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.

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NSCN owns up killing couple in Ukhrul

The NSCN IM has owned responsibility for the killing of Varengam and his Ngaherla of Lunphu village, Ukhrul district Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

The NSCN IM has owned responsibility for the killing of Varengam and his Ngaherla of Lunphu village, Ukhrul district Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=28&src=270711

Army to probe sainik school crisis

The Army authority here is going to investigate the revolt of the Sainik School Imphal students over the alleged ill treatment to some of their colleagues by their Principal Source Hueiyen News Service

The Army authority here is going to investigate the revolt of the Sainik School Imphal students over the alleged ill treatment to some of their colleagues by their Principal Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=26&src=270711

Sadar Hills district demand stir in full swing

Agitations demanding Sadar Hills into a full fledged district which has been a 40 years long demand of the Sadar Hills District hood Demand Committee is in full swing Source Hueiyen News Service

Agitations demanding Sadar Hills into a full fledged district which has been a 40 years long demand of the Sadar Hills District hood Demand Committee is in full swing Source Hueiyen News Service

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’50 cut off for teachers’ test preposterous’

KSO GHQ while lauding the introduction of common eligibility test in teachers’ recruitment, observed that the high cut off mark of 50 is preposterous Source Hueiyen News Service

KSO GHQ while lauding the introduction of common eligibility test in teachers’ recruitment, observed that the high cut off mark of 50 is preposterous Source Hueiyen News Service

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624 Candidates seeking for PMEGP Loan in Tamenglong

Hundreds of unemployed youths thronged at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Tamenglong to face interview for PMEGP loans Source Hueiyen News Service

Hundreds of unemployed youths thronged at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Tamenglong to face interview for PMEGP loans Source Hueiyen News Service

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MPP petitions President on rampant corruption, siphoning of public money in state

Seeking immediate intervention from her side, the Manipur People’s Party today submitted a memorandum to the President of India on the issue of rampant corruption, mismanagement and siphoning of public money in implementing centre sponsored schemes in …

Seeking immediate intervention from her side, the Manipur People’s Party today submitted a memorandum to the President of India on the issue of rampant corruption, mismanagement and siphoning of public money in implementing centre sponsored schemes in the state Source Hueiyen News Service

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Kargil War heroes remembered

Despite being a small state of India, Manipur soldiered on during the great Kargil War , said Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Kargil Vijay Diwas day at Bir Tikendrajit Park here in Imphal Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

Despite being a small state of India, Manipur soldiered on during the great Kargil War , said Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Kargil Vijay Diwas day at Bir Tikendrajit Park here in Imphal Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

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Govt discriminates Leprosy patients

Government of Manipur is taking care of many patients of different diseases but it is not concerned about the Leprosy patients Source Hueiyen News Service Mangolchand Chingakham

Government of Manipur is taking care of many patients of different diseases but it is not concerned about the Leprosy patients Source Hueiyen News Service Mangolchand Chingakham

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PLHIV dies, doctors absent, nurses refuse to attend Stigma and Discrimination to PLHIV high even among medical practitioners

Themngam, a PLHIV patient and a father of four children, was admitted to the Ukhrul District Hospital after some health complication at about 6pm yesterday Source Hueiyen News Service

Themngam, a PLHIV patient and a father of four children, was admitted to the Ukhrul District Hospital after some health complication at about 6pm yesterday Source Hueiyen News Service

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Japanese embassy officials on two day state visit

Japan Minister Naoki Ito and First Secretary, Embassy of Japan, New Delhi Koju Matsubayashi today arrived here in a two day visit Source Hueiyen News Service

Japan Minister Naoki Ito and First Secretary, Embassy of Japan, New Delhi Koju Matsubayashi today arrived here in a two day visit Source Hueiyen News Service

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Two die of electrocution

In a shocking incident two persons of Yairipok Bamon Leikai in Thoubal district died of electrocution after a broken HT line felt upon domestic line which transferred the high power current into households of the locality on Monday at around 11 pm So…

In a shocking incident two persons of Yairipok Bamon Leikai in Thoubal district died of electrocution after a broken HT line felt upon domestic line which transferred the high power current into households of the locality on Monday at around 11 pm Source Hueiyen News Service

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MPCB prepares memo for discussion in cabinet IMC ignores as hotels, shops use recycled plastics

Even though the Imphal Municipal Council gave restriction orders in using polythene bags less than 40 microns by shops and hotels in the state, IMC itself is turning a blind eye in the matter even though hotels and shops in the state are using such pol…

Even though the Imphal Municipal Council gave restriction orders in using polythene bags less than 40 microns by shops and hotels in the state, IMC itself is turning a blind eye in the matter even though hotels and shops in the state are using such polythene without any restraints Source Hueiyen News Service

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KSO flays mark criterion

The Cabinet decision to change the recruitment process of teachers by incorporating common eligibility test for the candidates may be a step forward for ushering in quality education in Government schools but upholding a 50 per cent mark criterion is p…

The Cabinet decision to change the recruitment process of teachers by incorporating common eligibility test for the candidates may be a step forward for ushering in quality education in Government schools but upholding a 50 per cent mark criterion is preposterous, said a press release issued by KSO Ghqs Source The Sangai Express

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Fair poll campaign by All Manipur Christian Organisation AMCO

As had been already announced, All Manipur Christian Organisation AMCO began its campaign for fair elections in the hill districts by organising the fourth pastors’ advocacy meeting at Senapati district headquarters today Source The Sangai Express

As had been already announced, All Manipur Christian Organisation AMCO began its campaign for fair elections in the hill districts by organising the fourth pastors’ advocacy meeting at Senapati district headquarters today Source The Sangai Express

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NDFB declares indefinite ceasefire

Often mentioned as ‘deadliest’ militant outfit in Assam, the anti talks faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland NDFB has announced ceasefire for an indefinite period Source The Sangai Express NNN PTI

Often mentioned as ‘deadliest’ militant outfit in Assam, the anti talks faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland NDFB has announced ceasefire for an indefinite period Source The Sangai Express NNN PTI

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Two electrocuted at Yairipok Bamon Leikai

In a tragic accident, two people have been killed in Yairipok Bamon Leikai under Yairipok police station of Thoubal district after a high tension power line snapped and fell over domestic power line Source The Sangai Express

In a tragic accident, two people have been killed in Yairipok Bamon Leikai under Yairipok police station of Thoubal district after a high tension power line snapped and fell over domestic power line Source The Sangai Express

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Lungpha couple’s murder Bodies condemn, JAC formed

Along with constitution of a joint action committee christened JAC Against the Killing of Vareingam Mahongnao and Ngaherla Mahongnao, Lungphu Village, inhabitants of eastern Mapithel hill range comprising of eight villages have strongly condemned the m…

Along with constitution of a joint action committee christened JAC Against the Killing of Vareingam Mahongnao and Ngaherla Mahongnao, Lungphu Village, inhabitants of eastern Mapithel hill range comprising of eight villages have strongly condemned the murder of the young couple Source The Sangai Express

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PWD officials reject Moreh office collapse report

There is no question of caving in of the main building of Mini Secretariat at Moreh and preparations are on for inauguration of the office building at the soonest possible, AE M Birla Singh and SO Senminthang of PWD, Moreh have clarified Source The …

There is no question of caving in of the main building of Mini Secretariat at Moreh and preparations are on for inauguration of the office building at the soonest possible, AE M Birla Singh and SO Senminthang of PWD, Moreh have clarified Source The Sangai Express

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