NSCN (IM) – Page 10 – Manipur News

Delhi talks something, acts differently; a long road to Naga solution

By Oken Jeet Sandham It did not take time for the “Framework Agreement” signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) turning into controversial one simply because both

By Oken Jeet Sandham

It did not take time for the “Framework Agreement” signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) turning into controversial one simply because both sides failed to make the contents public. However, the parties in agreement seemed to be struggling to justify that it was only a “Framework” for the contents to be incorporated.

Whatever explanation made in the wake of their “Framework Agreement” had hardly convinced the masses. However, the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh during the “Framework Agreement” signing ceremony made many feeling somewhat influenced, though they should have organized such significant event a historic one by inviting at least former Prime Ministers, Interlocutors.

Some political pundits, of course, were skeptical on the nature and the timing of the “Framework Agreement.” Their main skepticisms were not altogether wrong as their thinking was any Agreement with Delhi for the settlement of the long drawn out Naga political issue should be a transparent one. In fact, by not inviting former Prime Ministers, Interlocutors at the signing ceremony had shown that transparency was lacking in the Agreement.

The only succor coming in soon after the signing of the “Framework Agreement” was from the statements of Prime Minister Modi and the Interlocutor RN Ravi.

Modi lauded the courage and wisdom of the Naga leaders and civil societies and thanked them for their co-operation in reaching the agreement. He praised the Naga people for their support and the NSCN (IM) for maintaining the ceasefire for nearly two decades that enabled the dialogue to succeed. He also ventilated his vision for the transformation of the Northeast region, while expressing confidence that the agreement would open a glorious new chapter for the Naga people to build a bright future for Nagaland and also contribute to the nation with a sense of pride and confidence.

Ravi kept repeatedly saying that they were working for an “inclusive” settlement on the Naga political issue and would take all stakeholders including the NSCN (K) on board.

Everyone knows that the NSCN (K) had abrogated the ceasefire with the Government of India after 14 long years. The leaders of the outfit knew very well of the consequences they would experience while walking away from the ceasefire. Unfortunately nobody had tried to deeply examine as to why they had to take such drastic step.

Now, soon after their walking away from the ceasefire with the Government of India, they started attacking on the Indian security forces. The Naga people – be it civil society leaders or legislators – could not say anything during such incidents except making passionate appeals to the leadership of the outfit to come back to the ceasefire fold. Because they know very well that ceasefire is the only option that can prevent such unwanted violence. At the same time, Indian security forces as well as Intelligence agencies were remaining complacent underestimating the strength of the outfit and that was how 18 Indian army jawans lost their precious lives while injuring scores when they were attacked on June 4 at Manipur’s Chandel district bordering Myanmar.

Only after the NSCN (K)’s attack on Indian army on June 4, New Delhi woke up to hunt down the cadres not knowing such steps would simply invite public angers complicating the already confused process of Naga solution to an another scale.

New Delhi would hardly be bothered on entering any agreement whether it was with one group or two groups or whatever number of groups. They could manage it. But it would not be a welcoming one for the Naga people for they had been experiencing enough that piecemeal solutions did not end the Naga issue. This was the very reason why the Naga legislators, civil society leaders have been pushing their pleas to the Government of India and NSCN (K) for resumption of their ceasefire. Even the Nagaland Legislators’ Forum (NLF) had resolved to entrust the leaders of Naga Hoho and ENPO to meet the leadership of the NSCN (K) to reconsider their abrogation of the ceasefire with the Government of India and also with a message that such request was also the desire of the Naga people.

The Government of Nagaland, Naga civil societies have been making all out efforts for the restoration of the ceasefire, and at the same time, the Home Ministry has also said that they have no objection to them (civil society groups from Nagaland) from going to Myanmar to hold talks with NSCN (K) members. Interestingly, the Center has not officially permitted the Naga civil society groups to go to Myanmar.

But the turn of events was not that encouraging. The Assam Rifles had come under the barrage of criticisms for allegedly killing two students in Phor Village under Meluri Sub-division and their afterward justification of the incident only damaged the reputation of the Institution. This incident took place when Members of the NLF were hectically engaging in meetings with the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister and the Interlocutor at Delhi.

Then came the Pangsha killings on August 28 by the Assam Rifles and very questionably this incident again so happened when the leaders of the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) were camping in the Tuensang district making crucial schedule for meeting with the leaders of the NSCN (K) to request them the importance of resuming the ceasefire with the Government of India. They were not there to instigate the NSCN (K) to attack the Indian security forces but to explain them the futility of such mindless acts and come to the ceasefire fold again for the larger interest of settlement of the Naga political issue.

Such unwanted developments have fast been worsening the already fragile Naga political environment in the State. Gradually, the analysts in various political, social situations literally failed to understand as to whether what Delhi was up to and could not make heads or tails out of their unpredictable roles. These analysts felt that, after observing series of acts irony to what they (Delhi) were preaching, they (Delhi) were wrong.

They were quietly seeking extradition of NSCN (K) supremo SS Khaplang from Myanmar to India. The suspicion on Delhi’s role towards Naga issue has increased when the country’s premier the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced Rs 10 lakh reward for any information leading to the arrest of Niki Sumi, who heads the military wing of the outfit and Rs 7 lakh reward on the outfit’s chairman, Khaplang. Finally the suspicion on Delhi is complete as they have declared banning the outfit for five years capping possibility of them coming to the ceasefire fold.

How one can expect honorable and acceptable settlement to the Naga political issue with these unpredictable behaviors of the Government of India, though Modi and Ravi said many encouraging words. It will not be wrong to say that they say something and act differently. All these interesting developments have happened after they have declared “Framework Agreement” with the NSCN (IM).

Really a long road to the Naga political solution!

In-depth thinking and political wisdom crucial to solving Naga problem

By Oken Jeet Sandham Almost all the people and even those who have been so closely associated with leaders of the NSCN(IM) for years in working to find solution to

By Oken Jeet Sandham

Almost all the people and even those who have been so closely associated with leaders of the NSCN(IM) for years in working to find solution to the decades old Naga political issue have been caught napping when the Government of India has inked the “Framework Agreement” with the NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015 at Delhi. The low profile event of the high profile Indo-Naga issue has been arranged at the residence of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his 7 Race Course Road, Delhi in his presence along with his Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Interlocutor to Naga talks RN Ravi, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and also many top ranking NSCN (IM) leaders.

According to report, NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th Muivah and Chairman Isak Chishi Swu on behalf of the organization and RN Ravi representing the Government of India signed the agreement. Soon after this agreement, breaking news of this event came in all the TV Channels from Delhi and all the online editions of the National Papers. Hundreds of people in Nagaland and its neighbouring States were taken aback by the sudden announcement of the agreement as none of them expected that such an agreement would be signed so soon particularly the manner in which they did it, though many of them had some clues that some development between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) would take place.

Soon after the news of the “Framework Agreement” broke out, there were mix reactions and confusions among the people including the Naga people themselves. Such confusion is bound to happen, and of course naturally, when the Government of India has suddenly entered into such historic agreement with the NSCN (IM) without having given any pre-information of such significance to the Naga leaders including Nagaland Chief Minister, other stakeholders. Although some said that it is “Preamble,” it would have been more logical had the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) given pre-information to the public before signing the agreement, because the Naga issue has been dragging on for decades. However, the parties have been cautious in handling and explaining of the nature of the agreement.

This sudden development has changed the political course now. Many have been finding hard to give their comments except welcoming the agreement, saying they are yet to see the details of the accord. On one side, the Naga people know that there are other groups not only fighting for the cause of the Nagas but also maintaining even ceasefire with the Government of India. On the other, they are worried and anxious of details of the agreement that are yet to be finalized soon, and of course, the NSCN (K) has already walked away from the ceasefire in March this year.

Now, even though it is “Framework Agreement,” Chief Ministers of the neighbouring States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur have already demanded the Prime Minister to make the details of the agreement public as they had suspicions that there might be some hidden agenda in it to disturb territories of their respective States as the Naga Integration issue was one of the core demands of the NSCN (IM). However, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and his Deputy Kiren Rejiju said such issues were not there now, besides saying that they (Chief Ministers of AP, Assam and Manipur) will be consulted before finalizing the details of the accord between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM).

Now the ball is in the court of the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) as to how they will move on from here, and all depends on how they act to the fast developing crucial political situation in Nagaland and its neighbouring States. One side they have to work out as to how they can take on board other Naga groups, on the other they have to see that Nagaland and its neighbouring States’ interests are protected.

Some crucial talks doing the round in the last few days after the signing of the agreement are about Nagas having a separate flag, separate currency and safeguarding their Naga customary system and land and its resources. Some of these points have already been touched by Zeliang also. When talking about safeguarding customary system and land and its resources of the Nagas living in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur, they are similar to the Clause (a) of the Article 371A of the Constitution of India. Some say that Article 371A should cover the Naga areas in other neighbouring States. Because when they talk of providing safeguards to their customary practices and land and its resources, provisions of protecting them are already there in the Article 371A. But the point to be noted here is that this Article 371A has come into effect as a result of the State of Nagaland Act, 1962. And all this development had happened because of the 16-Point Agreement signed between the Government of India and the then Naga People’s Convention (NPC) in 1960.
Now as this writer has already stated in his earlier write-ups that any attempt to amend Article 371A of the Constitution of India will be doing so against the very spirit of the 16-Point Agreement of 1960. It is because of this agreement that the present State of Nagaland was born as the 16th State of the Union of India in 1963.

If the Naga leaders wanted to have provisions to safeguard their land and its resources and customary systems for Nagas living in neighbouring States, they can be discussed, and if agreed upon, then they can be incorporated in the relevant Articles connecting with the respective States of the Northeast. But attempting to extend the Article 371A, which is for the State of Nagaland, to other Naga areas outside it (Nagaland) will unlikely to produce positive result. It is also not very clear whether the Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur will agree to the idea that the Nagas living in their respective States to have provisions of direct sharing of power with the Government of India as pointed out by some including Nagaland Chief Minister. They may feel that such arrangement may violate the Federal structure of the Constitution of India.

One should, however, know that there are various ways to work out for protecting the interests of Nagaland, other neighbouring States and the Naga people if the so-called contentious issues are no more there. The leaders should apply their political wisdom while working out for details of the accord. The leaders must have in-depth positive and mature thinking abilities because all actions come after thinking. David Joseph Schwartz, who was an American motivational writer and coach, best known for authoring The Magic of Thinking Big in 1959 said, “Where success is concerned, people are not measured in inches, or pounds, or college degrees, or family background; they are measured by the size of their thinking.”

Most importantly, the leaders in talks should see that any move they attempt should lead to solving the vex Naga political issue. Otherwise, it will be only a vicious circle.

Bottom Line:

In Delhi on Sunday, Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang said, “I along with all Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly are ready to step down, if an acceptable and honorable solution is found to the Naga people, in order to make a new beginning.”

I genuinely believe such a decision should be taken after a thorough deliberation on the present development through a “Special Session of Nagaland Legislative Assembly,” so that it will be politically valid and logical. Otherwise, differences may crop up among the legislators in Nagaland and that will be a major hindrance to the process again.

The signing ceremony of “Framework Agreement” & Modi misses many

By Oken Jeet Sandham I have been closely observing the fast political development taking place after Prime Minister Narendra Modi tersely conveyed his mind and plan towards settlement of the

By Oken Jeet Sandham

I have been closely observing the fast political development taking place after Prime Minister Narendra Modi tersely conveyed his mind and plan towards settlement of the Naga issue to the 19-Member Parliamentary Working Committee (PWC) of Nagaland. He actually opened up his mind what he was intending to do with regard to the solution to the complex Naga political issue when he met them at his residence at 7 Race Course Road, Delhi in mid-July.

Modi’s words can be examined in two ways. One, he wants to prove that he is a Prime Minister with a difference for the simple fact that his predecessor Dr Manmohan Singh kept assuring that the Naga issue would be resolved during his tenure (Dr Singh 2nd tenure as Prime Minister) but he failed to fulfill what he had assured. Two, he was still cautious and doubtful when he precisely told the 19-Member PWC of Nagaland and this could be dissected from his words – “If I give you a solution and if it is not accepted to you, I am afraid (that) my solution will be more problem to you. Will Naga people accept what I decide? When it happens, it should not go unresolved.”

That is why he has specifically asked to the 19-Member PWC as to whether the Naga people will accept what he decides. But he cautions that when such decision is taken, “it should not go unresolved.” This means that when they reach such a phase, the people have to take it whether they like it or not.

Prime Minister Modi, however, stated that “If peace comes, it must come in toto.” He also explained that “Every single Naga is important in bringing the solution.”

Everyone agrees that the 18 years long peace process between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) is quite long but many have hardly examined why negotiations have been taking long without showing tangible result. The NSCN (K), which had been maintaining ceasefire with the Government of India for 14 long years, unilaterally abrogated it in March this year. The Central leaderships and various intelligence agencies knew very well that these two groups have been deadly rivals after splitting their NSCN into two in 1988, though factional killings and other clashes have drastically reduced after Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) started playing their crucial role.

Yet, Dr Singh, during his Prime Ministership, had made the Naga issue a simpler journey by elevating the bureaucratic style of negotiations to the Ministerial level, a political level, and which was also the demand of the NSCN (IM). He also learnt from some mistakes committed by his predecessor Atal Bihari Vajpayee but the attempts made by past Prime Ministers should not be underestimated as the issues they dealt have been complex.

However, the signing of the “Framework Agreement” between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015 at Delhi in presence of the Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser to Prime Minister, Ajit Kumar Doval and high profile leaders of the organization has surprised many leaders including the leaders of various political parties in the country. However, some political pundits and media specialists in the Region particularly Nagaland and Manipur got wind of Center’s planning to enter into some type of “Agreement” with the NSCN (IM) any moment. It now happens.

The only question that remains to be answered is why the Government of India should have kept the date, timing and place of their signing ceremony unknown. The signing ceremony such as the GOI-NSCN (IM) one held on August 3 at Delhi could have been organized in grand manner by inviting all the living past Prime Ministers, previous Interlocutors to Naga talks, leaders of various National Political Parties and leaders of prominent Civil Societies and NGOs. Modi announced that with this accord, the Government hopes to open the Northeast to development. The India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway has been held hostage to a number of violent incidents. Actually, he could have even invited Chief Ministers of Northeast States if he honestly feels that solution to Naga issue is fundamental to building peace in the Region, because all the major contentious issues are no longer there.

Since the Clauses and Contents of the “Framework Agreement” of the GOI-NSCN (IM) are yet to be worked out as stated by the parties concerned, it is difficult to draw clear picture or analyze on the would-be bearing at this juncture. Yet, the leadership of the two should use their political wisdom while working out for the Clauses which should be suitable and workable as per the political and historical environment of the Region. If the leaderships of the country wisely apply their mind at this most crucial juncture, then some chain of positive development may emerge. It all depends how they apply their wisdom.

Unfortunately, many mainland media started their news bombardment soon after the signing of the “Framework Agreement” was over. Several unfounded issues totally unconnected with the Naga issue by wrongly mentioning many historical chapters and names have been incorporated in their stories. Before the two parties spelling out of the nature of “Framework Agreement,” they have started giving all sort of speculative stories even at times look like they know everything of the contents of the “Framework Agreement.” The mindset of many mainland media should change. It is only because of the strong media forces in the Region, many things have been saved from being destroyed.

Bottom Line:

I had seen the way how the mainland media tried their best to twist the unfortunate ambush on Indian Army on June 4 at Manipur’s Chandel district and afterwards even to the extent of saying that India Army’s surgical strikes could kill 100 Naga militants, sometimes 80, sometimes 60, sometimes 40 by crossing International boundary in Myanmar. They could even use the photograph of the Indian Army helicopter taken during Nepal relief service in 2013 as if it was taken in surgical strikes in Myanmar territory in 2015.

I always said this is information age – unlike 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and even latest by 90s. The people cannot be easily fooled in 2015 and afterwards.

***

GOM kept in the dark on GOI-NSCN (IM) pact, awaiting details from MHA, says CM

IMPHAL, August 4: A day after the historic signing of the peace accord between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM), the Government of Manipur continues to remain in

Chief Minister O Ibobi addressing the media persons in the presence of party MLAs and ministers

IMPHAL, August 4: A day after the historic signing of the peace accord between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM), the Government of Manipur continues to remain in the dark of its contents.

The government is awaiting the full text of the accord from the Centre, although the Union Home Minister has ruled out any possibilities of compromising on the territorial integrity of Manipur, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh told media persons during a press conference held this evening at his secretariat following a joint meeting held with Congress legislators.

The Chief Minister, however, declared that the Government of Manipur, under any circumstances, will not accept any form of compromise in regards to the territorial integrity of the State.

He said `Nagas are our brethren and we have been praying that their issue is resolved once and for all.`

Nevertheless, apparently oblivious of the contents of the accord, he said that he was quite confused whether to interpret the development as good or bad.

The Chief Minister excoriated the dealing of the BJP led NDA government in the Centre, and stated that the Prime Minister Office and MHA have overlooked Manipur this time unlike the UPA Government who always intimated the Manipur government with matters pertaining to the demands of the NSCN-IM.

The common belief of the people that the Prime Minister of India is transparent and federal minded, and has sincere intention to bring about a change in the North-eastern States has turned out to be wrong, he pointed out referring to the signing of the accord which was undertaken without taking into confidence any of the North-eastern States.

Taking serious note of the entire episode, Ibobi compared the very act with that of a dictator.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh revealed that he had contacted the Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh yesterday, asking for the full text of the accord.

He said he had apprised the Union Minister of how the entire Manipur was taken by surprise by the unexpected turn of events and the adverse impact on the credibility of Manipur Government.

He further disclosed that in his response, the Home Minister ruled out any possibilities of compromising the territorial integrity of Manipur and assured to provide the full text of the `Peace Accord` once it is tabled today in the ongoing session of the parliament.

The Chief Minister also drew the attention of the Centre to make details of the peace accord a public domain at the earliest to clear the uneasy atmosphere in the aftermath of the signing of the accord.

India: Nagaland for Christ , NSCN-IM speaks out

Speech delivered by Mr. Th. Muivah, General Secretary, NSCN during the signing ceremony of framework agreement with the Prime Minister of India Mr Narendra Modi on 3rd August 2015 at

Speech delivered by Mr. Th. Muivah, General Secretary, NSCN during the signing ceremony of framework agreement with the Prime Minister of India Mr Narendra Modi on 3rd August 2015 at New Delhi.

I thank God for this momentous occasion.

On behalf of the Chairman Mr. Isak Chishi Swu and the Naga people kindly allow me to begin by saying that Naga people have great respect for Mahatma Gandhi because he understood and respected the Nagas when the Naga delegation met him for the first time in 1947. Unfortunately, after his demise, the Indian state resorted to military might to crush the Nagas. Armed confrontation followed inflicting heavy losses on both the parties.

After a long fighting, Mr. Narasimha Rao, the then Prime Minister of India had the courage to admit that it is political issue and should be solved through political negotiations. We appreciated his wisdom and accepted the Ceasefire Agreement to start political negotiation in 1997. We gave our commitment to him that NSCN shall leave no stone unturned to find a negotiated amicable settlement between the two parties.

The Nagas were very happy when the Government of India under the leadership of the then Prime Minister of India Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, declared the recognition of the ”unique history and situation of Nagas” in 2002. We Nagas appreciated the statesmanship of Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee and we gave our commitment that if the Government of India would understand the reality of the Nagas, the Nagas will appreciate the reality of India even ten times more and we never back-track from our commitments.

Today, under the visionary leadership of honourable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, we have come close to understand each other and have worked out a new relationship between the two parties on the basis of this uniqueness. We appreciate your wisdom, your leadership and your vision to build an enduring relationship between the Nagas and Indians. The Nagas will ever remember you for your statesmanship and your profound understanding of the Nagas with warm heart for them.

Beginning from now the challenges will be great so also the responsibilities. The obligations to meet the needs of the people shall be paramount for both the parties to make this historic Endeavour more meaningful. Let me also assure you that Nagas can still come closer if their rights are respected. On behalf of the Naga people allow me to assure you once again that Nagas can be trustworthy and take into your confidence for any policy in the Northeast and beyond the frontiers.

God bless you and your leadership.

Kuknalim.

sd/-

Mr. Th. Muivah

General Secretary, NSCN.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/india-nagaland-for-christ-nscn-im-speaks-out/

Kuki Black Day and the logic behind Naga Ceasefire Relevance of Mao’s principle in Gandhi’s India

By Haoginlen Chongloi Since its independence, India witnessed some of its glaring features of a democratic set up to the outside world; earning admiration around the world. Some isturbing experience

By Haoginlen Chongloi

Since its independence, India witnessed some of its glaring features of a democratic set up to the outside world; earning admiration around the world. Some isturbing experience like the Gujarat Riots, Blue Star Operation, Anti- Sikh Riots, and the controversy behind the Ayodhya Temple have put its democratic foundation to test. Unbeaten and unshaken by it, India once again disprove the notion of its democratic values as still at infancy.

The projection of India’s maturity, however, is not without question- especially, when it comes to its dealing with the northeastern states and its people. From illegal Bangladeshis in BTAD to Kuki statehood issue in the east, Chakma problems in the south to the frequent provocations made by the China’s PLA, northeast has been continuously in danger of identity crisis, where exertion for control of ‘land’ becomes the bone of every contention. Besides, there are numerous issues still at the court of the centre awaiting state intervention.

The Naga issue is one among many such genuine cases spearheaded by the NSCN-IM. Also acknowledged as the mother of insurgency of the northeast by some writers, NSCN-IM gains huge admiration for gaining international recognition which their other counterparts lacked. However, one mistakes committed on the part of the Naga leadership totally eliminate its vigor to push forward its movement.

It is reported that, on 13 September 1993, unarmed villagers numbering about 104 were waylaid and butchered using spears, daos and other sharp weapons by the NSCN-IM militants in Tamenglong district of Manipur. The villagers, mostly Kukis, were reported to have followed a decree served by the said terrorist organization that they left the villagers by September 15, else face the consequence. Compliance to the ‘Quit Notice’ served seems to have little purpose. Women, children and aged were not spared. Thus NSCN-IM shocked the world.

A movement that fights for ‘rights and dignity’ of mankind have committed the same blunder what is thought as committed to them. Human Right Activist Yambem Laba lamented, ‘The Naga cry against human right abuse perpetrate by the India Army for over Fifty years was completely overshadowed by one incident of Naga atrocity against the Kukis of Joupi village on 13 September 1993.’ Such was the expression on the gravity of massacres carried out to Joupi Villagers.

‘Armed movement’ as espoused by the NSCN-IM is questionable too. According to data provided by US-based Minority At Risk (MAR), NSCN-IM committed altogether 63 raids, ambushes, attacks and other illegal acts starting from 1992 till 1997. Of all events, about 33% of the incidents, accounting 21 were launched against security forces while the innocent public endures almost 70% of the violent acts of the NSCN-IM.

Taken the data of MAR as authentic, approximately 367 lost their lives during the Naga secessionist movement from 1990 till 1997. Of the 367, about 18% of the casualty falls on the state and central security forces, while the remaining 80% which constitutes about 290 souls belongs to the Kuki ethnic group.

However, a more detailed report published by Kuki Movement for Human Rights gives more disturbing picture than the former. From 1990 till the signing of the Indo-Naga ceasefire, 823 innocent Kuki villagers were killed while 239 settlements/villages were turned into ashes leaving lakhs homeless, and thousands left incapacitated to earn their own livelihoods.

Well, to be pragmatic, ‘Why was ceasefire agreement signed?’ with an organization whose target mainly was innocent civilians. By signing an agreement with a banned organization that waged war upon innocent civilians, the Union of India, seemingly, mandates violence upon its citizens as a legitimized means of gaining ones’ political momentum. Thus, centre’s conflict resolution model for the northeast, as applied to the Nagas, may be well attributed to the rise of insurgency and ethic polarization in the northeast. In India’s northeast, Gandhi’s principle of non-violence is yet to gain its relevance in place of Mao’s word- ‘Power comes from the barrel of a gun’.

Numerous bills have been introduced and passed in recent times for the welfare of its citizens. A lot has been talked about transparency and accountability as the main criteria of a democratic life. However, it reliability is always a question where ‘being equal in the eyes of the law’, itself becomes a debate to the stakeholders.

Tribal Kukis has been reeling under continuous subjugation and maladministration since the last many decades. Besides, the NSCN-IM mass killings during the early 1990s have left lakhs still awaiting resettlement and rehabilitation in a dignified manner. The Kukis under the banner of Kuki Inpi (Apex Body of the Kukis) and the Kuki Movement for Human Rights have submitted over 60 memorandums to the Union of India for amicable political settlement. However, democratic means of raising issues have little effect to democratic India. Memorandum submitted to the successive governments of Union of India became of scrap of Paper. Even a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Kuki Inpi Manipur was turned down, making it more controversial.

The manner in which the government at the state and at the centre handles the case has left a bold mark on its accountability as a democratic state. For five years long, innocent civilians were forced to endure life at the mercy of the NSCN-IM which otherwise can be termed as a ‘free hand’ given to them.

Surprisingly, banned organization adopting Mao’s strategy in democratic India receives more attention than that of Gandhi’s. With such character, India as a nation founded on the values adopted by Gandhi is questionable. Kuki Black Day, as observed all over India today, is one such parallel principle to that of Gandhi. By being hesitant in recognizing and rewarding his ideas, our survival as a nation ‘India’ will always remains at stake.

(The writer is a PhD candidate, he can be reached at: lienchongloi@gmail.com, the views expressed in the article are his own)

NSCN (IM) cadres sent to judicial custody

IMPHAL, August 9: Two NSCN-IM cadres who were formally re-arrested by the police on August 4 have been sent to judicial custody today.The two were among the eight arrested from

IMPHAL, August 9: Two NSCN-IM cadres who were formally re-arrested by the police on August 4 have been sent to judicial custody today.

The two were among the eight arrested from the WTR office, Ukhrul of the NSCN (IM) in connection with the killing of Ukhrul Autonomous District Council member last month.

Wunglengpam Raipang, alias Apam, 31, s/o Ramreingam of Tushal village Tamenglong and Shimreingam Value alias Angam, 33, son of Alung Value of Tuinem Village, Ukhrul were produced before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East and remanded to judicial custody for 13 days.

It may be recalled that the Temenglong police submitted a plea before the court seeking custodial remand of Wunglengpam Raipang, alias Apam, 31, s/o Ramreingam of Tushal village, in connection with a case under Fir No.22 (II)2012 TML PS u/s 307/426/400 & 25(I-C) Arms Act.

The case was registered following a gun fight between ZUF and NSCN-IM on November 20, 2012 at Khumji.

Similarly, the Phungyar police submitted a plea seeking custodial remand of Shimreingam Value alias Angam, 33, son of Alung Value of Tuinem Village, Ukhrul in connection with a case under FIR no.3 (9)2009 PYR PS u/s 307/34 IPC&25 (I-C) Arms Act. The case was registered by the police in connection with an ambush laid by the NSCN-IM against a column of 23 AR.

They were formally arrested by the concerned police stations after being granted permission by the court.

Apam has been remanded to police custody till August 8 while Angam till August 7.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/nscn-im-cadres-sent-to-judicial-custody/

The Bad Image – Manipuri Feature Film – Mami – Review

The post The Bad Image – Manipuri Feature Film – Mami – Review appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.Mami The Bad Image – A opinion/review by CT Haokip, Delhi Manipuri feature film – Mami – The Image has go…

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Mami The Bad Image – A opinion/review by CT Haokip, Delhi Manipuri feature film – Mami – The Image has got wide publicity thanks to the portrayal of prostitute Kuki women in their traditional ‘Khamtang’ attire and the protest against it by a … Continue reading →

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The Bad Image – Manipuri Feature Film – Mami – Review

The post The Bad Image – Manipuri Feature Film – Mami – Review appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.

Sangakpham and Beyond Confronting Illegitimate Violence

var addthis_product=’wpp-252′;var addthis_options=”Google+1″By A. Bimol Akoijam In our times, empirically and theoretically speaking, terrorism has been an illegitimate child of a legitimate…

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Sangakpham and Beyond Confronting Illegitimate Violence

By A. Bimol Akoijam
In our times, empirically and theoretically speaking, terrorism has been an illegitimate child of a legitimate politics. The so-called “Islamic Terrorism” is a classic example. It’s a part of common knowledge today that it is a phenomenon which was initiated and groomed by the Western Powers, particularly the United States, in their effort to counter the erstwhile Eastern Block. So is the case of the Tamil nationalist outfit LTTE, which was initially groomed by none other than peace loving Indian State. Now, going by the allegation of the Govt. of Manipur, perpetrator of the terrorist violence at Sangakpham turns out to be a “legitimate” organization.

Therefore, there is enough ground for us not to turn a blind eye to the nature of the unbridled violence — of which terrorism is only one side of the coin — that has come to subvert a civilized life in Manipur. In other words, the State must be equally subjected to our critical scrutiny for its role and complicity in perpetuating “illegitimate” violence on us.

This does not deny the fact, however, that terrorism shall remain an expression of illegitimacy precisely because its violence is naked and exclusively a product of a decision unmediated by established norms and institutional mechanisms. It is illegitimate because the acts, its violence and intimidation, are not accountable to the people, particularly to its victims. The violence that struck unsuspecting citizens at Sangakpham is one amongst a series of expressions of terrorism that the state has witnessed over the years.

Scourge of Illegitimate Violence
Make no mistake, planting bomb in public place and killing civilians can only be the handiwork of those who want to destroy Manipur and de-legitimize those who seek and work for the wellbeing and dignity of the people of Manipur. And given that NSCN (I-M) being an organization that does not recognize Manipur as it exists and arguably do not enjoy legitimacy amongst the people of Manipur, except in the eyes of some organizations and sections of the population, it may not be answerable for their acts, including for the alleged one at Sangakpham, to the people of Manipur. But, arguably the Government of India is answerable; in fact, far more than the alleged involvement of the NSCN (I-M), the Government of India must be held accountable for the death and destruction at Sangakpham. After all, those who died at Sangakpham are “citizens” of this country and NSCN (I-M) is a recognized “entity” by the Government of India with which it has been in “political talks” and a “cease-fire” has been in place between the “two entities” for more than a decade.

It must go without saying that the violence, or to use Max Weber’s expression “physical force”, that is deployed by the State is “legitimate” insofar as it is mediated by the established norms and institutional mechanisms. This has been the imperatives of a civilized polity, particularly represented by the democratic ethos. If the violence of the state does not commensurate with such normative and institutional mechanisms, it is not legitimate.

This is another reason as to why we must bring the State into our scrutiny. The culture of an unmediated and illegitimate violence has been initiated, groomed and sustained by the state in Manipur for decades. The reality of the violence perpetrated on the people by the security and law enforcing agencies of the state is only a symptom of a deeper subversion of the normative and institutional mechanisms by the State itself. The notorious AFSPA is a classic example of that ethos. Allowing the military, an institution that is primarily there for war, to operate as a law enforcing instrument to deal with the “internal affairs” of the state for decades has encouraged a culture that seeks to deploy brutal violence as a means of addressing political and other issues. Incidentally, the illegal and unconstitutional character of such an approach could only be sustained when the Supreme Court in its Judgment on the Act pronounces that the “disturbed” condition wherein the Act has been enforced is not due to “armed rebellion” (or in Manipuri, “khutlai paiba lalhouba”)! It even goes on to say that the disturbance is not of such a “magnitude” so as to say that it constitutes a “threat” to the “security” of the nation. Had it admitted that the “disturbed” condition is due to “armed rebellion” and threatens the security of the nation, AFSPA would have been unconstitutional for there is Article 352!

Consequently, under this legal fiction, the deployment of militaristic violence and its ethos have been allowed to get entrenched in the state as a part of administrative mechanism. The price of that subversion of the normative and institutional mechanisms of a civilized constitutional order has been what we have been paying all these years. The inability to judge “legitimate” and “illegitimate” violence in the state is not unrelated to this subversion.

Thus, let not this tragedy at Sangakpham become an opportunity once more for those who treat the public, their sense and sensibility, with contemptuous behavior of Feudal Lords to subvert a historically rooted political issue, which they have been trying to turn into a question of “crime” in the sense of taking it as an issue of “law and order”. Indeed, let it be known that the grotesque world wherein illegitimate violence rules our life in the state was inaugurated, nurtured and sustained by that decades-old approach.

No More Rhetorical Justification
It must also be equally understood that for those people who fight against an ethos that encourages the dictum, “kill the dog and give him a bad name”, a much more dangerous ethos than the classical example of lawlessness communicated by the saying “give a bad name to the dog and kill him”, must not keep on asking for the “reason” or “explanation” following such crimes as we have seen at Sangakpham. Whatever reasons that might come cannot be the rationales for justifying what is essentially indefensible “legitimate” violence. Be it under the cloak of AFSPA or counter-insurgency or in the name of “revolution” or “liberation”, one must be able to recognize an illegitimate violence for what it is.

In a similar sense, we must be careful of the expression “collateral damage”, an atrocious term introduced by States rather than non-state entities, which suggests that the killing is “unintended” while not denying the premeditated awareness that the victims will be part of the dead beforehand. Let no rhetoric of “revolution” or “liberation” be allowed to deploy as a smokescreen for the crime which can be committed only by people without any ideological commitment, both in the ideational and instrumental senses of the term “ideology”.

Only then, can we meaningfully mourn and rejuvenate to say “Dear Aping alias Neha (10) d/o Basanta of Sangakpham Awang Leikai, Imphal, and Philaso (10) d/o Kachipkhui of Marou village, Phungyar sub-division, Ukhrul, you come from different communities, young souls of class III, fast friends that you were on earth, so will be in heaven too; Rest in peace but come back again; we will ensure your place Manipur become a peaceful place where you two can walk hand-in-hand once again!