebration would give people the courage to stand up against all that undermines human dignity.
''May the Lord guide us to greater wisdom and make our lives one of peace and goodness'', he said, and also wished all the people of Nagaland a happy New Year.
Former Chief Minister S C Jamir, in his message called upon all to let Christmas-2005 be a time for reconciliation between broken families, warring factions and groups, conflicting nations and the people.
Dutch negotiator for talks with Naga rebels Web posted at: 12/25/2005 0:46:29Source ::: IANS
Dimapur: The Indian government has appointed a Dutch negotiator to help save a fragile eight-year-old ceasefire with a powerful tribal separatist group in Nagaland from breaking down, a rebel leader said yesterday.
Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Oscar Fernandes and leaders of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) formally nominated Michael C van Walt van Praag from the Netherlands as a 'third party mediator' in Bangkok last week.
"The talks in Bangkok were almost on the verge of collapse with the Indian government failing to respond positively to our demands," senior NSCN-IM leader Kraibo Chawang said.
"Praag's intervention helped in saving the peace process from breaking down," Chawang said.
The NSCN-IM and New Delhi entered into a ceasefire in August 1997 with the ongoing truce expiring on January 31 next year.
The Dutch rights campaigner attended a lunch hosted by Fernandes in Bangkok on the last day of the talks where senior NSCN-IM leaders were also present.
Nagas consolidate demand for a unified Naga political set up
KOHIMA, DEC 23 (PTI) Outlook India
The demand for a unified Naga political set up gaining momentum amidst hopes of an early settlement of the vexed Naga conflict and unearthing of major irregularities in appointmetts in public service commission and school education department were major high points in Nagaland during the year gone by.
The year 2005 began on an optimistic note when the Naga peace process got a major boost with the arrival of top NSCN(I-M) leaders in Delhi and holding of discussions with Indian leaders to find a mutually accepted solution to the protracted Naga political problem.
The NSCN (I-M) leaders were also engaged in consultative meetings with representatives of various Naga groups during their stay in Nagaland and declared no solution could be found without integrating Naga-inhabited areas of the region in a single administrative unit.
Following the declaration, various Naga NGOs and churches spearheaded the campaign for Naga integration and rallies were organized in Naga-inhabited areas across Nagaland and Manipur. Both ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) ang opposition Congress expressed solidarity with the Naga integration rally organized by apex tribal council Naga Hoho at Kohima.
At the end of the year, the peace process appeared little uncertain when NSCN(I-M) threatened to back out from peace process if the conflict is not resolved within the current spell of the cease-fire which expires in January. But representatives of Government of India and the underground outfit held negotiations in Bangkok and decided to hold another round of talks next month.
Reports of intermittent armed clashes among rival underground groups, killing, kidnappings and extortions were received from various parts of the state during the year vitiating the comparative peace for which the naga people have been yearning for years.
The year also witnessed a bitter rivalry between the two tribes in the border district of Tuensang arising out of prolonged land ownership disputes. The rivalry reared its ugly heads in April after rival underground groups were involved in the dispute. But the government brought the situation under control and engaged tribal councils to sort out their differences.
The ruling alliance also received a major setback when chief minister Neiphiu Rio sacked his once close confidante and Finance Minister K Therie for his alleged anti-party activity. On the other hand, Congress continued to corner the government on utilization of Rs 365 crore special Central grant and rejected the official white paper on the same.
After pressure mounted by students bodies and opposition Congress, the DAN government constituted special investigation teams (SIT) which unearthed major irregularities in appointments in Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and school education department. Many senior government officials were arrested in this connection.
'More time should be given to peace talks': Naga Hoho Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Dec 24: The Naga Hoho, the apex Naga organisation, on Friday observed that more time should be given to the ongoing Naga peace process...
The Hoho statement comes at a time when tension is brewing as a result of apprehensions of a breakdown of the ongoing ceasefire and the ongoing peace process.
Naga Hoho vice president, Keviletuo Kiewhuo maintained that the present ceasefire itself is a part of ongoing talks and insisted that as long as dialogue is on, ceasefire should continue."Whether we like it or not, ceasefire has to continue, without which the resumption of talks is not possible. If conflict continues it will not serve the interest of Naga and India. Ceasefire must continue," Keviletuo asserted.The Hoho leader also opined, "with new things coming up at every round of talks we should watch and see".
Echoing similar views, NBCC's Peace Affairs Director, Rev. Kari Lonchar also insisted that the present ceasefire should continue till a honourable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political conflict is brought about.Stating that the Church is for peace, Rev. Longchar construed that if ceasefire is abrogated and the negotiation stops a dark phase will return again like the old days, which would be quite unfortunate for both the Nagas and Indians.Longchar also asserted that military action can never solve the problem. "Instead, the government of India should involve their best politicians and leaders in the talks so as to bring permanent solution to the long-drawn Indo-Naga conflict."What they are doing is right, but we have taken so much time without bringing any solution", Kari lamented.
Asserting that reconciliation is a continuing process, the Church leader stated, "Everyday is a reconciliation".
"The Church is praying for all the freedom fighters to desist from continuous factional feuds", he said, adding while the Church stands for reconciliation, nothing could be done so far as some people are still not willing to accept the reconciliation process. However, the church may plan something new in the coming years to make the reconciliation work, he added. (NNN)
Clarion call for unity, peace on Christmas eve Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 23: Wishing the people in general and the Nagas in particular to enjoy Christmas with peace of mind and a better New Year with full of joy, Naga National Party (NNP) has called upon all the Naga factions and people reconcile and stand unitedly for a peaceful settlement of the vexed Naga issue.
In a statement, party president Ng Hungyo said Nagas as one people have fought for the same cause unitedly under one banner.
That was the time of unity.
But these days, different factions, such as NSCN (IM), NSCN (K) and NNC/FGN are trying to prove their existence and dominate over one another, he said, adding that to the Naga people, all these groups are precious assets in their own levels.
But it has been too long fighting among our own assets and now is high time for all to forgive and forget the past and reconcile as members of one family, Hungyo said, adding that Naga people want peaceful settlement of the Nagas's struggle once and for all.
Taking advantage of Christmas and New Year season, NPP further appealed to all concerned to open their hearts and let the Prince of Peace Come in and rule their hearts and stop blaming each other and intimating the people.
ZU greets: Zelaingrong Union (ZU), Assam, Manipur and Nagaland extended its greetings to the people for Christmas and New Year.
Christmas has come heralding the joys and blessing on the birthday of Jesus Christ, the prince of peace and saviour of mankind, ZU general secretary P Hemthui said in a statement while hoping that the celebration would bring peace on earth and reconciliation among all the people irrespective of their caste, creed and colour.
With the coming of a New Year, ZU further appealed to the people to march forward and make the State a peaceful zone by keeping aside all personal grudges and ill will.
ANTA appeals: Anal Naga Taangpi (ANTA) while wishing the people a merry Christmas and a happy new year has appealed to the Electricity Department for ensuring regular power supply during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
NNP appeals to 'forgive and forget'
Kohima | December 24, 2005 1:41:31 PM IST Webindia
Naga National Party (NNP) today made a fervent appeal to all Naga factions and people to ''forgive and forget the past mistakes and reconcile as members of one family for a peaceful settlement of the Naga political problem''.
In a release here, NNP president NG Hungyo and vice-president Th Rapei said the Nagas had stood as one for all causes under one banner in the past.
But, at present, different factions, such as NSCN-IM, NSCN(K), Naga National Council (NNC) and Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), were trying to prove their existence and dominance over one another, which was not in the best interests of the Nagas, the release added.
The NNP called upon all Nagas to be united ''spiritually and struggle unitedly for unification of all Nagas and their land''.
It also greeted the people on the occasion of Christmas and wished all a happy New Year.
Naga issue, scams dominate 2005 Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Dec 23: The demand for a unified Naga political set up gaining momentum amidst hopes of an early settlement of the vexed Naga conflict and unearthing of major irregularities...
in appointments in public service commission and school education department were major high points in Nagaland during the year gone by.
The year 2005 began on an optimistic note when the Naga peace process got a major boost with the arrival of top NSCN (I-M) leaders in Delhi and holding of discussions with Indian leaders to find a mutually accepted solution to the protracted Naga political problem.
The NSCN (I-M) leaders were also engaged in consultative meetings with representatives of various Naga groups during their stay in Nagaland and declared no solution could be found without integrating Naga-inhabited areas of the region in a single administrative unit.
Following the declaration, various Naga NGOs and churches spearheaded the campaign for Naga integration and rallies were organized in Naga-inhabited areas across Nagaland and Manipur. Both ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) and opposition Congress expressed solidarity with the Naga integration rally organized by apex tribal council Naga Hoho at Kohima.
At the end of the year, the peace process appeared little uncertain when NSCN (I-M) threatened to back out from peace process if the conflict is not resolved within the current spell of the cease-fire which expires in January. But representatives of Government of India and the underground outfit held negotiations in Bangkok and decided to hold another round of talks next month.
Reports of intermittent armed clashes among rival underground groups, killing, kidnappings and extortions were received from various parts of the state during the year vitiating the comparative peace for which the Naga people have been yearning for years.
The year also witnessed a bitter rivalry between the two tribes in the border district of Tuensang arising out of prolonged land ownership disputes. The rivalry reared its ugly heads in April after rival underground groups were involved in the dispute.
But the government brought the situation under control and engaged tribal councils to sort out their differences.
The ruling alliance also received a major setback when chief minister Neiphiu Rio sacked his once close confidante and Finance Minister K Therie for his alleged anti-party activity. On the other hand, Congress continued to corner the government on utilization of Rs 365 crore special Central grant and rejected the official white paper on the same.
After pressure mounted by students bodies and opposition Congress, the DAN government constituted special investigation teams (SIT) which unearthed major irregularities in appointments in Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and school education department. Many senior government officials were arrested in this connection. (PTI)
Dutch negotiator asked to retrieve Centre-NSCN cease-fire deal Ani Yahoo
Guwahati, Dec 24: A Dutch negotiator has reportedly been asked to use his expertise to save an eight-year-old ceasefire between the Indian Government and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), a rebel leader said on Saturday. Union Cabinet Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Oscar Fernandes and a leader of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) formally nominated Michael C van Walt van Praag from the Netherlands to mediate between the two sides last week in Bangkok.
"The talks in Bangkok were almost on the verge of collapse with the government failing to respond positively to our demands," said senior NSCN-IM leader Kraibo Chawang.
"Praag's intervention helped in saving the peace process from breaking down," Chawang said informed by telephone from Nagaland's commercial hub of Dimapur. Praag is the head of a Hague-based organisation called Kreddha, which works for the prevention and resolution of violent conflicts within existing states.
The NSCN-IM and New Delhi entered into a ceasefire in August 1997, but the truce expires on January 31. The last round of two-day peace talks ended in Bangkok on December 17.
"Praag would be playing the role of a facilitator or a peace broker and he is expected to submit a list of independent proposals to resolve the problem in fresh talks next month," Chawang said.
"The proposals may not be acceptable to us or to the government, but his impartial role we believe could bring in positive results and also help patching up differences between our group and New Delhi. Michael has been unofficially assisting the two sides in the talks since 2001 and only now his role as a negotiator has been formalised," the rebel leader said. An internationally acclaimed rights campaigner, Praag was earlier the general secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation. (ANI)
NSCN (K) ridicules Muivah’s proposal to involve third party North East Press Service
Kohima, Dec 18: The NSCN (K) has today ridiculed the NSCN (IM)’s proposal to involve third party mediation to their ongoing fragile political negotiation with the Government of India.
Talking to NEPS over phone from somewhere Mon district this evening, NSCN (K) Finance Kilonser (Minister) Kughalu Mulatonu said NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th Muivah’s proposal to involve a third party to mediate their moribund talks with the Government would not fructify. “No country will be interested to involve in the process that is associated with the NSCN (IM) because of latter’s terrorist background,” the NSCN (K) leader alleged, cautioning, “Any extension of New Delhi’s truce with the NSCN (IM) will also send wrong signal to the United Nations.”
Sources disclosed that a Dutch NGO involved in conflict resolution in east Timor and Tibet is likely to make specific but informal proposals on how to move the peace process forward. Mulatonu also questioned the United Naga Council (UNC) of Manipur for its camping in New Delhi and speaking for the Naga cause. “This NGO (UNC) has problems with their Government in Manipur and has nothing to do with New Delhi as far as Naga political issue is concerned,” he further pointed out.
X-mas fever grips Nagaland Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, Dec 24 – In true Naga spirit and style, a festive mood and merry making encompassing hills and valleys once again gripped Nagaland during the past couple of days ahead of Christmas, the biggest festival in this Christian-dominated state.
An aura of festivity prevailed everywhere with illuminations on private residences, public buildings, business establishments and churches and merry makings and evening musical concerts.
The official holidays began from today facilitating the people to celebrate joyous Christmas and new year with student and relatives arriving here from other parts of the country.
Every morning buses and taxis at this capital town thronged with passenmers leaving for respective villages while the citizens here were seen busy for Christmas shopping.
Residences of ministers and senior government officials literally turned into places of merry making every evening for the past few days as every one wanted to throw a perfect pre-Christmas party among friends, relatives and well wishers.
Addressing the government officials at a pre-Christmas celebration at Nagaland Civil Secretariat last week, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio urged the employees to rejuvenate themselves during the holidays to work for welfare of the people in the new year. Meanwhile singing of choirs at different residential colonies and rehersals of carols at churches rent the air here. – PTI
Bodo Front calls for Assam shutdown on Monday Ani Yahoo
Guwahati, Dec 24 (ANI): The Bodo Peoples' Progessive Front (BPPF) has called for a dawn-to-dusk shutdown across Assam on December 26 (Monday), in protest against the killing of three student activists by the Haryana Police on Friday.
Tension prevails in the state's Kokrajhar district after three tribal Bodo youths were killed by the 1st Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) of Haryana Police (HP) at Salakati railway station.
The incident took place after the personnel travelling in the Brahmaputra Mail reportedly misbehaved with some girls inside a reserved compartment at the Kokrajhar station, and later a mob gathered to stop the train at Salakh in protest against the incident.
A Haryana policeman was also killed in the mob violence thereafter. Condemning the incident, different political organizations have demanded immediate action against the culprits.
Sporadic incidents of demonstrations and violence effected normal life in the district today and railway police and other forces have been deployed.
Police resorted to spreading tear gas shells and firing blank shots in the air last evening to disperse a violent mob at Kokrajhar town even as protesters continued shouting slogans against the authorities in different places.
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has deputed Health Minister Bhumidhar Barman to the affected area to take stock of the situation.
Dr Barman is likely to submit a detailed report on the incident. The magisterial enquiry has been ordered in to the incident. (ANI)
AR rule on plebiscite By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Dec 24 : The Assam Rifles has notified that future sessions on any programmes related to plebis- cite floated by the banned UNLF should be organised after due consent and permission from the Assam Rifles authorities.
The matter came to light when one such session was underway at Kumbi Talkies located in Kumbi Bazar today wherein a team of the Assam Rifles arrived and insisted that such programmes be conducted with prior approval of AR authorities.
Despite the AR men demanding details on why the session is being organised the same was allowed to proceed after the organisers informed the uniformed personnel that authority concerned had given permission. The programme was jointly organised by Kumbi Kendra Women Welfare Association, Kumbi Apunba Nupi Lup, SAYA, Ithai-Khunou Development Organi-sation, Nongmakhong Development Committee and United Club Assn cum Library (Saiton). National Teacher Awardee Moirangthem Mangi, principal of Sanatombi Oriental English High School Nongmaithem Mani and Principal (retired) of Kumbi College W Raghumani graced the session as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively while journalist Y Rupachandra, advocate Y Ratan and UPF advisor Th Mangi addressed the gathering as resource persons. presenting their own version on the session subject, the resource persons were however unanimous on need to find an amicable end to the Manipur-Govt of India impasse; time is ripe enough to hold plebiscite; and that peace could be restored thro-ugh plebiscite. The session also resolved on necessity to hold the plebiscite under the supervision of United Nations as such a measure would ensure that the people of Manipur could exercise their will without fear or intimidation. Slogans were raised demanding UN supervision on the plebiscite issue and on true interpretation and practice of democratic principle in Manipur among others connected to the programme theme.
Politicians and corruption Esitorial Sangai Express
The recommendations given by the Bansal Committee that the ten MPs who were caught accepting money to ask certain questions in Parliament be expelled is a clear indication of the immediate need to check corruption at the highest level. The BJP, especially Mr VK Malhotra may raise a voice of dissent against the recommendations of the Bansal Committee, but the underlining message behind the stand of the Committee is not lost on us. Corruption is something which has become synonymous with Indian politics and perhaps nothing illustrates this better than the representatives of the people accepting money to ask certain questions on the floor of Parliament. The acts of the MPs amount to taking the country for a ride and perhaps it is time that the Centre thought along the line of working out certain legislations to check corruption by Parliamentarians and MLAs. If political leaders who are elected by the people to represent them in the August House do not think twice about misusing their position to earn extra money, then we call well imagine the situation in the overall Governmental establishment. The perfect recipe for a disaster is for the elected representatives of the people to lead the way in corruption which can then be followed by the Babudom and this seems to have been the accepted practice in India since 1947. This time ten MPs were caught on camera accepting money, but we wonder how many other MPs or for that matter MLAs must be there who have been guilty of similar charges. Think it over. If some MLAs in all the States of the Indian Union were to follow the examples of the ten MPs caught on camera, then what would be the fate of the Nation as a whole and the respective States ?
The task at hand is mammoth and what is needed is not only a Herculean effort to cleanse the rot, but also a sincere look at the system that passes off in India as administration or governance. Today it is MPs caught accepting money to raise questions in Parliament, tomorrow it may be anything. The urgency of the matter should not be lost on the people who matter and the time is not to argue about what should happen to the ten MPs but how to cleanse the system. Perhaps a stringent law ought to be passed against accepting or demanding bribes. If a suspect can be killed in places where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is in force, then surely some tough Acts may be legislated to keep the political leaders under check and to punish them if they are found guilty of accepting or demanding bribes. For too long, the Nehru topi clad political class of the country have been taking the people for a ride that the time has come for tough laws to be enacted to rein them in. Corruption is infectious and it can spread as can be seen in the Indian context. Right from the policy framers of the country down to the lowest ranked Government employees, the Government machinery has become synonymous with corruption and it is a pity that the Centre has not thought of anything concrete to check corruption in high office. The land which gave the Mahatma to the world certainly deserve to conduct itself better in the eyes of the international community.
Arrested ULFA cadre spills beans Our Correspondent Sentinel
JORHAT: Vital information has been obtained by the Jorhat police about the latest activities of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom in Jorhat and its adjoining districts in the wake of the arrest of hardcore militant Dilen Gogoi alias Durlav Bora from Kamarmati village in the Neamati area on Thursday night. Gogoi, a resident of Dhemaji district, is a member of the dreaded ‘28 battalion’ of the ULFA and had been to Myanmar in 2002 for training, police sources said. He returned to the State last year and had been involved in a number of subversive activities, the sources added.
Gogoi, who is being interrogated by the Special Branch, is reported to have revealed the existence of an ULFA training camp in Charaideo subdivision in Sivasagar district and provided details about the number of ultras undergoing training there. The most sensational disclosure made by the ULFA cadre in custody had been about his involvement in the broad day light murder of Congressman and president of North-west Jorhat Anchalik Panchayat Amrit Dutta in his Dhekorgorah office on May 26 last, the police sources said. The police is also believed to have extracted information about the other militants involved in the gruesome murder. Meanwhile, one Lengera Kalita who has been accused of giving shelter to Gogoi and the three others who were picked up yesterday following the recovery of two timer devices and other explosives in Gharphalia village under Puliber police station are also being interrogated by the police here. Cheniram Kalita, from whose courtyard about 105 kg of TNT and three wire, coils were recovered during the search yesterday, is absconding.
Gogoi to move PM now Demand for CBI probe into KA violence By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Dec 24: Assam Cabinet has taken a slew of decisions ranging from demand for CBI probe into Karbi Anglong violence to VAT and sales tax concession to industries in the State.
Talking to newsmen today, Assam Government spokesman Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi would move Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh soon and demand CBI probe into the Karbi Anglong violence. It may be mentioned here that Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil had recently turned down the demand for CBI probe into Karbi Anglong violence. Patil said that the inquiry into Karbi Anglong violence conducted by the State Government was enough to unearth the truth.
On payment of ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh each for those killed in the hill district in the recent blood bath, Sarma said that the Cabinet decided to simplify the procedures for release of funds. "As usual, such funds are released after the receipt of post-mortem and police verification reports ," Sarma said, and added: "In case of Karbi Anglong riot victims, only DC’s reports will be treated as the document for the payment of ex gratia." As per Government records, 95 civilians were killed in the hill district in the recent violence.
He further said that the Assam Right to Information Act was being changed in accordance with the Central RI Act. "The Information Commission will be constituted by January and a Chief Information Commissioner and two commissioners will appointed to man it," he added.
The Cabinet has also decided to adopt a cultural policy in the State so as to protect and preserve the Xatra and indigenous culture of Assam.
On Government jobs, the Cabinet decided to relax the upper age limit up to 37 years from 36 years, he said, and added that the Cabinet also decided to ask the private companies and the Government departments to submit employment reports to the Government on March 31 every year so that the employment registers could be updated.
On the gas cracker project, the he said that the State Government would have 10 per cent equity which would be adjusted with the cost of the land provided by it and the royalty it would get.
On the three medical colleges at Barpeta, Jorhat and Tezpur, he said that a decision was taken to hand over all the assets of the three civil hospitals at Barpeta, Jorhat and Tezpur to the respective medical college societies each of which would get Rs 5 crore for upgrading the hospitals into colleges.
In yet another decision, the Government allowed its officials to hire private lawyers for contempt of court cases, and fixed the highest amount which would be paid to any private lawyer as fees at Rs 10,000. For industrial development in the State, the Cabinet decided to continue VAT and sales tax concessions for industries to be set up in the State till 2007.
Frans on 12.26.05 @ 05:00 PM CST [link]
