Land of Jewels (Sana Leibak)

Imphal, June 19 : Disapproving the move for transfer of the case related to the murder of Kasom Khullen SDO Dr Thingnam Kishan and his two staff��Y Token and A Rajen by NSCN (IM) men led by Lt Col Hopeson Ningshen from Manipur to Delhi, the JAC Against the Brutal Killing of Th Kishan, A Rajen and Y Token asserted that the conveniences of the parties and witnesses should be given foremost priority. The JAC, in a press release, pointed out that the crime took place in the State and that the victims, the culprits and witnesses are inhabitants of Manipur. The case should not be moved from Manipur to Delhi merely on the apprehension of the State DGP about ethnic clash between Meiteis and Nagas which is unfounded considering the spontaneous outcry made by every section of the society both in the hills and valley against the triple murder. The transfer of the case is to be moved by the parties only after the submission charge sheet by the investigating agency. In the present case, the investi...

Imphal, June 18 : Thousands of people of different communities including Naga and Kuki, wearing traditional dresses of their respective communities, today paid floral tributes to those who died in the movement for protection of territorial integrity of Manipur of which day has been observed as "The Great June Uprising" and "Integrity Day". Eighteen people paid with their lives in indiscriminate firing by security personnel in the explosion of public outrage on the issue of Manipur's territorial integrity on June 18, 2001 after the ceasefire between the Centre and the NSCN-IM was extended "without territorial limits". The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has been observing the day as the "Great June Uprising" with a public meeting held at Kekrpupat where the memorial site of the 18 victims is located while the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) observed the day as "Unity Day" with another public meeting held at THAU gro...

Kolkata, Jan 1: Winter is the time when most of the handicraft trade fairs are organised the maximum. Kolkata is also hosting the North East Crafts Fair at the Salt Lake Central Park. The fair has been organised by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Department to showcase and promote products of the North East to other regions of India. The products originating from the handlooms as well as handicrafts sector are a sight to behold. On exhibit are Naga shawls, silk saris, traditional jewellery, Assamese saris and many other items to catch the eye of the visitors from all the North East states of India like Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram. The traditional skills passed down from centuries are visible in exquisite textiles and jewellery on display at the fair. Artisans are at hand to enthrall the visitors by giving demonstrations in the art of making the handicraft products. According to sources it takes a few months to produce the supe...

Civilians to Combatants: Heirok and Lilong Chajing, are two immediate demonstrations that legitimacy of the establishment, or more pertinently its challengers, cannot be sustained by appeals to nationalism alone, whatever hue that nationalism is of. In the end, the only lasting legitimacy of any establishment or its challengers will rest on the ability to qualify these legitimacy appeals with actual guarantees of quality of life. So if arbitrary executions, detention, intimidations, murders by mistake, etc, are sought to be justified in the name of upholding nationalism, or dismissed as collateral damage in this war, the only casualty ultimately would be the awe with which the same brand of nationalism is held by the public. Interestingly, it is Manipur more than anywhere else, which has seen the public saying no to these “nationalistic” atrocities regardless of which side of the battlefront the atrocities are committed by. In this sense, it would not be very wrong to say that the show...

Swu invites Khaplang’s deputy to Bangkok: Kohima, May 2: Two decades of hostilities later, the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim has invited Khole Konyak, commander-in-chief of its long-time bete noire NSCN (Khaplang), for talks in Bangkok. This is not the first time, though, that the NSCN (I-M) has written to the top leader of NSCN (K). In the past, too, several letters have been written to NSCN (K) chairman S.S. Khaplang and Konyak, but the manner and style of writing the letters had displeased the Khaplang group’s policy-makers. Highly placed sources said Konyak has received a letter from the chairman of the NSCN (I-M) Isak Chishi Swu inviting him to come to Bangkok for talks to push forward the ongoing reconciliation and unification process among the Naga warring groups. However, there were no details about the letter sent by Swu, but sources said its purpose was to iron out the differences and push forward the reconciliation and unity process initia...

Suggests comprehensive action plan: Imphal, Apr 26: After reviewing the law and order situation of the State with officials of the State Government and members of the Combined Headquarters, the central team led by Union Cabinet Secretary KM Chandrasekhar suggested formulating a 'comprehensive action plan' to tackle the problem of insurgency and to check the extortion spree. The law and order situation of the State was studied jointly during a meeting held at the conference hall of Old Secretariat southern block today. Besides the central team which included Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta and Defence Secretary Vijay Singh who were on a two day visit to the State, the meeting was also attended by GOC 3 Corps, GOC 57 Mountain Division, top officials of Assam Rifles, CRPF, intelligence agencies and the State Police Department. Briefing media persons after the review meeting, Union Cabinet Secretary KM Chandrasekhar stated that basic purpose of the team's visit to Manipur i...

Cabinet Secy to visit state to review security: New Delhi, Apr 22: Lawlessness and tardy development in Manipur will come under the Centre’s scanner when Cabinet Secretary KM Chandrasekhar visits the state for a comprehensive review of the troubled state later this week. He will be accompanied by Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta and top officials from ministries handling development in the region. Coming close on the heels of a high-level meeting in New Delhi, the visit, slated for April 25, would involve a comprehensive review of the current security and development scenario in the state, official sources said here on Tuesday. As reported by The Indian Express, the Cabinet Secretary held a security review meeting on April 1 where senior state government officials including the chief secretary had briefed him about the situation. Naga and Meitei militant groups have unleashed a reign of terror in the border state, virtually running a parallel government where extortion thrives and k...

Bird-flu result negative: A bird-flu awareness campaign was organised by Joint Director, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry on Tuesday at Moirang Lamkhai following reports of death of fowls in the area. Blood samples from five bulbuls were collected for testing even as samples from other poultries could not be collected as the dead fowls were not available. Meanwhile, results of the samples from the dead Magpies collected from Maharabi were found negative. The results have come from the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal. Unity Team in Dimapur: The team which has embarked on a tour on the theme of Love, Peace and Unity has reached Dimapur, said a statement by the organising body, Young Horizon, on Tuesday. The rallyists who were flagged off on January 30 from Kangla to promote peace, love and unity amongst the people was welcomed by the Naga community of Nagaland Naga community of Nagaland with love and encouraging words, said the statement. The Manipur Cultural Society, Kohi...

Tamenglong observes ‘Black Day’: Tamenglong, Jan 31: People in Tamenglong district suspended all work for the day and participated in the observation of "Black Day" of the Zeliangrong Region, GPRN/ NSCN-IM on Thursday. Streets in the district wore a deserted look as all kinds of vehicles including light vehicles went off the roads. Shops, business establishments and other institutions in the district headquarter also remained closed for the day showing solidarity to the observation of the black day of the NSCN (IM). Official reports said that Imphal bound passenger buses due to leave this morning were suspended and no bus from Imphal reached the district headquarter. Churches too held prayers and extended cooperation responding to the appeal of the Zeliangrong Region, GPRN/ NSCN-IM. A memorial stone to commemorate those warriors who selflessly sacrificed their lives for the Naga cause was opened at Nganping Battalion HQs of Naga Army, Buning village in Tamei sub-division of T...

Dimapur denizens suffer: Dimapur, Dec 27: There is a possibility of bleak situation prevailing in the Nagaland commercial hub Dimapur following the strong under-current polarisation "among the NSCN factions". According to the NSCN-IM, huge amount of money to the tune of crores of rupees has been collected from the businessmen in Dimapur by the NSCN faction led by Azheto Chophy and Khaplang in just one month's time. Azheto Chophy and C Singson are the two signatories of the November 24 Niuland Unity Declaration. The NSCN-IM then expressed with a serious tone that the "Azheto and Khaplang group" has tested the nerve of the NSCN-IM again. The NSCN-IM said that the outfit has been exercising maximum restraint and patience in the interest of the "Naga nation". "In the name of unification the most provocative incidents had been happening in Dimapur but for the greater interest of the Naga Nation, maximum restraint and patience have been exercised by NSC...

Peace prayers, festivity mark celebrations: Guwahati, Dec 25: Thousands of Christians in India's northeast joined a midnight mass in churches across the region to pray for peace and well being of the human race. With church bells echoing across the hills and dales of the region, and throngs of people packing churches to join in festive prayer and song in celebration of Jesus' birth, the northeast was drowned in yuletide passion. "Christmas is the day when people tend to forgive and forget everything and simply rejoice. This is also the day when people pray for peace and prosperity of the state, the nation, and for the entire human race at large," Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati said. Worshippers across the region lit candles, sang carols and organized festive feasts to celebrate Christmas. "We organised a small Christmas breakfast for the less fortunate, the homeless, distressed and lonely, for whom the festive season would otherwise be miserable,...

Rio asks Nagas to rise above parochialism: Kohima, Dec 25: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has called upon the people to rise above narrow parochialism to broaden their outlook. Conveying his Christmas greetings, Mr Rio wanted all Nagas to eschew violence, ill will, hatred and all negative thoughts in the same way as God sent His goodwill towards mankind through his son Jesus on the first Christmas night. ''May God give all of us a forgiving heart, the wisdom and the vision so that the state could move in its right direction, and towards the right destination,'' he prayed. Calling upon all Nagas to introspect, and let Jesus be born in their hearts, Rio appealed to all to rededicate oneself to spread Gods love and affection all round in the true Christian spirit of ''forgive and forget'' as Christ has forgiven all of us. Source: United News of India (UNI)

Rio wants Myanmar to recognize NSCN (K) Guwahati, Dec 20: The Nagaland Government wants that the Mynamarese Junta recognize the NSCN (K) group of militants holed up in that country for early resolution of the Naga peace process. Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said he had raised the matter with the External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukharjee. “I am going to write to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to pressurize the military junta to recognize the NSCN (K) in their side of the border so that we can push forward the case,” he said. The NSCN(K) or Khaplang faction of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) has been largely based at Myanmar since they had split up with the Issac-Muivah faction of the NSCN. As the peace process has entered a crucial stage with the Centre, there were efforts to cover all the Nagas under the possible solution. However, it is not so easy as the political boundary of India and Myanmar have separated many...

IM flays Tangkhul bashing: Dimapur, Dec 15: The NSCN-IM has expressed resentment “for using the name of Tangkhuls in a bad taste”. Harping deeper on the matter, the outfit said on Saturday that in the name of Naga unification, the “NSCN/GPRN shall always stand tall” with all honesty and commitment. It stated that the NSCN-IM is all the more exhilarated when all the Naga tribes stand for Naga unification and reconciliation. “This is encouraging and must be translated into something concrete. It is however unfortunate that in the name of Naga unification the name of Tangkhul is used in a very bad taste”, rued the NSCN-IM. The outfit also added that there is not an iota of truth in accusing the ‘Tangkhuls’ as standing on the opposite side of Naga unification. “This is absolutely misleading and does not augur well for the healthy development of Naga unification,” said the NSCN-IM while adding, “and the Nagas in general should not be taken back by such unfounded and misdirected concept on t...

Six Naga MLAs quit Assembly: Kohima, Dec. 12: Six legislators of the Nagaland People’s Front, the major constituent of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), resigned from the Assembly on Wednesday, ahead of a crucial session on Thursday. Nagaland Speaker Kiyanielie Peseyie said he had received the resignation letters of Kihoto Hollohon, Kipili Sangtam, Nkhao Lotha, Tarie Zeliang, Kheto Sema and Hewoto Sema. Peseyie, however, said there was no threat whatsoever to the ruling DAN government and that it would complete its full tenure. The Assembly polls are slated for February. “There is no threat to the government. We are comfortable,” the Speaker said. With the resignation of the six legislators, the total strength of the DAN government has been reduced to 27 (NPF 22, BJP 4 and one Independent). The legislators later called on Governor K. Sankaranarayanan and reportedly urged him to accept the no-confidence motion in the Assembly tomorrow. The motion will be initiated by the...

Seeks help to solve “Indo-Naga Problem”: Dimapur, Dec 11: After its United States of America leg last month, the NSCN-IM has, in quick succession, landed in England embarking on a global campaign. Steering Committee secretary of the NSCN-IM Rh Raising while highlighting the Naga issue at the House of Parliament, Westminster London on December 10, appealed to the British people to help in solving the vexed “Indo-Naga problem.” Steering Committee is the highest decision making body of the NSCN-IM. Last, month another outfit leader VS Atem was in America for a high level lobby. According to the MIP of the NSCN-IM, delivering a speech at the International Human Rights Day held at the House of Parliament, Westminster London on Monday, Rh Raising had ex pressed his resentment saying that perpetual extension of the terms of ceasefire on the pretext of commitment and assurances is cle arly viewed as a ploy of the government of India to buy time in order to bury the peace process under the wrap...

IM’s olive branch to ‘Unity Team’: Dimapur, Dec 10: After days of maintaining silence over the Niuland declaration, the NSCN-IM on Monday said that the door is still kept open for Azheto Chophy and company to “come back to the mainstream”. NSCN-IM Kilo-Kilonser (home minister) Azheto Chophy and NSCN-K’s external affairs minister C Singson had led in signing the declaration for unification of the two NSCN factions on November 23 at Niuland near Dimapur. “Twenty days is a long period for any revolutionary group to forbear the deliberate violation of the national code of conduct and policy, but for the spirit of patience in forming a wide-based unity process the NSCN/GPRN avoided going for any drastic action to discipline the wayword national workers. The room is however still open for them to come back to the mainstream for no mistake shall be considered too big in the name of Naga unity,” said the NSCN-IM note. Full Story:

Mantle on Swu, Khaplang: Dimapur, Dec 9: In a significant development, the core-committee, unified command NSCN, has made a formal announcement that “Nagas have united” under the leadership of Isak Chishi Swu and SS Khaplang and that the birth of Naga unification on November 23, 2007, at Hovishe village has fulfilled the demands of the Nagas. The core-committee in a joint press statement issued by convenor Azheto Chophy and members RM Lotha, Hothrong Yimchunger, Athrom Konyak, C Singson Kuki, Langtok Phom, ‘Maj’ Chuba Ao, Thepuvizo Chakhesang and Tsachokyu Sangtam, also said the unification would not leave out or discriminate any section or tribe and that those outside unification due to lack of communication should be conveyed a clear message to follow suit. Maintaining that unification of the Nagas had been the priority since the outbreak of “uneven clashes”, the joint statement said unification was also the lone strategy to end the so-called fratricidal killing among the Nagas. The...

'Unification that wasn't': FOR all the rumour and speculation that flew around, the NSCN factions will unite only when chairman Isak Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah so desire. Let alone reunion, Muivah has long said that even ''reconciliation cannot be forced, it has to come naturally''. The Naga Hoho's reconciliation campaign initiated in December 2001 floundered after Muivah came down harshly on the appointment of some office-bearers and all members of the reconciliation committee quit en masse in protest. He provided the unkindest cut when he said Naga civil society was ''biased'' in its efforts to push ''reconciliation'' and unity efforts. Those whom the NSCN(IM) leaders are supposed to consult at every stage of political development are, more or less, silent spectators to what is going on. So it comes as no surprise that Isak and Muivah have politely told the so-called Unification Team to leave well enoug...

Naga factions come together, declare truce: Kohima, Dec 7: In a historic development, the warring Naga underground factions have agreed to an inter-factional ceasefire for six months starting from today in Kohima. The representatives from NSCN-IM, NSCN-K and NNC have unanimously resolved to accept and pursue peace amongst all the different groups without any discrimination on the line of tribes or places. The joint meeting organized by the Joint Forum Working Committee of Nagaland Gaon Buras Federation and Nagaland Dobashis Association with Naga National groups to maintain peace was held in the Red Cross Conference Hall, Kohima. Full Story: Another Story: