Land of Jewels (Sana Leibak)

DAN weighs legal option: Kohima, Jan. 4: The Neiphiu Rio-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland geared up for a legal battle with Delhi a day after losing the political one that culminated in President’s rule being clamped on the state. Rio said the coalition partners, led by his Nagaland People’s Front, were consulting legal experts to move court against the “murder of democracy”. “We will seek justice from the court,” he said, projecting his government as a political martyr. Governor K Sankaranarayanan tried his best to calm a state that would have least expected to become a candidate for central rule just before Assembly elections. He assured Nagas of a transparent and accountable administration with focus on health, education, rural development, better fiscal management, public grievances and improvement of the public distribution system. In a statement, he said the need of the hour was to deliver better governance and services to the people. He urged civilian government employees, th...

Rally support for peace, unification: Dimapur, Dec 14: Far from the earlier turnout, the rally organized by the Naga Hoho in support of the ongoing peace process and unification, attracted barely two to three hundred people at the City Clock Tower Junction here Friday. The poor turnout was attributed largely to hectic festive programmes and other engagements. Scores of those who attended carried banners and placards that read “We Want Peace” and “United We Stand.Divided We Fall” etc. In his address, Naga Hoho president, Bendangmayang Jamir said that peace will never be found if Nagas do not unite as it would only lead to continuation of suffering for another century. Bendangmayang reminded all organizations that the hoho has been working in earnest towards unity but lamented that Nagas continue to be divided by administrative umbrellas. He also welcomed corrections if there has been any mistake in the ongoing process of unification while reiterating the imperative need for unity. Naga...

CNPO, NNP support unification Dimapur, Dec 13: The Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO) has extended appreciation and support to various NGOs, groups and individuals initiating the move for Naga unity and reconciliation in a constructive way and affirmed its commitment to unity of all Naga community, irrespective of tribes and organizations, for a final solution to the Naga problem. Clarifying that the Chandel public were in no way related to “recent press statement” regarding unification move, CNPO publicity wing in a press release said it was the desire of Chandel people to live in harmony and peaceful co-existence. “Chandel people should not be misunderstood in any way, we have no ulterior motive or otherwise. Our intention is crystal clear -- oneness and love,” CNPO added. CNPO also said it was grateful to their brothers in Nagaland for extending warm hospitality and love to the people of Chandel residing in Dimapur and other parts of the state, adding it had full faith that ...

'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...