National Socialist Council of Nagaland

‘Ready to give up power for talks with UGs’

Imphal, October 10 2017: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said his Government is keen to have dialogue with various insurgent groups in the State with involvement of the Centre to find a political solution and bring peace . With over 30 different armed groups operating in the state, Singh told PTI that the […]

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2017/10/ready-to-give-up-power-for-talks-with-ugs/

All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur opposes all forms of Violence

The post All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur opposes all forms of Violence appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur Press statement The 27th/8/2012 The ANSAM opposes all forms of violence, bloodsheds a…

The post All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur opposes all forms of Violence appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.

All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur Press statement The 27th/8/2012 The ANSAM opposes all forms of violence, bloodsheds and killings to civilians, public leaders, student leaders etc. In this connection, killing of Late Mr. Chunthuigai Kamei, State Secretary of Zeliangrong … Continue reading →

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IM not happy with media expressions

The post IM not happy with media expressions appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.Nagaland , DIMAPUR, August 24 (NNN): In its attempt to answer to the seeming verbal attacks on the outfit through media on the question of the freedom of expression, the …

The post IM not happy with media expressions appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.

Nagaland , DIMAPUR, August 24 (NNN): In its attempt to answer to the seeming verbal attacks on the outfit through media on the question of the freedom of expression, the NSCN-IM asserted today that the outfit is no less than … Continue reading →

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IM not happy with media expressions

The post IM not happy with media expressions appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.

Now is the Time for Unity for Manipur`s Integrity

By Rajkumar Bobichand Due to the geopolitical situation of this part of the world which is presently known as Manipur, its land and people have always been threatened by various… Read more »

All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur on 48 HOURS TOTAL BANDH IN NAGA AREAS

PRESS STATEMENT OKING TAHAMZAM, 15TH JUNE, 2012 The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) fully endorses the call of the United Naga Council(UNC) for observation of 48 hours total bandh… Read more »

Bandh in Manipur hits international trade – Hindu Business Line

News24online Bandh in Manipur hits international trade Hindu Business Line PTI Indo-Myanmar trade at the… more »

News24online

Bandh in Manipur hits international trade
Hindu Business Line
PTI Indo-Myanmar trade at the border town of Moreh in Manipur’s Chandel district has been severely affected due to a 72-hour bandh called by a local tribal organisation from May 12. There has not been any trade at Moreh, about 120 km south east of here …

Click for full details

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The Culture of ‘Bandhs’ and the Absence of Local Governance in the Northeast

Namrata Goswami In common parlance and academic literature, good governance is the prime indicator of… more »

Namrata Goswami

In common parlance and academic literature, good governance is the prime indicator of the success of a state. While many would argue that India’s experience with governance after independence is mostly unique based on a delicate interplay between a modern state and a traditional society, it is also equally true that governance in India depends to a large extent on individual rationality, which is “bounded by the local context and embedded values, based on the perception of sanctions, welfare and identity as well as general trust.” Thereby, the level of governance in a state is conditional on its ability to transform citizens into stakeholders in the process of governance itself. This in turn is co-related to the pay-off structures in which abiding by the rules is viewed by citizens as offering an incentive structure for a better living.

The most important indicators of good governance are institutions based on rules, absence of disorder, riots, murders, unwarranted state closures, and violence of any nature. As far as we can see, the Indian state since independence has been committed to individual rights based on the constitution, and no one group or community has the right to deter the free movement and entrepreneurial aspirations of another.

In stark contrast to this optimal understanding of governance in the Indian context, the culture of ‘bandhs’ (state closure) paramount in the Northeastern states like Assam, Manipur and Nagaland goes against the notion of individual rights, is a stigma on the effectiveness of local governance structures, and is unconstitutional to say the least. For instance, Manipur suffered from ‘bandhs’ almost every day during the two month-siege of the state by Naga groups earlier this year as a protest against Thuingaleng Muivah, leader of the NSCN (IM), being refused entry by Manipur to his native village due to security concerns. When the author was in Manipur in August 2008, there were nearly 19 bandhs in that month alone due to protests related to the doping controversy of Monika Devi, the weight-lifter from Manipur during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This resulted in all roads being closed, prices of basic commodities tripling, and a loss to the local economy in crores. While the ‘bandhs’ were underway, called either by armed groups like the United National Liberation Front of Manipur (UNLF) or the Manipur Civil Society organizations, the state functionaries including the Secretariat merrily closed down as well without any accountability whatsoever. For local government officials, it was just one more holiday added to their list of holidays in the official calendar for which nothing is deducted from their monthly pay. So, state government employees might be absent for nineteen days of the month including Sundays and other holidays and effectively work for less than 10 days a month and yet get their full monthly salaries.

This ‘bandh’ culture, while coming down drastically in states like Mizoram and Tripura with a pro-active public and responsive state governments, is a disease in Assam and Nagaland. The call for ‘bandhs’ in Assam are issued by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the All Assam Students Union (AASU), or any other local group through local newspapers, and is strictly observed by the local people. ‘Bandhs’ in Assam have a rippling effect all over the Northeast as most basic commodities like rice, pulses, medicines, vegetables, poultry, etc., reach the other states via Assam either by road or by rail. In Nagaland, ‘bandhs’ are called by either the NSCN (IM) or the National Socialist Council of Nagaland led by S S Khaplang [NSCN (K)] and is followed by the local people for fear of being killed, despite great hardship caused by multiple ‘bandhs’ in a month.

While the fear of the locals to abide by the diktat of the armed groups is understandable, what is perhaps not acceptable is the adherence to these ‘bandhs’ by the local state authorities. The very fact that state governments cannot negate this ‘bandh’ culture, and are unwilling to ensure that common people are secure during the ‘bandhs’ even if they defy it, smacks of the lack of legitimacy and democratic grounding of these governments. It is also an abysmal state of affairs when armed insurgent groups like the ULFA or the NSCN (IM) with a membership of 1000 to 5000, respectively, can hold the entire population of a state amounting to millions hostage by just issuing the call for a ‘bandh’. This culture of ‘bandhs’ has resulted in crores of rupees in losses for the local economies, especially the private sector. The most affected are of course the daily wage workers, who are dependent on day-to-day earning to feed their families.

Governance in the Indian context is dependent on “the ability of the modern institutions to accommodate embedded values, undertake strategic reform and maintain the difficult balance between force and persuasion in the management of law and order,” as argued by Subrata K. Mitra in his book The Puzzle of India’s Governance (2006). It requires not only effective party systems, but also a federalism that works well for the common man. The ‘bandh’ culture in states like Assam, Manipur and Nagaland are not only a negation of individual rights but goes against the strategic choices of many, thereby throttling citizens’ initiatives. The most adversely affected from the ‘bandhs’ are the common people in these three states, while the local state governments absolve themselves of any responsibility to counter this culture, when they should ideally have been at the forefront punishing those who disturb public order. (It is important to note that ‘law and order’ is a state subject in India and hence states in India are obligated to maintain a secure environment based on the ‘rule of law’ for their citizens).

The time has therefore come for citizens of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland to stand up against the negative culture of ‘bandhs’ issued by armed groups who invariably represent only themselves, and hold their state governments accountable for poor governance, in order to enable their future generations to have a progressive and peaceful life.

** Article was orginally published on November 25, 2010

**Originally published by Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (www.idsa.in) at [http://idsa.in/idsacomments/TheCultureofBandhsandtheAbsenceofLocalGovernanceintheNortheast_ngoswami_251110]

NAGAS STANCE ON SADAR HILLS : A CHRISTIANITY PERSPECTIVE

By: Songthu Raymond Chongloi When Sadar Hills districthood issue begins to catch the headlines of … … some regional dailies I felt the need of understanding some of my Naga… Read more »

By: Songthu Raymond Chongloi

When Sadar Hills districthood issue begins to catch the headlines of … … some regional dailies I felt the need of understanding some of my Naga colleagues mindsets on the deadlock. The reason : several Naga organisation came in chorus warning another communal flare up in the state; like the one witnessed some two decades ago. So, without disclosing my identity in detail I approach a Naga student leader if I am new to the issue. Before going deeper on the topic we briefly chatted. In the meantime I came to know that he was an active member of the church during his stay in Imphal, and did not hide being consulted often on every subject of the Nagas there in Manipur.

Then we proceeded. He spoke a lot about the Nagas love for independence,the rich cultural and traditional heritage,the extend of territories ,the historical records. etc.etc. which I find more to do with the Angamis ,Semas ,Lothas and Konyaks. On being enquired anything worth mentioning about the Manipur Nagas contribution towards the movement,he begins with the breakup of the NSCN in the 1980s,and keep on glorifying every action taken up by Sir Th Muivah. He continued,and blame the the Indian government for the Nagas ethnic cleansing drive on the Kukis in 1993.He also fired several accusations against the intelligence agencies for fueling the war. At some point of the interaction he was almost willing to admit that the government agencies collude with the Naga outfits.

Taking advantage of his statement I went deeper referring to the involvement of intelligent agencies in 1993 clash; the license issuance of about 600 single barrel guns by the then Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul just before the outbreak of the clash,the accusation made against Chief Minister, Shri Rishang Keishing, as on the governor’s report that time,and some more. Interestingly as expected, he strongly disapproved .Instead he blamed the media for maligning the image of the Nagas. Then without a pause, he jumped over to the Sadar Hills issue which I too find more worthy to be discussed than the bygone years. As in the case of the war,he put a heavy load on the media. Also criticize the state government attitude against the Nagas. He continued,”there are nine districts in Manipur of which five are hill districts ,and the remaining four districs are dominated by the Meiteis. Out of the five hill districts one belongs to the Kukis and the other four belongs to the Nagas. This is not a propaganda but If you need datas its with me,”he assures.

While he was totally lost on the topic I calmly opened my bag;took out a map of Manipur indicating the proposed map of Greater Nagaland, and showed to him with a wink on my eyes. With that he exclaimed:’ that’s our long cherished dream…., “he took the map and have a surprise look on it.

And next –a map of Manipur indicating Senapati district and Sadar Hills in different shades. I showed at him. As expected his mood totally change all of a sudden. He was so disappointed, yet maintains his calm. “From where did you get that,” is his query on the map to me. He continued,”we believe in respecting others sentiment. So people ought to respect ours . In the event of declaration of Sadar Hills as a full fledge revenue district without Nagas consent …bloodshed is inevitable. All to be borne by the state government there. This is all we need to understand.,”he warned. Now I put some of my queries and his replies:

Query:If Sadar Hills has been included in the proposed map of Greater Nagaland,it could still be a Naga district even if it is declared a full fledged district?Am I right?
Reply:Not so. Sadar Hills , off course ,is dominated by the Kukis . I don’t think people favour merging it with the proposed Nagaland. The Kukis have been in the forefront opposing the Nagas movement now and then. For your knowledge Sadar Hills has been much apart of our ancestral land. This is a fact.

Query: Respecting other sentiment is one that Nagas believe. So if the Nagas continue this hell-bend attitude over the district hood status,would not it amount to disrespecting ones right ,especially the Kukis?
Reply: No. Respecting others right in no way mean giving away our land to somebody. We have the right to protect our land. We must not be divide by inimical forces.

Query: Then how far would you agree and prove that Sadar Hills is the land of the Nagas? Can you point me some fact or more importantly of its history on defence against foreign invaders-the British?

With this question,it seems,he was blown out of the cold. To my surprise he smiles at his cellphone that never rings; and inquired me to repeat the question complaining the language jargon. In doing so he pleaded,”such questions need an elaborate understanding on history. He keep on with little stumbling ,”those questions are to be asked to our leaders. Its out of my knowledge”. That was how we end the discussion,which perhaps,begins lively but ended without much to appreciate on the claims and stance of the Nagas. Well. As we go through the above interaction,I believe,one may be confused over a Naga leader attitude toward their Christian brethren. Surprisingly,if a leader who claims to be so God-fearing have a warlike attitude to someone then one can easily guess the perception the general Naga population ought to posses? The reason I penned this. Now from the Christianity perspective. Some years back we have celebrated the joy of attaining a centenary-100th year of the arrival of Christianity in Manipur. It was expected that Christianity attains much maturity than before. However much against our expectation things seems to be murkier with the advancing years. The relationship one community maintains over the other is not going to wane easily. This is evident from the present crisis we face and the press statements issued against the other targeting the lesser privileged. To be little persuasive over the present demand I would like to set some record straight in the interest of all. The Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Act, 1971 has a provision for creation of six autonomous districts of which Sadar Hills autonomous council was one among them. Therefore, the question of bifurcating Senapati of carving parts of the district to form Sadar Hills never arise. The provision was made for administrative convenience; the same case that Senapati have. Under such circumstances Nagas communal tone over the issue is something hard to digest. Reason in defense may vary,but one may be pointed out. The sanctioned district has a mix population. No particular community could claim suzerainty over it. Off course the Kuki groups maintains the majority status with Nepali,Naga and Meitei community filling the leftover composition. But there is nothing to be so much to be alarmed off. Implanting fear to the general public is never to be encouraged. One assumption may be, Naga leader fear of similar repercussions of what they did to the minority Kukis in the areas where they hold majority two decades back! If so,the Kukis stance on Sadar hills issue till date is clear-there is no communal tone from Kuki civil organisation like Kuki Inpi , KSO etc, except KPF statement rebuking Naga civil society stance on the issue. Such is a clear indication that there is no hidden political agenda from the side of Kukis. Instead it is the general populace who wholly back the move. To keep in mind, the trend of one community dominating a district is a normal trend we have in the present day administration,yet we don’t find any ill consequences a result of such demarcation. Instead a mixed population is believe to have provided a better social environment due to intermingling of different colours. This also have proved to broadens one’s mindset to a large extend. 0

Taking advantage of the presence of a fraction of Nagas land with a scattered population of about 10%, Sadar Hills has been included in what is called the homeland of the Nagas thereby forcefully ignoring the rightful claims of the Sadar Hillites. As understood,the idea of gaining control of Sadar Hills is not a recent origin. The first open attempt came in the form of ethnic cleansing drive against the Kukis who constitute the bulk of the area, in 1993. To the disappointment of Naga leaders things could not be materialized as planned. Thank God! The second such attempt came: the present deadlock.

Never mind,our human mindsets are such that we don’t feel being bad as long as things are in our favour; but act harshly on things which deviates slightly against our wish. This type of perception full of egos –me,myself-is never to be found in the principle of the Christian faith. Rather it tells us to love our neighbor as we love thyself. Beloved Naga Christians must sense this. While we tries to grab somebody’s right to make up our dreamland-Nagalim, we don’t want an inch of Nagas land to be included in an already sanctioned district which neither means separation or secession. These are the ills that infest Naga nation. It is a society where give and take,compromise and accommodation have no meaning.

We professed to live a life on the principle of a Christian faith which encompasses brotherhood of all mankind. Often,the verbatim like forgiveness,confession,do good,accommodation,peace loving and mutual understanding became the refrain in the church which is never put into practice. While our lip service are sweet with the word of God,our hearts are filled with nothing but greed;our motives are self drive,our mindsets are preoccupied with war, bloodshed and hatred.
So ,until we develop a sense of sympathy for others we have no reason to tell the world –we are proud to be a children of the Lord. Rising up his name without upholding the principles of the Christian faith will only tantamount to insult on the Savior. The sweet motto like ‘Nagalim for Christ” has been used far and wide these days ,however, the banner has been used only to invite hatred upon the Naga society,and more importantly the church image. Let peace prevail !!

The above article is sent to Kanglaonline.com by Songthu Raymond Chongloi and can be reached at raymond.chongloi[at]gmail.com

Who will guard the Guards of Manipur?

By: Babina Wahengbam Who will protect us from the hands of dirty politicians & filthy militants? The biggest fear rising in the minds of every single citizen of the state… Read more »

By: Babina Wahengbam
Who will protect us from the hands of dirty politicians & filthy militants?

The biggest fear rising in the minds of every single citizen of the state right now is who will protect and ensure safety of the people in Manipur. Almost all the top political leaders who have set itself up as the guardians of the public trust are rotten and corrupt to the core. All self-declared guardians of the state are dishonest or crooked at heart. Who then is to guard the guardians of the state?

We have a grave situation in Manipur in which personal accumulation of wealth have been closely tied to politicians backed by armed groups and vice-versa either through corruption or extortion. And since positions of leadership have been dominated by these individuals, the two vices of corruption and nepotism have become part of the daily vocabulary of many under our political system.

There is a crippling inability on the part of the political leadership to deal with this issue of militancy. Could it be that this inaction stems from the fact that we are expecting action to be taken from the very people that are corrupt? For, power can and does transform good men and women into corrupt and greedy leaders. And the victims of this struggle for spoils have obviously been the people of this state.

Why is our government doing nothing despite claiming of having concrete evidences of the particular militant organization involving in carrying out the recent bomb blast at Sangakpham that killed 5, including that of a father and son duo and 2 little innocent girls aged around 10 years? How can our state leaders just ignore when armed goons enjoy unbridled freedom to carry out brutal attacks on civilians in broad daylight and go scot-free?

ISTV news on 2nd August 2011 carried that, at a news conference held at New Delhi, Home Minister Chidambaram declared that the bomb attack at Sangakpham was done by the NSCN (IM). Why then is the Govt of India unable to take up any action? Or is it GOI’s one dirty strategy to intensify the ethnic clashes between the Nagas and the Meiteis?

Several organizations and associations condemned the Sangakpham blast, but surprisingly, none of the revolutionary groups cared to condemn the act nor tried to prevent such inhuman and barbaric act of planting bombs at busy market place. How can they just watch silently the half-torn bodies lying on the same soil like a piece of log? How can they just let NSCN (IM) plant a bomb in such public place and stay quiet, if at all the said outfit was behind the blast? Whether they realize it or not, but NSCN spat on the face of the many revolutionary organizations operating in the heart of Imphal by attacking the public right under their nose. The very statement given by NSCN (IM), “the fact that some groups in Manipur targeting innocent public in order to make their political statement has become a matter of grave concern” is rather a big shame for our meitei revolutionaries.

Refuting the allegations that NSCN was responsible for the blast at Sangakpham, the outfit also slaps the Govt of Manipur saying that the reaction of the Manipur government and its CM, Ibobi is nothing but an act of impropriety and recklessness, considering their irrational opposition to peace and the ongoing political dialogue between the government of India and the NSCN.

Officially or unofficially, NSCN (IM) has been carrying out its terror administration along with setting up offices in all the Naga inhabited districts of Manipur, although the ceasefire is not legitimately extended to the state. In a press statement published in The Sangai Express, Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF) said the AC battalion of NSCN (IM) is at Phunchong in Chandel district, the NP battalion is in Oklong in Tamenglong district, Kishimung battalion is in Grehang village in Ukhrul district and Huthrong Brigade is in Senapati district. Moreover, NSCN (IM) has been openly collecting taxes at Mao Gate in Senapati, Pallel Gate in Chandel district, Litan Gate in Ukhrul district and at Noney in Tamenglong district, MNRF added.

Why then is the Govt of Manipur as well as the Govt of India giving a blind eye and deaf ear to this outfit? Is NSCN (IM) bigger than the state and central government? Is NSCN (IM) bigger than PLA, RPF, UNLF, PREPAK, KCP, KYKL, and the endless number of factions?

The government must not only have those responsible for Sangakham blast victims brought to justice immediately but also deactivate all militants who have become a law unto themselves in Manipur. So long as they are given freedom to act according to their whims, civilians will not be safe. It is high time they are dealt with appropriately. Else, attempts being made to rebuild Manipur are bound to fail. Needless to say development does not take root in a culture of impunity.

We can’t accommodate terrorism. When someone uses the slaughter of innocent people to advance a so-called political cause, at that point the political cause becomes immoral and unjust and they should be eliminated from any serious discussion, any serious debate. Every leader, and every regime, and every movement, and every organization that steps across the line to terrorism must be banished from the discourse of civilized human life.

If the so called sons of the soil really want to build a new Kangleipak, then they should pull up their socks before the public starts protesting against them. They should stop slaughtering innocent people in the name of revolution before the public starts killing them morally. They should stop being the obstacle to the state’s development before the public throws them out of the very state they are fighting for. They hurl bombs and threaten anybody who refuses to pay them money but they can’t stand up and fight the infiltrators. If they can be the first to impose illegal tax and extort money in the name of the state’s welfare, how can they be the last on earth when it comes to protecting their own people?

Try as we should, the question that I want to pose is this: Is there any hope that we will ever root out corruption and terrorism in this new millennium? Does anyone out there in the corridors of power listening to us? Yes, perhaps they are but many of them not hearing!

The real epidemic in our state is poor political leadership, government economic mismanagement, corruption and insurgency. These are the causes of our continuing crisis and not much else. Accepting responsibility for one’s actions and for a system that has gone badly wrong is the starting point on the road to our economic recovery. I see this as the greatest challenge facing today.

And as civic society, we must continue to pile pressure on corrupt leaders so that in the end they do the honorable thing and resign from their positions of power whether they are politicians or self-declared guardians because the latter can be corrupt as well.

However, my faith in Manipur is strengthened by the fact that brave men will stand against any injustice and by my belief that the people of this state will never lack the leaderships of dynamic and dedicated men and women in the future.

The above article was sent to Kanglaonline by Babina Wahengbam. She can be reached @ babina.wahengbam[@]gmail.com

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/who-will-guard-the-guards-of-manipur/

Sangakpham: We deserve to know

By: A. Bimol Akoijam In a swift response, the Chief Minister of Manipur said that the terrorist violence that struck Sangakpham on 1st August, 2011 was the handiwork of NSCN… Read more »

By: A. Bimol Akoijam

In a swift response, the Chief Minister of Manipur said that the terrorist violence that struck Sangakpham on 1st August, 2011 was the handiwork of NSCN (I-M). This is a development which is quite uncharacteristic of the Govt. of Manipur on such incidents or as an editorial in the Sangai Express, a leading newspaper in Imphal puts it, “can’t really recollect the last time that a case of this proportion was laid bare so fast and so conclusively”. However, the said organization, according to a report released by Newsmai News Network from Dimapur, has denied the allegation. Besides, according to a press report, contrary to the statement made by the Chief Minister at the Press Conference on 2nd August, 2011, the Koren (Koireng) Youth Organization has denied that the suspected bomber one Anthony s/o Bonkolung of Sadu Koireng is “a resident of Sadu Koireng Village, Saikul sub-division…and he is not known to the people of Koireng”.

CM O Ibobi Singh inspecting the site of Sangakpam bomb blast. Source: Imphal Free Press

The contradictory reports do not help the citizens who are at the receiving end of such violent and atrocious crime. This being the case, we, as citizens must know the truth as to who is/are behind the dastardly and gruesome act at Sangakpham. The government must put the system and institutions at its disposal to task so as to come out with the truth and bring those who are responsible for the crime to justice at the earliest.

And we as citizens must also know that we must not rest till the institutions for investigations and protecting the life and dignity of the people are made to perform their assigned and expected duties and responsibilities. Only then, we can expect to live with certain sense of normative and institutional mechanisms of a civilized life.

All those who cried out for justice, and those who have statements such as “enough is enough” etc must put their statements into action by seeking and pursuing this: to know the truth and make the above institutions accountable. Only then, can one say that their slogans and outpouring of emotions have some sense and value. Otherwise, those statements shall remain as symptoms of a pathological mind which make them vulnerable to atrocious violence and indignity.

This being the case, we deserve to know:

a) Who is Anthony, the suspected bomber?

b) What are the material and circumstantial evidences on the basis of which the officials have established the identity of the suspected bomber and the organization of which he was a member or on whose behalf he allegedly carried out the heinous act?

c) As per the statement of the Chief Minister, the Bajaj scooter (Chetak) which was allegedly used in the blast had a Nagaland number (NL-O1E/1394) registered in the name of one K. Daniel s/o K. Angami of Diphu Par, Dimapur (Nagaland). Now the question is:

i) Was this information based on the recovery of the necessary document(s) from the blast site or provided by authorities in Nagaland?

ii) Has the investigating agency in the state kept in touch with their counterpart in Nagaland on this matter a) to establish the facts of the case and b) to trace the owner for further questioning?

d) ISTV news mentioned that the Union Home Minister also reportedly blamed NSCN (I-M) for the blast at Sangakpham. (There was one line in Morung express which also reported the statement of the Union Home Minister). If this is so, which agency has given them this news? This is crucial for two reasons: a) The Union Government has been in talks with the said organization and b) for the deeply ethicized and communalized mindset, the words of the Government of Manipur can be subjected slanderous allegation. Moreover, this has serious implication for the “ground rules” of the “cease fire” between the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M), which, as far as Manipur is concerned, is nothing more than a farcical enactment and a part of a make-belief world of those who were ostensibly happy with the withdrawal of the “three words” from the “ceasefire agreement” following the so-called “uprising” in Manipur in 2001.

We must avoid communally charged perspective; what we have seen at Sangakpham is the display of a horrible act of a naked and illegitimate violence that attack the life and dignity of the citizens. Democratic ethos demands accountability of institutions and transparency for a civilized life in the state. And we must work to restore such institutional imperatives, not hollow talks and rhetoric.

By the way, such a note as this one is something that one can legitimately expect to come in media in Manipur. I am sure that many of us have seen such reports and news analysis in media across the globe following such incidents. If it doesn’t come, it only speaks of our media guys just as it speaks of the people of Manipur in general. It’s time to take responsibility, each one of us, for a change.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/sangakpham-we-deserve-to-know/

Peace and Development in NE India

by Dr. R.B. Thohe Pou Many people talk about peace and development, but how many of us sincerely want peace and development in North East India? Arms Force Special Power… Read more »

by Dr. R.B. Thohe Pou

Many people talk about peace and development, but how many of us sincerely want peace and development in North East India? Arms Force Special Power Act (AFSPA) was introduced in NE regions in 1957 and re-imposed in Manipur and Nagaland in 1985. Nagaland State has again been declared as a disturbed area in July 2011. The draconic law of AFSPA has mentally and physically affected the people in the region, and it will have a great impact even in the future. Some people may allege that there is peace in the region, but controlling the people by a gun barrel cannot be called as PEACE. If you are really talking about peace, let there be peace and development in the region in letter and in spirit.

The government wants to bring peace and development in the region, but it cannot do so while denying the rights of the people. If rights and justice of the people are denied, there cannot be peace and development in NE India; this is true not only in NE India but anywhere in the world. With mutual understanding and knowing the facts of the history, no problem is so abstruse as to be unsolvable.

The BJP government took the initiative in the Indo-Naga peace talks with the senior leaders like Atal Vajpee Bihari. However, the younger generation have different views on the Naga political problem; some are even ignorant about the essential Naga historical facts. There is medicine to kill pain, and we can prescript medicine to reduce it, but a doctor needs to diagnose the root cause and problem, and give the complete dose to heal a patient. Repressing the rising voice of the people through military might is only like a doctor prescribing only the pain killer to be relieved ephemerally.

Mizoram state is becoming one of the fastest developing states in NE and has achieved the second highest literacy rate in India after the insurgent problem was solved. The State has recently celebrated the 25Years of Peace in the State on 30th June 2011. It has become one of the model states in terms of developments and peace in NE. Only those who have genuinely studied the issues and problems can only understand the real cause of the problem and issue of NE India. Recently, Rahul Gandhi – one of the promising future Indian Prime Ministers, says, “Army is not the solution to Kashmir and NE.” Many other Indian Army officers having previously served in NE region also gave a similar report.

When the NE burns, it affects all of India; when the Naxalites affected regions burn, it affects the entirety of India. Unfortunately, only some logical and visionary leaders see this aspect. According to the govt. of India – Home Ministry Affairs (HMA) 1967, NNC was listed as a banned terror group in NE India. On 17th May 2010 the govt. of India released another list of terror groups in India in which more than 100 terror groups are banned like – Maoists, ULFA, NBDF, SIMI, etc., but the NSCNs factions are not included. However, some people alleged the NSCN – the Naga National Workers as terrorist, criminal, extortionist, etc. If the NSCN are terrorist and criminal then the whole Naga civil leaders and Naga people also can be booked under TADA and criminal cases for supporting them to bring peace in the region as an accomplice also can be punished under IPC.

India will become a peaceful Nation and develop more progressively once some of the threats and problems are solved. Today the three biggest problems being encountered by the GOI are –

i). The Jammu and Kashmir issue and problems
ii). NE insurgent Issue and problems (especially the NSCN and ULFA)
iii). Maoist problems (Naxalites) issue and problems

India has been investing a huge sum of money for counter-insurgency. Such expenditures would be reduced significantly if the above three problems were solved, yielding not only peace, but also greater economic prosperity. Those three problems have different issues and problems, and it needs to consider patiently in each case separately. It is high time that the GOI gives serious thought to these burning issues in India. Corruption is another mania in India, but the above three issues are more important than other issues in India. If the GOI wants the Naga political to be solved and to restore peace in the region, it needs to acknowledge and accept the genuine cause of the Naga political problem and prescribe the complete dose to heal the region completely.

The people of NE India yearn for peace and development, but more than 60% of the Indian population does not understand the root causes for the lack of peace and development in NE. One should not think that the problem in NE region is just a law and order problem. While considering the size of the region and demographic aspects, some people may want the Seven Sisters to become one nation, but there is no historical basis for such a union. Why has the giant India had a ceasefire with the small Naga army since 1997? The size does not matter but the historical fact counts.

It is well-known that NSCN is considered as the mother of insurgents in Northeast India, and everyone who loves peace and development in the region needs to extend support to resolve the Naga political and ULFA problems. Then someday the beautiful greenery of the NE States of India can become one the best tourists’ destinations, and also become one of the commercial hubs of India. The people around the world want peace and development in the region and in a recent Annual Gathering in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the World Baptist Alliance (WBA) which consists of 120 Nations support Naga Reconciliation. NE people have suffered enough for more than 50 years under AFSPA and the insurgency problem, and it is time now for everyone to think more positively and to have the desire to the most pressing issues and problems in the region.

The Naga Political problem is not problematic only to the Naga indigenous people; it affects the whole NE region and India. Directly or indirectly, development in the northeastern region is depending upon solving the Naga Political and ULFA problems. Once the Naga Political and ULFA problems are solved, we can see the dawning of development and peace in northeastern region of India. It is alleged (reported) that the Naxalites have a link with the ULFA, and the network may continue to enlarge as times passes. It is also alleged that the NSCN is giving shelter to the ULFA cadres some where in the border of India and Myanmar. So in one way or another, all three groups are closely linked, which shows the insurgent epidemic in the future in India.

Solving the NSCN and ULFA problems in NE will bring solace to India and in particular to northeastern region. The GOI and the people of northeast need to understand not only the factual issues, but also to acknowledge and accept the genuine cause of the Naga Political problems. In previous Central-NSCN-IM Peace-talks, the Chairman of NSCN-IM said that the Peace-talks are coming to most crucial stage, and in more recent talks (18 July 2011), NSCN Special Emissary V.S. Atem told the Telegraph, India, “The talks were positive and we now enter the most crucial phase of the negotiation.” Moreover, it is also reported that the Naga political problem will be solved in “shortest possible time” and the solution will be based on “the uniqueness of Naga history and situation which was recognized by the government in 2002”. After more than 60 rounds of Peace-talks held in different countries and in Delhi, now it is showing a positive result in their Peace-talks. Consequently, the people of Naga-land and NE India should be in euphoria and extend their support to the ongoing Peace-talks to bring a long-lasting peaceful solution in the region.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/0JwHlT0B1W4/

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