Tag: Nagaland

Should Nagaland be really under “Disturbed area” status?

By Oken Jeet Sandham   The “Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA)” and the “Disturbed Area Act (DAA)” are synonymous with the people of the Northeast India. The rest

By Oken Jeet Sandham

 

The “Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA)” and the “Disturbed Area Act (DAA)” are synonymous with the people of the Northeast India. The rest of the people of India might feel otherwise on hearing such Act imposed on the Northeastern States. But to the Northeastern people, it is not new thing as they have been living with these Acts for decades.

What is AFSPA or DAA? Once any area of any State or Union Territory or the whole of any State or Union Territory of the country is declared as “Disturbed” as per the Section 3 of AFSPA, the members of the armed forces are empowered with certain special powers to act in those areas declared as “Disturbed.” And currently, most of the Northeastern States of India are under the purview of the DAA and thereby empowering the Indian armed forces to act under the most controversial and draconian AFSPA.

Under this Act, any commissioned officer, warrant officer, non-commissioned officer or any other person of equivalent rank in the armed forces may, in a disturbed area:-

(a) if he is of opinion that it is necessary so to do for the maintenance of public order, after giving such due warning as he may consider necessary, fire upon or otherwise use force; even to the causing of death, against any person who is acting in contravention of any law or order for the time being in force in the disturbed area prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons or the carrying of weapons or of things capable of being used as weapons or of fire-arms, ammunition or explosive substances;

(b) if he is of opinion that it is necessary so to do, destroy any arms dump, prepared or fortified position or shelter from which armed attacks are made or are likely to be made or are attempted to be made or any structure used as a training camp for armed volunteers or utilized as a hideout by armed gangs or absconders wanted for any offence;

(c) arrest without warrant, any person who has committed a cognizable offence or against whom a reasonable suspicion exists that he has committed or is about to commit a cognizable offence and may use such force as may be necessary to effect the arrest;

(d) enter and search without warrant any premises to make any such arrest as aforesaid or to recover any person believed to be wrongfully restrained and confined or any property reasonably suspected to be stolen property or any arms, ammunition or explosive substances believed to be unlawfully kept in such premises, and may for that purpose use such force as may be necessary.

So the Act simply gives carte blanche to the Indian armed forces in the areas declared as “Disturbed” in the name of assisting the Civil Administration. In all these, they are immune as no prosecution, suit or other legal proceeding shall be instituted, except with the previous sanction of the Central Government, against any person in respect of anything done or purported to be done in exercise of the powers conferred by this Act.

This Act is draconian and simply an anti-democracy. This Act is nothing but a license to kill indiscriminately. This Act also fundamentally conflicts the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution of India. This Act must go and it should no more be used in this modern and civilized world. But sadly, this Act is still in force in many Northeastern States.

One must remember that to give such draconian power to the security forces fighting against the Naga underground people, Delhi, for the first time, brought out the “Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act” Bill in 1958. The Bill was passed by both the Houses of Parliament and it received the assent of the President on 11th September, 1958. Yet, this Act has become one of the most controversial Acts today in the country – drawing flaks from around the world. Nagaland was like a laboratory theatre for the Indian army to experiment the new “Act.” Imagine, the hell bent in the 50s, 60s, 70s when so-called a few educated Nagas had hardly realized the nature of the Act. Only after decades, people started raising the specter of it.

Now the relative peace is prevalent at least in Nagaland because of the ceasefires with various Naga underground groups. At the same time, the Government of India has been holding political negotiations with the leaders of the NSCN (IM) for nearly two decades for finding permanent solution to the Naga political issue. Of late, there have been attacks on Indian security forces by NSCN (K) and unfortunately, they started such attacks on them (security forces) after unilaterally abrogating their 14-year truce with Delhi in March this year.

However, the civil societies, state government and many stakeholders have been requesting the Government of India as well as the leaders of the NSCN (K) for resumption of their ceasefire as it is also the desire of the people of the state.

While doing so, the Centre declared entire Nagaland as a “disturbed area” stating that a “dangerous condition” prevails in the state and armed forces should assist the civil administration in maintaining law and order. This again gives the sweeping power to the Security forces under the draconian Act — AFSPA.

In a gazette notification, the home ministry said that it was of the opinion that the whole state of Nagaland is in such a disturbed or dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of civil power is necessary.

“Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, the central government hereby declares that whole of the said state to be a disturbed area for a period of one year with effect from June 30, 2015 for the purpose of the act,” the notification said.

Chief Minister TR Zeliang and several civil societies in Nagaland expressed their discontentment and anguish over the Center’s declaring the entire State as a “Disturbed area.” They have demanded for immediate revocation of the AFSPA from Nagaland.

In fact, for the last many years, when NSCN (K) was in truce with Delhi for 14 years, there was relative peace in Nagaland. Even leaders of various Naga underground factions had developed good rapport among them after the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) put unprecedented efforts for reconciliation among them. So, relative peace has been prevalent in the state.

Soon after Neiphiu Rio became the Chief Minister of Nagaland in 2003, his Government had been opposing tooth and nail to Delhi’s attempts to extend “disturbed area” status in the state citing various reasons of the relative peace in the state. In spite of such requests from the State Government, Delhi turned a deaf ear and announced extension of “Disturbed area status” as if the situation in Nagaland was like 80s or early 90s. They had no compunction to the honest recommendations of the State Government.

As such, the Center’s recent extension of “Disturbed area” for another one year in Nagaland is not unexpected. Whether there is peace or violence in Nagaland, Delhi has the same mind and cannot see the changes taking place in the State even after their prolonged political negotiations with the Naga underground leaders and truces with them. They cannot even trust their comrade Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Home, in-charge of Northeast, as could be seen from his startling revelation that he was not aware of the Center’s recent decision to declare entire Nagaland as “Disturbed area” under the AFSPA.

We should also be ashamed of what the UN and Amnesty International questioning the AFSPA some years back and they even already asked India to revoke it from the Northeastern States of India saying it had no place in Indian democracy, besides it clearly violates International Law.

 

It now appears that DAA may continue to be in force in Nagaland even if the Naga political issue is resolved. The leadership of the country has not realized till now that the AFSPA is anti-democratic and against the very Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution of India.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/should-nagaland-be-really-under-disturbed-area-status/

Dr Lotha on many issues facing District Treasury offices; says CM’s response positive

KOHIMA, July 10 (NEPS): Dr TM Lotha, Adviser, Treasuries & Accounts, Relief and Rehabilitation, has today expressed his dismay at the pathetic conditions the department (Treasuries & Account) had in

Dr TM Lotha, Adviser, Treasuries & Accounts, speaking at 14th Gen Conf of NL Fin & Accont Service Assn

Dr TM Lotha, Adviser, Treasuries & Accounts, Relief and Rehabilitation, speaking at the 14th General Conference of the Nagaland Finance & Accounts Service Association held at Conference Hall of the Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts, Kohima on July 10, 2015. NEPS Photo.

KOHIMA, July 10 (NEPS): Dr TM Lotha, Adviser, Treasuries & Accounts, Relief and Rehabilitation, has today expressed his dismay at the pathetic conditions the department (Treasuries & Account) had in its other district offices. He disclosed that almost all the District Treasury Offices were being run with poor furniture and without even enough computers.

Speaking as chief guest at the 14th General Conference of the Nagaland Finance & Accounts Service Association held at Conference Hall of the Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts here on Friday, Dr Lotha disclosed that soon after becoming the Adviser, Treasuries & Accounts, he visited some of Treasury Offices and Training Center (Institute) at Dimapur. “I have seen most of the offices and the Training Center (Institute) at Dimapur and found that they are in a very pitiable condition, besides there is acute shortage of faculty members,” he added.
The Adviser also said most of the Treasury Office Buildings were without proper security fencing and security guard rooms, while some Treasury Offices and many Sub-Treasury Offices were being run in rented buildings. He said even the Treasury Officers were using very old and outdated vehicles which were 15 years old. Many officers had actually given back these vehicles to the department as they could no longer use them and they were without any vehicles now, he stated.
Dr Lotha, however, informed the officers and members of the Nagaland Finance & Accounts Service Association that he had already apprised the Chief Minister with regard to the Training Center (Institute) and other issues facing the department. The response from the chief minister was “very positive,” he said hoping that “It will be taken up during the current budget session.” “I also hope that the Honorable Chief Minister will also look into the other issues as well,” he added.
Congratulating the officers for maintaining a very high standard of efficient service to the people, the Adviser said if they continued to work together with the same spirit, they could bring about “fiscal discipline in the whole of the state in the near future.”
Stating that they were already in computer age revolutionizing and changing the whole working system in the department, he explained that all the officers should get themselves acquainted and updated themselves with the computer knowledge so that they would be in the system.
Temjen Toy, Principal Secretary and Finance Commissioner, also spoke on the occasion as guest of honor. He said officers in many offices did not keep pace with the fast changing world and further urged the officers and members of the State Treasuries & Accounts Department to keep pace with the fast changing world while working and discharging their duties. At the same time, they also needed to restructure in many areas.
“We have to streamline with the transactions in the state and also to remain as watchdog to various fraudulent activities and other issues,” he added.
The Principal Secretary also read out the speech of the Chief Minister who could not make it in the function as he had to attend a meeting of Northeast CMs at Guwahati. The Chief Minister’s inability to attend, the Adviser, Treasuries & Accounts, Dr Lotha was made a chief guest.
Earlier, Daso Paphino, president of Nagaland Finance & Accounts Service Association, also Joint Director in the Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts, delivered his presidential address on the occasion. He highlighted many activities of the department since its establishment in 1980.
The program was chaired by K Tiayanger Tzudir, Director, Treasuries & Accounts, while the Vote of Thanks by Z Mesen, Principal Director, Treasuries & Accounts. Officials from the Treasuries & Accounts, Members of the Nagaland Finance & Accounts Service Association attended the program.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/dr-lotha-on-many-issues-facing-district-treasury-offices-says-cms-response-positive/

Unpredictable political future looming in Nagaland

By Oken Jeet Sandham Now that the NPF crisis has been resolved, the general expectation is development should start taking place in the state. Precious one year has been wasted

By Oken Jeet Sandham
Now that the NPF crisis has been resolved, the general expectation is development should start taking place in the state. Precious one year has been wasted when Chief Minister TR Zeliang was struggling to save his moribund Ministry.
But all is not going well as dissident leaders could not get back their earlier Ministerial positions even after “Reconciliation” with leaders of NPF (S). This, no doubt, will give a stinging push to the dissident leaders and their colleagues to think manifold politically for a different game in the coming Nagaland Assembly elections due in 2018 if nothing happens in between.
The people have immensely lost their confidence in their representatives this time. They saw how the state government was kept in suspense, and at some point of time, near revolt from the publics were expected when they failed to meet their representatives who remained like captives in different camps.
The other National Political parties like BJP, JD (U) and NCP had no role during the crisis because it was NPF crisis only. The BJP in Nagaland, however, did not keep quiet during the crisis as they realized Zeliang’s clandestine deal with the opposition Congress for securing his “Confidence Motion.” Even after the “Confidence Motion,” the BJP created massive psychological fear that they would not be able to go together with the Congress in the DAN government because of hugely different political ideologies between them. Zeliang inducted the Congress legislators into his Ministry with an explanation that it was their dream to have an “opposition-less” government in the state for the sake of finding permanent and honorable solution to the protracted Naga political issue.
The people of Nagaland had not questioned beleaguered TR when his government remained paralyzed due to unprecedented NPF crisis except urging them to resolve the issue for the larger interest of the people. They were tolerant enough till such time the party leaders resolved the internal crisis of their party. They did not mind of seeing no development during the past one-year shaky rule of the Zeliang ministry.
The people will not, however, go into raptures about such political gimmicks, dramas and canards. They are rather more informed with the ongoing crisis and the status of the Naga political issue. They simply watch the whole tamasa, waiting for the next Assembly elections in the state.
Former Chief Minister and present Member of Parliament Neiphiu Rio ruled Nagaland for eleven years and it will be, of course, not fair comparing with one-year rule of Zeliang. The latter has been in turmoil ever since he took over the reins of government from the former, but one cannot predict, of course, what he can deliver to the people in the coming days as Chief Minister.
Yet, Rio remained undisputed leader in the state and what prompted him to leave the state politics at the beginning of his third tenure as Chief Minister still remains mysterious. To push the early settlement of the Naga political issue and bring more developmental funds to the state were some of his main explanations for going to Delhi as MP. But these reasons were inadequate. He was accused of being the main person for the NPF crisis.
Surprisingly, the people seem more concerned for the next Assembly elections than development. And many siting legislators seem to be feeling uneasiness but clueless. The unusual political environment starts creeping in everywhere stirring many youngsters to come to the fore.
In all the elections in the state, the political parties prominently figured the Naga political issue in their election manifestoes with assurances of their roles for bringing settlement to the issue. Four Nagaland Assembly elections were held after the Government of India declared ceasefire with the NSCN (IM) and in all these elections, all the political parties gave importance for expediting the Naga peace process and early solution to the issue. Yet, solution to the Naga political issue remains elusive and the Government of India still fails to give a time frame for the final settlement to the Naga political issue.
It appears that the people start losing their hope in the leaderships of the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) as none of them is able to provide credible status of their progress.
New political parties may surface to join the next unpredictable Assembly electoral battles and likely to eat into the vitals of other established political parties. The youth, forming major vote shares, will play all in good time, and there may be drastic reduction of money politics in the next Assembly elections. The Naga issue may not attract the youth much in the next Assembly elections as they realize that various political parties have been playing Naga political issue card as election plank.
Bottom Line:
Chief Minister alone cannot guarantee for the return of his party. It is a team work but the most fractured among the political parties in the state is his only. Although he proudly advocates the concept of his new mysterious political chemistry as “opposition-less or party-less” government, it is just a gimmick, drama and canard as this will not work at the time of Assembly elections because everyone has to file nomination as official candidate of their respective political parties. At the same time, every legislator will have to see his party’s interest is protected and nurtured and they cannot go against the party interest and ideology.
Can all sitting sixty legislators contest the coming Nagaland Assembly elections as “Independent” as per the “theory and mysterious political concept of TR”? No way. If they do this, Election Commission of India (ECI) will freeze the “Cock” Symbol of NPF.
I will leave here with wisdom from Norman Vincent Peale – “Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude towards it, for that determines our success or our failure.”

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/unpredictable-political-future-looming-in-nagaland/

E-Naga summit held in Kohima

Kohima, May 28, 2015: With a vision to embark on a process to instill the spirit of innovation and use of technology for impacting positive change in the society with target audience comprising of

Kohima, May 28, 2015: With a vision to embark on a process to instill the spirit of innovation and use of technology for impacting positive change in the society with target audience comprising of students, entrepreneurs, NGOs, government departments and industry professionals, E-Naga Summit was held in Kohima.

yourstory_nagaland_summit
The summit is an initiative of the Nagaland department of Information Technology and Communication, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and it is being held under the theme ‘Ideas and Solutions to transform North East India through Information Communication Technology’.

Nagaland Chief Minister T. R. Zeliang said information technology and electronic media is playing a major role in building a knowledge led economy and India is looking at North Eastern State to boost economic growth.

“We have hardly experienced the local industrial revolution and it is now time for us to use IT for delivering government services and promote e-governance to balance the peculiar situation in which we are place,”

the CM conveyed through his inaugural address which was read out by the State Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar in his absent.

The CM expressed happiness that the department of IT&C is making all out effort to the extent of organising the e-Naga summit which will surely help the state to adapt to the changing situation.

He expressed hope that someday, Nagaland which is known as the land of festival will also be known as the land of e-Governance.

According to PTI, state Minister for Information Technology and Communication, Paiwang Konyak said that summit will showcase the importance of e-Governance and information communication technology in bringing about a visible socio-economic change in the society.

He also asserted that his department would work for the youth and disadvantaged people while also creating employment and business opportunities for the educated youths and entrepreneurs.

The summit was also marked with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the State Government and the Software Technology Parks of India to establish a software park in Kohima and Dimapur.

Image Credit : Shutterstock

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/e-naga-summit-held-in-kohima/

Big hearts for big political concessions, time for pragmatism and not for losing our marbles!

By Oken Jeet Sandham   Delhi’s Interlocutor to Naga peace talks RN Ravi’s attending the 26th General Conference of the Naga Students Federation (NSF) on May 14 at Khonoma is

By Oken Jeet Sandham

 

Delhi’s Interlocutor to Naga peace talks RN Ravi’s attending the 26th General Conference of the Naga Students Federation (NSF) on May 14 at Khonoma is historic in many ways. First, he is the envoy of the Government of India to the Naga political negotiations. Two, his attending the 26th General Conference of the NSF at a birthplace of legendary Naga freedom fighter AZ Phizo is significant. Third, his coming to Nagaland softens the rigid stand of the Naga people who were initially opposed to his appointment as “Delhi’s Interlocutor” to the Naga peace talks.

Ravi is not new to the Naga political history. He retired as Intelligence Bureau (IB) Special Director in 2012 and soon after BJP-led NDA came to power at the Center last year, his appointment as Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) for a period of three years was approved. Surprisingly, within a week of his appointment as JIC Chairman, he has been appointed as Delhi’s “interlocutor” to the Naga peace talks.

Ravi knows internal security issues and nitty-gritty of the northeast insurgencies. And as he was chief of the premier intelligence club of the country, his primary job was to brief the Prime Minister of many vital issues, particularly security related matters, of the country.

Even Shyamall Datta, before becoming as Governor of Nagaland, used to attend even the meetings of the Center-NSCN (IM) because he was chief of IB. He was busy setting things right for smooth discussion of the NSCN-IM and the Government of India. He was present in number of talks between the leaders of the outfit and the representatives of the Government of India held at various parts of the world. Sending him right after his retirement from the IB as Governor of Nagaland by the then NDA Government under the Prime Ministership of Atal Behari Vajpayee was mainly to help expedite the ongoing peace process and see the grounds for strengthening the process and create peaceful environment. And it was no wrong choosing a high profiled man who had vast knowledge on the country’s issues and problems to become Governor of Nagaland. It was rare having such a man who had the knowledge of the Naga issue as Governor, although he, as Governor, might have limited role to play but when he himself knew the subject of the ongoing peace process, it carried sense and those players in the theater could not undermine him.

Ravi was, however, critical of the Naga insurgents and peace process as could be seen from his past write-up which became the sore point compelling Naga civil societies to initially oppose to his appointment as “Delhi’s Interlocutor to Naga peace talks.” Pressures were mounted on the Government to such an extent that the Home Ministry had even forwarded a fresh proposal to replace him but it was turned down by the PMO. The rest is history.

But seeing his mind on the current Naga peace process after he spoke out at the 26th General Conference of the NSF at Khonoma and afterwards to media persons, he is rather in a tangle. Whatever he said was on the expected lines. Nothing new! Nothing extra! The least the people expected from his visit, of course, was that he would endorse Prime Minister Modi’s assurance of “time frame” for settling the Naga political issue in 18 months. This remark of the Prime Minister was even quoted on few occasions none other than by Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang.

Although the Nagas were stunned by Modi when he did not utter a single word on Naga issue while delivering his historic inaugural speech at the “Hornbill Festival” onDecember 1 last year at Kisama and the day was also coincided with the “Nagaland Statehood Day Celebration,” many simply thought that since he already had assured a “time frame” of solution to the Naga issue within 18 months, he might not have felt it necessary to mention in such an event. Even Zeliang was taking that way.

To me, precious time has been wasted on unnecessary issues. If there is a hindrance, then it has to be resolved. We have seen enough that confrontational attitudes have not worked while searching solution to the political issue. Such attitudes have only bred unpolitical problems compounding more to the issues. The Government of India has also failed to exploit the unprecedented positive outcomes generated by FNR’s consistent efforts. In fact, who could believe that members of the NSCN rival factions would form one team to play soccer against a team of Naga civil societies? Who could believe that the members of the NSCN rival factions would happily mingle with one another and have pleasant discussions across the table? The Naga people’s crying for “unity and reconciliation” is more than their yearning for “solution” to the Naga issue. For they know that without unity and reconciliation, no permanent and tangible solution will come about.

Many retired top Indian bureaucrats had already served as Delhi’s Interlocutor to Naga peace talks. Former Nagaland Chief Secretary RS Pandey, after his retirement from the Central Government, was also appointed as Interlocutor by previous Congress-led UPA Government. Although he placed his concept of “shared sovereignty” to solve the Naga issue, he was still cautious of giving any “time frame.”

Anyway, Modi is the only Indian Prime Minister who assured a “time frame” for the settlement of Naga issue. He is also the first Indian Prime Minister who did not utter a single word on the Naga issue while visiting Nagaland during “Hornbill Festival” last year.

Modi, BJP leader, is undoubtedly the most powerful Prime Minister with 282 BJP MPs in Lok Sabha, crossing half-mark of Parliament strength, besides allies joining his Government. And when he announced a “time frame” of resolving the Naga political issue with this strength, nobody disbelieved him.

The settlement of the Naga issue demands a “political will” from a strong Prime Minister backed by a strong Government. If all his actions right after becoming the Prime Minister are to be taken, he appears to be straight. Yet, his knowledge to the long-drawn out Naga political history appears to be not very deep.

But, what is “political will”? It not just the Prime Minister takes decision on certain issue but it is how he politically presents his political blueprint with realistic political approach to the issue for the benefit of its intention, usually for the public welfare. And before any such step being planned, he has to examine the outcomes from the process being presented by his Interlocutor and the Representatives from the other party.

 

It is really complicated but we need big hearts for big political concessions if we prefer “political will” for settlement of the “complex Naga political issue” once and for all. Time for pragmatism and not for losing our marbles!

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/big-hearts-for-big-political-concessions-time-for-pragmatism-and-not-for-losing-our-marbles/

Congress joined DAN government, while first time in history, Chakhesang was not given Minister

KOHIMA, May 8 (NEPS): Chief Minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang has created history of sort by inducting main Opposition Congress lawmakers into his Council of Ministers fulfilling his repeated assurances

KOHIMA, May 8 (NEPS): Chief Minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang has created history of sort by inducting main Opposition Congress lawmakers into his Council of Ministers fulfilling his repeated assurances that he would have an “Opposition-less government” in Nagaland.
It is also another history that for the first time, a major tribe Chakhesang did not find a Ministerial berth in Zeliang Ministry, for the fact that all the Chakhesang legislators from Phek district are from ruling NPF. The resentment of the Chakhesang legislators could be seen today as they, except, Azo, did not attend today’s “Swearing-in ceremonies.” They were reported to have expressed their displeasure at the manner in which they were neglected this time. In fact, the very vacant Cabinet post was caused after Azo was dropped.
But Chief Minister, when asked by press people, opined that the Speaker post went to Chakhesang and even an Adviser to the Chief Minister with a Cabinet status also went to Chakhasang. The Speaker was often invited in most of the Cabinet Meetings as a special invitee, he pointed out telling that one should not look at tribal line but the people who could deliver for the welfare of the people should also be appointed.
Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya had administered the “oath taking ceremony” to the newly appointed three Ministers at Kohima Raj Bhavan today. Tokheho Yepthomi, leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP), was sworn-in as Cabinet Minister, while Parliamentary Secretaries Y Vikheho Swu and Yitachu have also been elevated to Cabinet Ministers.
Congress has eight MLAs and their participation in the NPF-led DAN government in Nagaland was doing the round ever since they voted in favor of “Confidence Motion” moved by Chief Minister TR Zeliang on February 5 last. Since then Zeliang had been telling that he would have an “Opposition-less government” in Nagaland while CLP leader Yepthomi also hinted their participating in the NPF-led DAN government in Nagaland.
BJP, a key ally of the NPF-led DAN government, has been vocal that they would not go together with the Congress explaining that they had different political ideologies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi runs the BJP-led NDA government at the Center where the Congress functions as main Opposition. Even BJP President Amit Shah while visiting Nagaland declared that BJP could never go together with the Congress.
Asked about his stand on taking Opposition Congress in his DAN Ministry, Zeliang said it was a dream of the Naga people that they would now have an Opposition-less government in Nagaland. All political parties had a common agenda incorporated in their “election manifestoes” that was for the solution to the protracted Naga political issue. Therefore, when they all had come together by participating in the government was only strengthening that “common” struggle for solution to their problem, he explained.
Asked whether the BJP, an ally of ruling DAN, would walk away as the Opposition Congress became part of DAN, the Chief Minister said he did not know what they would take their stand following the induction of Congress lawmakers in DAN. But they should reconsider such thinking because they all were with the same political mission and for the welfare of the people of Nagaland, he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/congress-joined-dan-government-while-first-time-in-history-chakhesang-was-not-given-minister/

‘United National Liberation Front of West South East Asia’ Formed

On 24 April 2015, nine militant groups of the northeast, including the NSCN (Khaplang) and the ULFA faction led by Paresh Baruah, have come together to form a new unified

On 24 April 2015, nine militant groups of the northeast, including the NSCN (Khaplang) and the ULFA faction led by Paresh Baruah, have come together to form a new unified front during a meeting held recently in Myanmar, security sources said.

unlf

According to Hindustan Times report, the move to form the “United National Liberation Front of West South East Asia” comes close on the heels of S.S. Khaplang, chairman of the NSCN (K), abrogating a 14-year-old ceasefire agreement with the Centre last month. Khaplang, a Hemi Naga from Myanmar, played a key role in organising the meeting of militant groups where the decision to form the new grouping was made, security sources told Hindustan Times. Though Khaplang will be the nominal head of the new grouping, a key role will be played by Paresh Baruah, the chief of the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent who has consistently opposed peace talks with the Central government, the sources said.

Nagaland Post states that both Khaplang and Baruah are currently based in Myanmar. Baruah moved to Myanmar after authorities in Bangladesh launched a crackdown on his group, the sources said.

Besides the NSCN (K) and ULFA-Independent, other groups that participated in the meeting held at Taga in Sagaing division of Myanmar earlier this month were the Kangleipak Communist Party, Kanglei Yawol Kunna Lup, People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, People’s Liberation Army, United National Liberation Front and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit faction).

The new grouping is dominated by militant organisations from Manipur, which refer to the northeastern region as “West South East Asia”.

Nagaland Post states that security sources said Chinese intelligence played an active role in encouraging the northeastern groups to come together on a common platform. Chinese intelligence operatives are active in the Sagaing region and weapons are often shipped to the northeastern groups through the China-Myanmar border.

“The Chinese have promised to provide weapons and logistics to the new grouping as they want to keep things boiling in the northeast in view of their claim on the state of Arunachal Pradesh,” a source said.

Earlier, the Chinese intelligence had played a role in bringing together several militant groups from the Manipur Valley in an umbrella organisation called CorCom. Most of these groups have now joined the new grouping.

Several groups from the North Eastern states have training camps in Sagaing division. After the NSCN-Khaplang signed a truce with Myanmarese authorities in 2012, it has consolidated its position in the neighbouring country.

The NSCN (K) split in late March after Khaplang abrogated the ceasefire signed with the Central government in 2001 and wound up the cease-fire supervisory board. The group had at the time accused the Central government of not being serious about discussing the issue of “sovereignty” for Nagas. Khaplang also expelled two of its kilonsers- Wangtin Naga and P. Tikhak from the group, who were in favour of extending the ceasefire pact with the Government of India. Following the expulsion, Wangtin and Tikhak formed a new group under the name NSCN (Reformation) Nagaland Post states.

 

Source: security-risks.com

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/united-national-liberation-front-of-west-south-east-asia-formed/

Nagaland : Patton appeals to YTC leaders to attend “Tripartite Talk”

SHAMATOR, Mar 30 (NEPS): Nagaland Home Minister Y Patton said the upcoming “Tripartite Talk” to be held on April 7 at Kohima would be crucial as it was to find

SHAMATOR, Mar 30 (NEPS): Nagaland Home Minister Y Patton said the upcoming “Tripartite Talk” to be held on April 7 at Kohima would be crucial as it was to find amicable and lasting solution to the “Chang and Yimchunger” issues.

Addressing a huge crowd here at Shamator HQ, under Tuensang district Monday, the Minister appealed to the leaders of the Yimchunger Tribal Council (YTC) to attend the “Tripartite talk” to be held on April 7 next month at state capital, Kohima.
Reminding that the government and its machineries had been making every possible effort to see that all their Chang and Yimchunger brothers live peacefully as they had been living as one family, Patton said, “I make this special request to YTC leaders that please come and attend the upcoming tripartite talk and share your problems there. After sharing with whatever you have in your mind, we will take decision as to how we will move forward for amicable and lasting solution to your problems.”

It may be mentioned that YTC did not give their green signal for attending the “Tripartite talk” but after Home Minister made a special request during the public meeting today, they had reportedly hinted their willingness to attend the talk. The “Tripartite talk” to be held with the two tribes – The Chang and the Yimchunger – to find amicable and lasting solution to their problems has been initiated by the state government.
The Minister also appreciated the various mass based civil societies including Chang Khulie Setshang (CKS) and YTC, church leaders, police, district administration and individuals for bringing normalcy in the Tuensang district.

Patton said he was unhappy with the recent development within the NSCN (K) and further called upon all the Naga national workers for “reconciliation and unity” among them. “Without unity, we cannot achieve a lasting and permanent peace in our land,” he said.
MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for CAWD, Economics & Statistics R. Tohanba, Deputy Speaker NLA, Levi Rengma, Tokiumong, DIG (R/NAP), Tuensang, RV Ezung, SP, Tuensang, Rhovisie, Commandant, 3rd NAP, Tuensang were among others who accompanied the Home Minister.
Tohanba, Levi, YTC President Keozhe also spoke on the occasion.

On his arrival at Shamator, the Minister also laid a foundation stone for “Langa bridge” and urged the people to provide peaceful environment for the construction work to go undisturbed. “Peace is pre-requisite for all round development,” he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/03/nagaland-patton-appeals-to-ytc-leaders-to-attend-tripartite-talk/

Wokha bomb blast in Nagaland seriously injured three women, one nine-month old baby

By Oken Jeet Sandham KOHIMA, Mar 26 (NEPS): Another bomb blast this morning at the heart of Wokha Town has inflicted injuries to three women and one nine-month old baby

By Oken Jeet Sandham

KOHIMA, Mar 26 (NEPS): Another bomb blast this morning at the heart of Wokha Town has inflicted injuries to three women and one nine-month old baby boy.
The bomb, which was reportedly placed near a shop at the PWD Junction, Wokha Town by two unidentified men who came in a bike this morning, went off at about 9 AM, injuring three women and one nine-month old baby boy.

nine-month old baby boy victim of wokha bomb blast

nine-month old baby boy victim of wokha bomb blast

The two seriously injured women and the nine-month old baby boy have been brought to Naga Hospital Kohima while the other woman and the mother of the baby boy was under treatment at Wokha Civil Hospital as her condition is not that serious.
The nine-month old baby identified as Yanrenthung, son of Mhonpamo Khuvung, is from Sonkiton Village. His mother, Lina, who also received injuries, is undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital Wokha, as her condition is not that serious. The right hand of the baby boy was damaged while the splinter of the bomb hit his left stomach and his intestine came out.

The other two ladies who received serious injuries are identified as Thosano Ezung, 55, wife of Nymthungo Ezung of Longsachung Village and Benchilo Kikon, wife of Simon is from Lakhuti Village. Benchilo Kikon is the sister Dr M Kithan, Additional Director, H & F W. Legs of both the ladies were badly damaged.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Y Patton has strongly condemned the blasts – the one exploded at Dimapur yesterday at about 7:30 PM and the one exploded this morning at PWD Junction, Wokha at about 9 AM.

victims of wokha bomb blast

victims of wokha bomb blast

Terming as “cowardly and dastardly” the acts of the miscreants inflicting serious injuries to women and child, the Home Minister said all sensible people should condemn the acts of “terrorism.”

“It is very unfortunate that when the Naga people and various agencies have been making their concerted efforts to see that the Naga peace process reaches its logical conclusion, there are still some elements hell-bent on creating confusion and disturbances in the society,” the Home Minister said.
Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured Wokha bomb victims, Patton said the state government would leave no stone unturned in its efforts to see that “peace and tranquility is not disturbed in the state.”

BJP MLA Dr TM Lotha also condemned the bomb blast at Wokha.
Stating that the incident was very unfortunate, the BJP MLA from Wokha said such incidents had been taking place in Wokha Town including the recent one on February 24 and further urged the State Government to constitute a High Power Committee (HPC) to thoroughly investigate into the incident to know the facts and bring those responsible to book.

Urging the District Administration and Law Enforcement Agencies to ever remain alert, so that such unwanted incidents do not occur again at Wokha Town, Dr Lotha also requested the Chief Minister to pay ex-gratia to the bomb victims who had been undergoing treatments at Naga Hospital, Kohima and District Hospital, Wokha.
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/03/wokha-bomb-blast-in-nagaland-seriously-injured-three-women-one-nine-month-old-baby/

Nagaland heading for Opposition-less government; not healthy in democratic government

By Oken Jeet Sandham When press people asked Chief Minister TR Zeliang as to when he would fill the vacant Cabinet posts in his Council of Ministers. “Any time after

By Oken Jeet Sandham
When press people asked Chief Minister TR Zeliang as to when he would fill the vacant Cabinet posts in his Council of Ministers. “Any time after the Assembly,” he told the good-tempered journalists who still wanted to know about the Congress’ joining his Ministry. The suave Chief Minister gave his final nod approving the Congress’ joining the DAN government. “It will now be a party-less government in Nagaland,” he said.
Everyone has been nervously watching at every move of TR and things now become crystal clear that the Congress will be a part of his DAN government in Nagaland. In fact, hours after winning the “Confidence Motion” with 59 Members in the House of sixty voting in favor it, TR, while talking to the press at his official residence, only hinted that there would soon be “a party-less government” in Nagaland.
CLP leader Tokheho Yepthomi has already stated that they would now join the DAN government in the state, and according to sources, at least two Cabinet posts will go to the Congress while the rest may be awarded with Parliamentary Secretary posts. The Congress has eight MLAs. The BJP, an important ally of the ruling DAN since its inception in 2003, has four MLAs. There are diametrical political ideologies between these two giant national political parties not only at the Center but also everywhere in the country. Dynamic Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads the current BJP-led NDA government at the Center while the Congress plays main Opposition. In fact, the Congress, which led the 10-year old UPA government at the Center, suffered humiliating defeat at the hands of the BJP in the last 16th Lok Sabha elections. They had even double humiliations as the strength of the Congress MPs did not qualify them to have “Leader of the Opposition” tag in Parliament, though they still emerged as the largest Opposition party among the Opposition parties.
The fundamental question arises is can the Congress and the BJP go together in the same boat in any state or for that matter in Nagaland. It is very unlikely but the case in Nagaland becomes rare. And when the press people asked TR as to how two political parties having history of bitter political rivalries in the country would allow their party MLAs to be part of the same government in Nagaland, his reply was more classic saying “National issues are different from local issues.” There should not be any problem having both the Congress and the BJP in his DAN government in Nagaland, he replied.
We all have to remain finger-crossed and watch how TR is going to play his magic wand till such time formal induction of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries take place. In all likelihood, there will be some reactions after the induction ceremonies.
It is also understood that TR has to fulfill whatever he had a deal with Congress because the party’s (Congress) crucial role played at the time of “Confidence Motion” changed the entire political equation in the state. The survival theory as TR thought of by taking the support of the main Opposition Congress during his trial time might be politically correct but he cannot overlook the importance of BJP as they are currently at the helms at Delhi.
After taking the Congress to his boat, Nagaland Chief Minister, who is also Minister in-charge of Finance, will not be that lively in re-pleading with the ruling Central BJP leaders to rescue the state from its financial quagmire. He, while presenting the Vote on Account on the Floor of Assembly on March 17, highlighted his passionate pleadings with the Prime Minister and Finance Minister on many occasions to rescue the state from its precarious financial position. So, his magic wand should be watched in what manner the Central BJP leaders will be convinced for taking the Congress into the ruling DAN fold.
Bottom Line:
Actually if there is party-less government in Nagaland, then it should not be the problem. The problem is Opposition-less government which is not healthy in a democratic system of government.
In the last SC Jamir Congress ministry in Nagaland, only one Independent MLA Mavil Khieya was acting all along as the “lone Opposition” in the House of Sixty. Numerically, a single opposition MLA in the House of Sixty sounds funny but Khieya not only kept the 60-Member House a good-humor atmosphere but also could embarrass then Leader of the House Jamir and his Deputy Neiphiu Rio, who was Home Minister. Many legislators, media personnel, state officials and publics appreciated Khieya for his bold role as single Opposition Member in the 60-Member House. Had Khieya not been there as lone Opposition, we would have dormant government then in Nagaland.
But in the present case where TR is going to run a new form of Opposition-less government will not healthy at all. Because, in a democratic form of government such as ours, the role of opposition is a must so that the welfare state does not suffer. In the absence of Opposition, no government can function effectively.
Yepthomi, CLP leader, without doubt, is the most vocal opposition face in the Assembly. He is well-versed with many areas of governmental and administrative loopholes. He did his homework well before coming to any Assembly Sessions. His suggestions on important issues during Assembly Sessions were always taken seriously and even majority Members in the Treasury Bench  appreciated his in-depth knowledge in many areas concerning the state. His and other Congress MLAs’ joining the ruling DAN will be the beginning to end the charm of democracy till another real opposition emerges.
Yes, many might have perceived that the legislators belonging to NPF (N) would act as Opposition in the Assembly. But in all likelihood,  such thing may not happen because they had categorically stated on the Floor of the House minutes before voting in favor of “Confidence Motion” on February 5that they would not go against their “own government.”

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/03/nagaland-heading-for-opposition-less-government-not-healthy-in-democratic-government/

Dimapur Rape and Mob Lynching: Home Minister visits Dimapur Central Jail, takes stock of situation

By Oken Jeet Sandham   DIMAPUR, Mar 9 (NEPS): A High level team led by State Home Minister Y Patton has today visited the Dimapur Central Jail and inspected the

Home Minister Y Patton, 3rd left with his ministerial colleagues visits Dimapur Central Jail on March 9, 2015 to stock of the situation following March 5 incident.(NEPS Photo)

Home Minister Y Patton, 3rd left with his ministerial colleagues visits Dimapur Central Jail on March 9, 2015 to stock of the situation following March 5 incident.(NEPS Photo)

By Oken Jeet Sandham
 
DIMAPUR, Mar 9 (NEPS): A High level team led by State Home Minister Y Patton has today visited the Dimapur Central Jail and inspected the jail cells where a strong mob of thousands had on March 5 stormed the jail while searching the alleged rape accused Syed Farid Khan.
Ministers, Nuklutoshi, Kipili Sangtam, Deputy Speaker Er. Levi Rengma, Parliamentary Secretaries, Er. Picto, Y Vikheho Swu, Jacob Zhimomi, DGP L Doungel, ADGP (L&O) G Akheto Sema, IG (Int) Renchamo Kikon, IG (R) Wabang Jamir, DIG(R) Liremo Lotha who is also in-charge of Dimapur District, Secretary Home Bendangkokba and other officials accompanied the Home Minister while visiting the Dimapur Central Jail to take stock of the situation.
Later, he was also briefed by the high ranking police personnel at the office of Dimapur Superintendent of Police of the measures they had taken to contain the law and order situation in the wake of the March 5 incident at Dimapur.
Later addressing the press conference at the Conference Hall of the DC Office, Dimapur, Patton described as “unfortunate” the incident that had taken place on March 5 at Dimapur. He also disclosed that the rape allegedly committed on a Naga girl on February 23 last was confirmed prima facie as per the preliminary medical report. He, however, explained they should wait the final report from the “One-Man judicial Inquiry” which has already been constituted. So, he requested the press to wait till such time the finding of the Inquiry committee is submitted.
The Minister also announced during the press conference that ex-gratia of Rs 1 lakh would be given to next kith and kin of the one who lost his life in the unfortunate March 5 agitations at Dimapur. He also announced that Rs 50000 would also be given to those who received injuries during the agitations on March 5.
When asked whether the ex-gratia would also be given to the deceased alleged rapist, the Minister said, “We will examine on the finding of the Inquiry Committee.” “Right now, we can’t give,” he added.
When asked about the fate of Nagas living outside the state, the minister said that the state Chief Minister was keeping in touch with his counterparts to see that proper security measures for the Naga living in all over the country have been given.
He also announced that the CrPC 144 which has been relaxed in Dimapur from 6 Am to 12 Noon on March 9 would be further relaxed tomorrow in a phase manner from 6 AM to 4 PM so that schools, shops and business establishments remain opened. However, at the same time, the District Administration will also have a security review meeting to assess the prevailing situation and take necessary steps leaving nothing to chance.
Patton regretted that the Government had to take steps to block for SMS and Whatapps services in Nagaland for 48 hours. He informed that the people of the state should bear with the inconveniences for this and further informed that the blocking of the SMS and Whatapps services has already been extended for another 48 hours beginning from 6 PM on 9th March keeping in mind in the larger interest of the people.
He said the Government has been making every possible effort to bring out the truth and so far the police had already arrested 43 people who were allegedly involved in the March 5 incident at Dimapur.  “I want to assure everyone that the government is taking every step to bring the situation to normalcy,” he said and further appealed to the people to “extend cooperation to the Government” so that normalcy returns in the state in general and Dimapur in particular.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/03/dimapur-rape-and-mob-lynching-home-minister-visits-dimapur-central-jail-takes-stock-of-situation/

Nuklutosho says Naga youth should be serious for future

Nuklutosho says Naga youth should be serious for future By Oken Jeet Sandham KOHIMA, Oct 28 (NEPS): Minister for National Highways, Nuklutoshi expressed serious concern on the prevailing situation in

Nuklutosho says Naga youth should be serious for future
By Oken Jeet Sandham
KOHIMA, Oct 28 (NEPS): Minister for National Highways, Nuklutoshi expressed serious concern on the prevailing situation in the state where their educated youth seemed to be not fully aware of what was going on. He further called upon them to go deeper into each and every development to know the reality.
Talking to NEPS here Tuesday, the Minister said the Nagas still had the “slave mentality,” though they might think they were very advanced. “Only negligible sections of the Naga people may have progressed in some fields,” he explained. “But large sections of the Naga people are still having slave mentality.”
Nuklutoshi pointed out that so many educated Naga youth, even after getting degrees and other certificates, would be just waiting Government jobs, whereas jobs in public sectors had already reached saturation point.

Minister for National Highways, Nuklutoshi

Minister for National Highways, Nuklutoshi

He further disclosed that the state had more than sixty thousand educated unemployed youth and their numbers kept increasing every year. “This is not everything if you add up the number of other so-called uneducated unemployed youth in the state,” he said.
“In fact the amount of unemployed youth – educated and uneducated – in a population of about two millions, where over one lakh are government servants, the situation simply spells danger for our future,” Nuklutoshi said and further warned that these unemployed youth were prone to do anything out of frustration. “This does not auger well for the future of the Nagas,” he said.
The Minister urged the younger generations to be more serious and deeply study from the realistic point of view and they should be in a position to come forward for self-employment. For which necessary support needs to be provided to young people to help them succeed and set an example to others who are still reluctant, he added and further stretched the importance of developing “work culture” in them.
Nuklutoshi also said their civil societies and NGOs should not have the tendency of criticizing the Government all the time without giving an alternative means for them (Government) to perform and act better for the larger interest of the people. “I think our civil societies and NGOs should be in a position to provide credible guidance to the Government while criticizing the policies and programs of it,” he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/nuklutosho-says-naga-youth-should-be-serious-for-future/

“Center has will & guts to solve Naga issue”: Acharya

By Oken Jeet Sandham KOHIMA, Sep 11 (NEPS): Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya said the 17 year long Naga peace process was quite long and people had suffered enough. “Enough

By Oken Jeet Sandham

Acharya

***File Photo

KOHIMA, Sep 11 (NEPS): Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya said the 17 year long Naga peace process was quite long and people had suffered enough. “Enough is enough,” he said during a massive press conference held here at his official residence, Kohima Raj Bhavan on Thursday.

The Governor said the Narendra Modi Government at the Center was determined to solve the long drawn out Naga politic issue once and for all. “People have suffered enough; they want solution and enough is enough,” he said adding “the Central Government has the will and guts to solve the Naga problem.”

He said he came to know that the NSCN (IM) and some Naga civil societies had reacted to the appointment of retired Special Director of Intelligence Bureau RN Ravi as the new interlocutor for resumption of Center-NSCN (IM) talks.

Some Naga organizations including Naga Hoho said Nagaland needs a neutral interlocutor without any prejudices and Ravi’s recent article ‘Nagaland: decent into chaos’ has clearly exposed his bent of mind and his preset notions of different Naga underground groups.

Acharya said Ravi wrote that particular article before but he had been appointed by the Modi Government as new interlocutor for resumption of political negotiations with Naga underground groups. So naturally he had to conduct political talks with the Naga underground people in line with the Modi Government’s genuine desire of expediting and resolving the protracted Naga issue.

Making an emphatic appeal to the Naga people to give a chance to him and let him start resuming political talks, Acharya asserted Ravi’s appointment as new interlocutor for the resumption of political negotiations with Naga political groups was the manifestation of the Narendra Modi Government’s genuine desire to expedite the peace process and find solution at the earliest. “Towards this objective, I want your (media) cooperation and the people’s cooperation,” the Governor added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/center-has-will-guts-to-solve-naga-issue-acharya/

Boundary And Other Tensions

By B.G. Verghese The Northeast has been in the news for all the wrong reasons: continuing assaults on the person and dignity of persons from that region in Delhi and

By B.G. Verghese

The Northeast has been in the news for all the wrong reasons: continuing assaults on the person and dignity of persons from that region in Delhi and elsewhere, which is an absolute national disgrace, continuing controversy over AFSPA, and killings along the disputed Assam-Nagaland border.

The Bezboruah Committee has reported on the first issue. But over and above its recommendations, there must be swift and condign punishment of those indulging and encouraging hooliganism.Also, it is necessary to propagate nationally, and especially in universities, booklets and film clips on the Northeast to educate local barbarians about their own country and countrymen in place of the totally useless official “Northeast Newsletter” produced today.

IromSharmila’s release from detention after being forced-fed through 14 years of hunger strike in protest against the imposition AFSPAwas short lived as she insisted on continuing her fast.A hunger strike is a weapon of blackmail. Recalling Gandhiji’s fasts under alien rule is wilfully mistaken. Moreover, a fast unto death is tantamount to suicide, a penal offence. If Irom were to perish fasting, the situation could spin out of control and the Government would be flayed by its current critics.

There are legal and constitutional means to battle what one considers unjust laws. The Jeevan Reddy Committee recommended a workable compromise a decade back. This was to remove redundant provisions from AFSPA and incorporate some others in existing laws. AFSPA causes psychological hurt.

Further, since AFSPA can only be invoked in areas declared “disturbed”, public pressure can be applied on the concerned authorities to revoke “disturbed area” proclamations. There has been wrongful use of AFSPA. These cases have invoked speedy investigation and punishment in many cases. But to lift AFSPA totally in areas subject to militancy, cross border mischief and terror may be unwise. Militancy often occurs in remote uninhabited areas where city-based magistrates are not at hand to issue necessary warrants of search, seizure and firing. Hence investiture of such powers in the armed forces is necessary. Ground gained at great cost over time can be lost in an hour.

It might be desirable for the DA Act and AFSPA to be withdrawn in phases in limited areas. But let the armed forces decide on the scope and tempo of such initiatives in collaboration with the local government, whether in the NE or in J&K.

The Assam-Nagaland border dispute has been allowed to drag on for too long. Similar disputes exist between Assam and the new states of Arunachal, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland carved out of it. This stems from the discrepancy between the so-called administrative “Inner Line”, initially drawn in Assam a century ago to safeguard the settled areas with their tea gardens, oil fields and coal mines,and subsequent revenue lines delineated by the Raj to mark out additional forest working areas as valuable sources of raw material and revenue. So when Assam was reorganised, the question arose as to which Line should be the border. Sadly, inter-state disputes have reduced these areas to no-man’s landsand havens for illegal activities.

Central policy has been muddled. In the Assam-Nagaland case, the Sundaram commission recommended a joint survey. Nagaland unreasonably refused and there the matter has rested with periodic conflict. The answer, as this writer has long recommended, is that these disputed border strips be declared Trusteeship Zones, with the two contending states and the Centre as partners for, say, 50 years, and placed under a Centrally-directed joint administration to be developed as rail and road heads, infrastructure, communication and training hubs and special economic zones that attract industry and investment, using cheap NE hydro- power. Higher and technical education and health facilities could be located here. Revenues could be shared. But who islistening?

The same lack of imagination drives the fatuous debate on ways to attract back Kashmiri Panditsto the Valley from where they were driven out under jihadi pressure 25 years ago. Few remember that 50,000 and more Kashmiri Muslims also fled the state – traders to end routine extortion and worse, youth for education and training, and girls to escape forced marriage to jihadi brutes.

The Pandits lost their jobs and homes. If they return they will have to make a new beginning. Where? How? Building new ghettoes is no answer. With the Katra-Bannihal- Qazigund railway likely to be operational within two years, and maybe the planned lower-altitude, all-weather Bannihal tunnel as well, trans-PirPanjal movement will become shorter, quicker and cheaper. With Srinagar becoming an active international airport and an additional 1000 MW of hydro-power coming on stream during this same period, a Baramulla-Srinagar-Qazigund-Bannihal-Katra-Jammu industrial-transport corridor, with a fibre optic transmission line and technical training facilities to boot, could come into being. One can conceive of a series of SEZ hubs along this corridor, specialising in agro-processing, herbal-based pharma, floriculture and IT-enabled services.

J&K residents, whether Pandit, emigrant Muslim or other, would gladly seize the rich opportunities that beckon. And non-State subjects should be welcome if they bring investment together with technical, managerial and marketing skills. Pettifogging arguments by littlebigots crying wolf about “outsider” land grab and demographic change must be slapped down for the nonsense they are. Nor can J&K be condemned to be governed by the idiocy of people who ask why the State shouldnot have a Hindu chief minister or by the diktats of Pakistan’s Hurriyatstooges. Umar Farooq dare not even own up to who assassinated his father in 1990 and joins in celebratingthe late Mir Waiz’s “martyrdom” by his assassins.

Sadly, a section of Pandits have allowed themselves to become pawns in the hands of the Hindu Right which is as fanatical as the separatists. Pilgrimages are planned and opposed as insidious efforts to divide and mobilise communities and disturb communal harmony.

The proposed Indo-Pakistan talks are off thanks to the Pakistani High Commissioner’s boorish insistence in meeting Hurriyat leaders on the eve of the Foreign Secretary level talks, despite being warned against doing so. To argue that Pakistani VIPs have consistently met the Hurriyat over many years does not constitute an extra-territorial right. The parallel would not be Indian dignitaries meeting with Baloch and Sindhi separatists on the eve of talks on J&K with Pakistan, but of defiantly meeting PAK and Gilgit-Baltistan opposition leaders such as Amanullah Khan of the JK Liberation Front and others in Islamabad if they have not been incarcerated or forced to seek refuge in distant shores. These critics have no place in Pakistan’s tightly-controlled Kashmir colonies ruled by the constitutional ideology of swearing by “the ideology of accession to Pakistan”.

Anyhow, Nawaz Sharif is currently embattled in Islamabad with Imran Khan and TahirulQadri, a cleric from Canada, seeking to topple him. This has enabled the Army more obviously to assume control over a weakened premier whose efforts to expand trade with India and try Musharraf for treason are not to the liking of the military as evidenced by spoiling fire across the LOC.

Meanwhile, at home, the BJPin particular continues to debase democratic standards and push for a “Hindu nation”. Mr Modi is in danger of becoming India’s Nawaz Sharif, playing second fiddle to the RSS “army”.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/boundary-and-other-tensions/

JAC against kidnapping of driver threatens agitation

IMPHAL, Aug 22: A Joint Action Committee has been formed against the alleged kidnapping of truck driver Gopal Gautham, 28, of Kanglatombi and handyman Nawang Newmei, 23, of Tamenglong district

IMPHAL, Aug 22: A Joint Action Committee has been formed against the alleged kidnapping of truck driver Gopal Gautham, 28, of Kanglatombi and handyman Nawang Newmei, 23, of Tamenglong district August 13 by unknown persons at Zebra crossing near, Kohima, Nagaland.

Speaking to the media at the Manipur Press Club, convenor W Bormani said that a group meeting was held today around 9 am at the residence of Moirangthem Kullachandra Singh (owner of the truck) and formed the JAC against the kidnapping.

He further said that the JAC has decided to cease all the activities of the FCI Godown, Koirengei and FCI Godown Sangaiprou with immediate effect, till the two are release.

JAC strongly demanded all concerns to release the two safely and unconditionally on or before August 24.

Unless the two are released by the set deadline, the JAC along with other drivers will take up agitations.

Bormani also said that a memorandum was submitted today to the Chief Minister, Home minister and the truck drivers’ unions in connection with the kidnapping.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/jac-against-kidnapping-of-driver-threatens-agitation/

Nagaland – TR Zeliang should show something on the ground

By Oken Jeet Sandham Ever since the TR Zeliang government came in a little over one month back, the overall administration and political environment continues to remain still unpredictable. No

By Oken Jeet Sandham
Ever since the TR Zeliang government came in a little over one month back, the overall administration and political environment continues to remain still unpredictable. No major programs and policies are initiated and the state government machineries are still visibly weak. Things are increasingly complex day by day and looking at the whole scenario, it appears that chief minister TR Zeliang is being bogged down and helpless in bridling his “jumbo size ministry.”
For the first time after becoming the chief minister of Nagaland, he admitted state’s pathetic financial position during the joint meeting of council of ministers, AHODs, HODs, on June 17 at secretariat conference hall, Kohima. Then after few days, he had given a statement to the press mentioning state’s estimated deficit at the tune of over Rs 1200 crore. This is not everything for the financial woes of the state, the loans taken by the state since 2003 to 2013 is Rs 5972.93 crore which in fact has exceeded the permitted limits of taking loans by the state. Although his remark that further appointment should be stopped was heard, it is extremely doubtful that such step would work.
It is true that then NDA prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had shown extra-ordinary care and concern for then Neiphiu Rio’s 1stDAN government which was, in fact, fortunate enough that it had not only got Rs 365 crore as one time grant to wipe out state’s accumulated deficit but also received another huge economic package of Rs 1053 crore. But such sops from the Vajpayee government in 2003 did not stop the Rio ministry from taking loans as stated above. However, one should not forget that then Rio’s 1st DAN government had enjoyed that entire unprecedented economic grant and package from then Vajpayee government was only because seven BJP MLAs were there in the ministry. In the 1st DAN government, the BJP was the second largest party with seven MLAs while NPF with nineteen MLAs.
The DAN-I government after enjoying all these economic facilities from then Vajpayee government had to continue for the next 10 years with the next Congress-led UPA governments at the Center. During this period, the Annual Plan Size of the state kept increasing till such time the state had to experience negative Plan Size in 2013. Only after this expected trend, state government started narrating different stories that the Center had done away with the funding pattern which it enjoyed till 1989. This is the same story Dr SC Jamir as chief minister used to tell us demanding the Center to revert back to the pre-1989 funding pattern.
The economic growth pushes nation’s wealth and also enhances its potential for reducing poverty and solving other social problems. However, such trend failed to make the human development progressed. Instead such economic growth was achieved at the cost of greater inequity, higher unemployment, weakened democracy, loss of cultural identity, or overconsumption of resources needed by future generations. As the links between economic growth and social and environmental issues are better understood, experts including economists tend to agree that this kind of growth is inevitably unsustainable—that is, it cannot continue along the same line for long, stated a recent document of the United Nations.
The United Nations explains that it is not difficult to point out which country is richer and which one is poorer. But indicators of wealth, which reflect the quantity of resources available to a society, provide no information about the allocation of those resources—for instance, about more or less equitable distribution of income among social groups, about the shares of resources used to provide free health and education services, and about the effects of production and consumption on people’s environment. Thus it is no wonder that states with similar average incomes can differ substantially when it comes to people’s quality of life: access to education and health care, employment opportunities, availability of clean air and safe drinking water, the threat of crime, and so on.
To be sustainable, economic growth must be constantly nourished by the fruits of human development such as improvements in workers’ knowledge and skills along with opportunities for their efficient use: more and better jobs, better conditions for new businesses to grow, and greater democracy at all levels of decision making.
Looking at the present state of affairs in Nagaland, the chief minister will have a very unpredictable journey and of course, one can’t blame him as he inherits the state of affairs. Yet he as chief minister is accountable to the state and one wonders how he is going to develop the state when he literally has nothing at hand.
On the other hand, we can still see the complaints and disappointments from the ruling NPF over the distribution of portfolios. Some legislators appointed as chairmen of various boards with Cabinet status do not have their offices as yet due to “jumbo size ministry.” Even some former ministers are still occupying ministerial bungalows which have already been allotted to new parliamentary secretary. Some parliamentary secretaries are still using their Boleros allotted by Assembly Secretariat.
Ironically, the initial jubilation that the powerful BJP-led NDA government at the Center will rescue the trouble-torn and cash-starved TR government in the state is fast dwindling. At the same time, after carefully studying the start-off of the Narendra Modi government at the Center, the scene becomes crystal clear that no bounty is likely to come hastily to the ever fragile TR government in Nagaland.
However, the recent merger of three NCP MLAs with the BJP in Nagaland has given some breather in the minds of the general publics for the fact that the Center is currently ruled by the BJP-led NDA. This masterstroke by the three NCP MLAs smacked other political detractors in the state as the move came at a time when the Center is ruled by the BJP-led NDA. However, it is still doubtful that the Center will come forward to lend their ears to the financial quagmire of the NPF-led DAN government.
Nagaland is a small state that depends for everything on the Center. The only way to convince the Central leadership is Zeliang has to start exercising frugality in his government and show some positive result on the ground. He also should ponder over his “jumbo size ministry” which simply defeats his point of argument seeking any kind of financial grant from the Center. He should exercise some kind of visible curtail of his jumbo size ministry, though they may be hard exercise. Then only will the Central government start contemplating to work out a grant for the state.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/nagaland-tr-zeliang-should-show-something-on-the-ground/

Nagaland: NCP cannot suspend members of other political party – Dr TM Lotha

By Oken Jeet Sandham KOHIMA, Jun 26 (NEPS): The news of the formal merger of three NCP MLAs, Dr TM Lotha, Imtilemba Sangtam and Mmhonlumo Kikon, with the BJP in

By Oken Jeet Sandham

KOHIMA, Jun 26 (NEPS): The news of the formal merger of three NCP MLAs, Dr TM Lotha, Imtilemba Sangtam and Mmhonlumo Kikon, with the BJP in Nagaland, which was done on June 16, 2014, refuse to die down as the NCP National Party continues to mislead the general public on the “merger” with the BJP in Nagaland.

Reacting to a news item appeared in section of local dailies that “NCP National president Sarad Pawar, angered over the second such defection of NCP legislators in the State, has issued suspension orders against the three – ex-president Imtilemba Sangtam, Dr TM Lotha and Mmhonlumo Kikon,” Dr Lotha wondered as to how they would issue such orders on June 17, 2014 in the “post-merger” development.
“Because the three NCP MLAs including myself with our supporters have formally merged with the BJP in Nagaland on June 16, 2014 and all the constitutionally relevant papers to this effect have also been officially submitted to the Honourable Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly on the same day at 3:00 PM,” he asserted. He further termed as “ridiculous and misleading” the so-called “suspension orders” issued by the NCP National Party on June 17, 2014 in the post-merger of the three NCP MLAs.
“I want to further make it very clear that when the three MLAs formally merged with the BJP, they had become bonafide members of that party (BJP), and then the NCP president has no locus standi to suspend another national political party which does not belong to their party,” he said.
Dr Lotha, who was first BJP Home Minister in the DAN-I Ministry, categorically stated that there was nothing wrong for them as elected members of a political party to merge with another political party as such exercise is permitted as per the “10th Schedule of the Anti-Defection Law” of the Constitution of India.

Asked why he had to leave the NCP in Nagaland, Dr Lotha said there was no future for NCP in Nagaland and they could not afford remaining as NCP MLAs when there was no future. “So after thorough deliberations, we have resolved to formally merge along with our supporters with the BJP in Nagaland for the larger interest of the people of Nagaland and the BJP,” he stated.

Asked his comment on the delay of issuing any notification to their merger claim by the Speaker, he said after submission of all the relevant documents with regard to their three NCP MLAs’ merger claim with the BJP in Nagaland to him (Speaker) on June 16, 2014, they had also provided some more additional documents as desired by him. Besides that the former NCP Office Bearers led by Imtilemba Sangtam appeared before him on June 24, 2014 to validate their credentials. “I think the ball is in his court,” he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/nagaland-ncp-cannot-suspend-members-of-other-political-party-dr-tm-lotha/

Nagaland: Either maintain status quo or review portfolios – Zunheboto NPF

KOHIMA, June 25 (NEPS): The fragile TR Zeliang Ministry continues to face blitzkrieg from various NPF District Divisions for what they called his failure to maintain “status quo” of the

KOHIMA, June 25 (NEPS): The fragile TR Zeliang Ministry continues to face blitzkrieg from various NPF District Divisions for what they called his failure to maintain “status quo” of the previous ministry or “discrimination” in portfolio allocations to Zunheboto district, etc.
In a representation submitted to Chief Minister TR Zeliang, NPF Zunheboto Division, while demanding for reviewing of entire portfolios of NPF legislators of the district (Zunheboto) or maintaining status quo, disclosed that only the “sick and improvised portfolios” had been allocated to their legislators. “These portfolios cannot cater to the needs of the people of Zunheboto district,” the NPF Zunheboto Division stated.
Terming as “discrimination” the Chief Minister’s allocation of portfolios to the NPF legislators of the Zunheboto district, the representation further regretted that even the “portfolios of Home, Soil & Water Conservation, and Women Development” had been “snatched away.” Because of this development, schism of opinions had been created among the various party (NPF) loyal men and women in the district, it added.
The Zunheboto NPF Division demanded the Chief Minister either to maintain the “Status Quo” of the previous ministry or review and complete overhaul the entire process of portfolio allocations of the present ministry on or before the next Nagaland Assembly Session for “equal justification.”
It further warned that the entire NPF establishment of the Zunheboto District would remain as “Animated Suspension” if the Chief Minister failed to redress to their demands.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/nagaland-either-maintain-status-quo-or-review-portfolios-zunheboto-npf/

Nagaland : Official Notification of 3 NCP MLAs’ merger expected by Monday

KOHIMA, June 22 (NEPS): “An Official Notification” of the 3 Nagaland NCP MLAs’ merger with the BJP in Nagaland is expected by Monday and the Nagaland Assembly Office has already received the

KOHIMA, June 22 (NEPS): “An Official Notification” of the 3 Nagaland NCP MLAs’ merger with the BJP in Nagaland is expected by Monday and the Nagaland Assembly Office has already received the additional documents from the three and also merger acceptance letter from the BJP National Party.
Talking to NEPS over phone from Guwahati, Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Chotisuh Sazo, who is reaching State capital tomorrow, confirmed that his office had received additional documents from the 3 MLAs, Imtilemba Sangtam, Dr TM Lotha and Mmhonlumo Kikon and also a letter from National BJP Office of accepting the three MLAs’ merger with their party (BJP) in Nagaland.
Sazo hinted that he would examine the documents tomorrow. “Hopefully official notification of their merger with the BJP will be issued after I examine the documents,” he stated.
It may be mentioned that 3 NCP MLAs, Imtilemba Sangtam, Dr TM Lotha and Mmhonlumo Kikon, along with their supporters formally merged with the BJP on June 16. NCP MLA Khumo refused to join the merge. But the Speaker, however, explained that he had been examining their documents by consulting constitutional experts before issuing official acceptance from his office, besides he sought certain information from the 3 MLAs to furnish whether there was any resolution of the NCP National Political Party deciding to merge their party with the BJP or any authorization to the State Unit of NCP to take any decision in this regard,” the Speaker pointed out. “At the same time, whether there was any resolution of the BJP National Political Party accepting the merger of the NCP with BJP.”
Dr TM Lotha, MLA and Parliamentary Secretary, said the documents submitted to Speaker’s Office on June 16, 2014 for formal merger of 3 NCP MLAs with their supporters with BJP was done by fulfilling all the laid down rules of the 10th Schedule of the Anti-Defection Law.
“Yet the Speaker has sought more documents, we have already submitted to his office,” a State BJP party functionary said and further hoped that, “the Speaker will issue official notification for the merger as we have fulfilled all the laid down rules of the 10th Schedule of the Anti-Defection Law.”

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/nagaland-official-notification-of-3-ncp-mlas-merger-expected-by-monday/

Assam – Nagaland Interim Border Agreement should be scrapped

Assam-Nagaland Interim Border Agreement should be scrapped By Oken Jeet Sandham One of the most humiliating chapters in the history of Nagaland since Statehood would be, perhaps, its inability to

Assam-Nagaland Interim Border Agreement should be scrapped
By Oken Jeet Sandham
One of the most humiliating chapters in the history of Nagaland since Statehood would be, perhaps, its inability to conduct elections on its own soil at Ladaigrah under Longlen District, bordering Assam, due to Assam Police’s deliberate threat and refusal to vacate a Nagaland school building wherein the polling was supposed to take place.
Everyone including the media in Nagaland were stunned when they saw the news along with a picture showing the Assam Police blocking the road preventing Nagaland polling officials from proceeding toward Ladaigarh to conduct polls for the Ladaigarh Polling Station No. 1 under 49 Tamlu A/C. Later in the day, it was declared that the polling at Ladaigarh could not be conducted due to Assam Police’s blocking of road leading to Ladaigarh and thus it (polling) had been adjourned.
In the past also, the Assam police did the same thing. But the previous elections, somehow a makeshift polling station was arranged nearby and allowed the voters to exercise their franchise. But this time, the situation was altogether different that not only murdering the rights of the voters to exercise their franchise but also not allowing the Nagaland polling officials from proceeding towards their polling station at Ladaigarh. But the saddest part was the state government’s inability to make any arrangement for the voters to exercise their franchise. If the Assam police refused Nagaland polling officials from proceeding to Ladaigarh, the Nagaland government could have airlifted those polling officials to conduct the polls there. But they did not.
It is unfortunate that when the state of Nagaland was created in the early 60s, the drawing of the new state boundary was not properly carried out. And once the new state was carved out from the existing state, the boundary had to be drawn and the necessary border machineries should be put into place. These unresolved border issues have really taken quite a toll on the lives of people on both sides.
It is only understandable that such border skirmishes would take place from time to time but they should not be misinterpreted as threatening to the aged old relationship between the two neighboring people. The people of the two states should not, at any cost, allow this issue lingering.
Most of the incidents including the Ladaigrah episode that have been taking place in the Assam-Nagaland border areas were something to do with longstanding unresolved inter-state border issues. Many issues were to do with paddy fields, farmlands, forests, etc. as per the past records. There were allegations from Nagaland border side that some people from across the border descended on their ancestral paddy fields, farmlands and even forcibly grabbed their lands with the help of Assam armed police as well as neutral forces. On the other side, there were also allegations that the Nagas from across the border encroached Assam’s lands or killed wild animals. And sometimes, clashes took place on either side while stepping into either side. Sometimes, such issues became hot debates even during assembly sessions of both the states. Yet, they were also resolved through series of dialogues at various levels.
Regrettably, large numbers of non-locals have been systematically occupying the long stretch of Assam border over the years and their numbers keep increasing leaps and bounds. And the people of Assam have little knowledge of what these non-locals have been doing on the state’s border areas.
To ease the border problem between the two states, the Assam-Nagaland Interim Border Agreement as early as 1972 was made. This Agreement was meant to lessen border tension, while trying to find long lasting solution to the border issue.
The problem is this Interim Border Agreement was not implemented in toto. Rather it became a tool for the Assam government to strengthen their state forces along the border, while Nagaland relegated to a helpless position as they had to oblige to the terms of the agreement. According to information, Assam has 44 Assam armed police posts set up all along the Assam-Nagaland border in violation of the Interim Agreement; whereas there is reportedly 1 Nagaland armed police post all along the border. In other words, Nagaland was sincere if not over-sincere.
As per the Agreement, the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) should be placed under the neutral forces. Interestingly, such forces are placed again under the command of an IG of Assam police. And also Nagaland government temporarily allowed the Assam forest department for the management of the border reserved forests in the DAB. But due to the mismanagement by the Assam forest department, people from both sides started settling in the disputed reserved forest areas. Subsequently both the Assam and Nagaland governments had given recognition to those settlers.
Today, the problem is more complicated because the people living in the border areas of Assam are mostly non-locals but the Nagaland side becomes helpless as they do not know to whom they will talk. We have seen that some non-locals started talking the language of locals to restore aged old relationship between the Nagas and the Assamese. This interesting development might have confused some leaders in Nagaland. We started seeing some statements made by some responsible Naga Ministers saying they would not talk to “Adivasis” for resolving Assam-Nagaland border raw. But they failed to realize that by uttering this way, you would be paying attention to them instead of focusing on the right persons. It looks like you have been asked to talk to these people to resolve border raw with Assam. Let us be wiser and focus on the real issue plaguing both the states.
This so-called Assam-Nagaland Interim Border Agreement 1972 is a blunder and it has become a bond of contention between the people of the two neighboring states. The first step to find solution to the chronic border issue is this “Assam-Nagaland Interim Border Agreement” should be scrapped.
At the same time, both the states should immediately engage in serious business to frame new Border Agreement. Only then should they constitute an Assam-Nagaland Border Committee wherein persons with high social standing from both the states should be appointed as Members for a period of 5 years and their term can be extended on periodic basis. Their main job is to check the border irregularities and also examine the process of implementation of the Agreement.
It is still afresh in our memories about the infamous interstate clashes at Merapani in 1985 over border issue. No one thought the relationship would return as good as before. But the aged old relationship had fast returned. Because both sides can’t afford remaining un-neighborly as they will remain as neighbors till this beautiful God given earth exists.
The construction of “Foothill Road” on Nagaland border is very important for the development of the state. But this should not be misinterpreted as solution to the Assam-Nagaland border issue. The failure to find solution to the Assam-Nagaland border issue is not due to not constructing “Foothill Road.” Nevertheless, you can construct hundreds of new roads. It is your prerogative. But the Assam-Nagaland border raw can only be resolved provided both parties are sincere.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/assam-nagaland-interim-border-agreement-should-be-scrapped/