PM urged to take decisive step on Indo-Naga talks

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): A delegation of the Naga Students’ Federation today went to the Prime Minister Office at North Block New Delhi and submitted a Memorandum in regard to the Indo-Naga peace process.

The NSF while pointing out that exactly 16 years have been completed ever since the Government of India initiated the Peace Process with the Naga people, expressed regret that there is “very less progress in these sixteen years of collective search for honourable solution to the Indo-Naga political issue”.

Stating that the enthusiasm shown by the GoI during the initial stage of the Peace Process was overwhelmingly acknowledged by both the Nagas and Indians, the NSF stated that “the slow pace of the political talks has made us to believe that the Government of India seems to be addressing the issue very callously instead of entering into serious political negotiations.”

“It is disheartening to note here that the level of hope and confidence of the people has gone down tremendously because even after a lapse of more than a decade no tangible result has emerged out of the political dialogue,” the NSF said.

In the memorandum the NSF further informed the PM that if the political talks continue at this present pace without any ostensible outcome, there is every possibility a situation will break out where the Government of India “will find it difficult to encounter with; and ultimately leading to the pre ceasefire situation”.

In light of this, the NSF urged the PM, “to concretize the political talks and take a decisive step in bringing an honourable solution of the Indo-Naga Political Talks”.

The NSF stated that it was still confident that the PM will “definitely exhibit” his “profound leadership in bringing logical conclusion” to the ongoing Indo-Naga Peace Process before the end of his tenure. The memorandum to the PM was also addressed to all national political parties

~MExN

NSF meets PM hopefuls on peace process, development

[caption id="attachment_9462" align="alignnone" width="450"] A delegation of the NSF met BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi at his office in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on October 22.[/caption]

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 23 (MExN): A delegation of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) met Rahul Gandhi, Vice President AICC at 10 Janpath, New Delhi on October 22 and apprised him of the ongoing peace process as well as establishing a national or regional technical institute in Nagaland. According to a press note from NSF President Tongpang Ozukum and Assistant General Secretary Christopher Ltu, the Congress leader “assured the NSF that he will take up the matter with the concerned ministry for establishment of the institute without much delay.”

Gandhi stated that the Indo-Naga political issue is complex as it involves many stake holders but the present Congress led UPA Government was seriously working to resolve the issue.

Later, the NSF delegation went to Ahmedabad to meet the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, also BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, at his office in Gandhinagar. The delegation while wishing him luck also briefed him about the “step-motherly treatment” of the Government of India towards the Nagas in many aspects, especially the Naga political issue.

The delegation raised the need of establishing technical institutions in Nagaland with him. Further, the delegation reminded Modi that Nagas have sentimental attachment with the people of Gujarat given that it was Mahatma Gandhi, the only Indian leader so far, who understood the rights and desire of the Nagas to be an independent nation.
Modi gave a half-hour “patient hearing” and assured the NSF delegation that he will do whatever he can in ventilating the genuine issue raised by the NSF.

Considering both as future leaders of the Indian Republic, the NSF “strongly urged” them to pay special attention to the only airport in Dimapur. “Dimapur Airport with a single flight, plying 4 days in a week with exuberant fare charges, is becoming a liability for the Nagas, particularly the students’ community, studying in mainland India.”

The NSF questioned the intention of the Government of India and its “apathy even in the present arrangement within the Indian Union in regards to the transferring from erstwhile external affair to home ministry, funding allocation to the present state of Nagaland and most importantly the continued effort on the part of GoI to forcefully take away the inherent and legitimate rights of the Nagas.”

The NSF will submit a memorandum each to the Ministry of Human Resource Development and Ministry of Civil Aviation to address the issues.

NSF terms GPRN/NSCN statement misleading

Reacting to the statement made by MIP kilonser GPRN/NSCN, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) Monday expressed shock and amazement while terming it not only as “misleading but also ambiguous in nature.”

NSF president Tongpang Ozukum and general secretary Esther Rhakho, in joint statement, pointed out that the first incident occurred on June 25, when a shot was fired at “point blank range” in an attempt on the life of the NSF office bearer at lower Chandmari near Lotha Church.

They said the second took place near Hotel Orchid, midland junction area between GPRN/NSCN(Khole-Kitovi) and NSCN(K) and so, there was no question the NSF leader getting caught in a “crossfire or shot from behind”.

They also asserted that the vehicle, AS-01 M - 6773 (Maruti 800) in which GPRN/NSCN cadres were travelling, suddenly pulled over to the left side of the road and the driver,  ‘lieut.’ Amento Kiba rushed out of the vehicle and fired upon the NSF leader.

NSF then asked if the action was not an attempt on life or not an assassination bid?.
“As rightly pointed out by ‘lieut. col’ Kiyeto Zhimomi, the vehicle AS-01 M - 6773 (Maruti 800) was driven by GPRN/NSCN cadre ‘lieut.’ Amento Kiba.

Therefore, they should seriously note the claim of the federation that the person who was driving the Maruti 800 was the one who shot at the federation official at lower Chandmari near Lotha church”, they said.

The signatories pointed out that since the state police had also substantiated the allegation, what more proof was needed for the outfit to take action against its own cadre?

Throwing the onus on the GPRN/NSCN, NSF said the outfit had not ascertained facts of the two above incidents and alleged that instead, the GPRN/NSCN was trying to shelter the “culprit, who almost killed an innocent student leader.

NSF asked the GPRN/NSCN as to why was it reluctant to accept the truth that the NSF official was directly fired upon by their cadre in lower Chandmari and was not caught in the crossfire?.

NSF also termed it as “baseless” the allegation that it demanded GPRN/NSCN cadres be confined in their designated camps while other factions be allowed to roam free.

Further, NSF rubbished the statement that the ultimatum served on GPRN/NSCN was drafted in line with the version of the injured NSCN (K) cadre.  The signatories clarified that NSF had not tried to meet the injured NSCN(K) cadre, leave alone taking  version of the injured, as alleged by GPRN/NSCN.

“It is never expected that GPRN/NSCN will stoop so low, countering the students with such unfounded allegations instead of addressing the issue with a matured approach in the greater interest of the Nagas”, they said.

Further the NSF reiterated that it would never remain a mute spectator when-  ceaseless bloodshed was going on amongst the different Naga underground factions; when innocent public was being harassed and threatened; when people were being taxed unreasonably and when innocent civilians were being targeted.

The federation reiterated its demand that GPRN/NSCN should own responsibility of the action against the NSF official and the movement of the armed cadres in the civilian areas should be curbed by the respective factions so as to prevent civilian casualties.

12-hr NSF bandh total, peaceful

NAGA INHABITED AREAS IN NORTHEAST AFFECTED; NSF SUBMITS 5-POINT CHARTER OF DEMANDS
Normal life came to a standstill throughout Nagaland including Naga inhabited areas in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam  on July 1, during the 12-hour bandh called by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) in protest  against factional clashes and harassment meted out to public by underground groups.

[caption id="attachment_8911" align="alignleft" width="300"] Life came to a standstill in Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, Kiphire and other districts even as train passengers were stranded in Dimapur railway station following total bandh called by NSF. (Nagaland Post Image)[/caption]

The bandh was total and without any incident, at the time of filing this report.
Vehicles were off roads while educational institutions, government and business establishments remained closed.

DIMAPUR: In Dimapur, except for vehicles of magistrates and police on duty, volunteers and media the roads wore a deserted look, with piles of garbage strewn alongside the streets. All business establishments including banks also remained closed while bandh enforcers imposed strict compliance on  pedestrians.

NSF vice-president Joseph Nguori who monitored  the bandh in Dimapur, said it was called to show “strong resentment” against those not maintaining peace, which was the need of the hour.

He asserted that armed factional conflicts  in civilian populated areas   would not be tolerated and lauded the citizens for their  positive response to the bandh called by the NSF in Dimapur.

NSF finance secretary Shikavi Achumi pointed out that the federation had already submitted a five-point charter of demands to the state government on June 26 and demanded a response within seven days.

It may be recalled that NSF wanted the state government to initiate stern action against the culprit(s) involved in the shooting incident where one NSF office bearer was injured  in Kohima on June 25.

NSF also demanded that the government direct all the cadres of every faction be confined within designated camps and to seriously monitor “free movement” of armed cadres in civilian areas.

It also demanded that government ensure security of the general public and also asked it not to release any accused on bail.

Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) president K. Mhachio Lotha claimed that unlike in the past, DNSU did “deploy any volunteers” during Monday’s bandh but that response from public was spontaneous and overwhelming.

He acknowledged help and support from Naga Council, Dimapur, Eastern Naga Students’ Union Dimapur, Garo Students’ Union Nagaland. DNSU president also thanked the Muslim Council Dimapur, Chandu Agarwal for providing mineral water, Rajesh Sethi for donating cash towards the union, Diphupar Naga Students’ Union for providing lunch to the office bearers and volunteers of DNSU.

Train passengers stranded:
The bandh had caused undue suffering on train passengers in Dimapur  as hundreds were left stranded without any means of transportation on arrival at Dimapur, as vehicles stayed off the road.
One Konyak family of four, including two women and a six-year-old boy,  arrived Dimapur at 2 a.m.
from Tinsukia, Assam and were left stranded the whole day at Dimapur railway station while waiting for taxis to arrive from Kohima after 6 p.m.

“We have not eaten anything the whole day. All the shops are closed and the house of our relative is at 5th Mile. We have no choice but to hope that the taxis arrive in the evening,” one of them told Nagaland Post.

Another Naga family, all women, said that they have been stranded after arriving Dimapur from Lumding, Assam.

They could were waiting for an auto-rickshaw to take them to their home at 2 ½ Mile, Dimapur. Throughout the day, train travelers leaving Dimapur were also seen arriving on foot at the station, dragging their luggage under a scorching heat.

KOHIMA: In Kohima, the 12-hour bandh evoked spontaneous response where not even a pedestrian could be seen on the road as volunteers maintained  vigil to ensure that the bandh ended peacefully.

NSF president Tongpang Okukum informed media persons, that the bandh passed off peacefully with no untoward incident reported from all districts including the Naga inhabited areas in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

He claimed that the bandh was observed even in the Naga inhabited areas of Myanmar. He said that due to poor network, NSF could not contact members on Myanmar side, but was optimistic that the bandh had ended peacefully.

Tongpang lauded Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) for the co-operation in enforcing the bandh in the four districts of Eastern Nagaland within a short notice period.

He also acknowledged the services rendered by volunteers in all the districts and sub-divisions and appealed to the public to extend co-operation stating that NSF would continue to fight against “evil” so that Nagas lived in peace.

MOKOKCHUNG: The bandh in Mokokchung was enforced by Ao Students’ Conference (AKM).
No untoward incident was reported during the bandh. AKM has stated that it would continue to support NSF till a solution to the issue was worked out with regard to the firing incident in Kohima.

The student conference said the state government should “immediately arrest” those involved in the incident.

AKM also thanked the civil society organizations in Mokokchung led by Ao Senden and Watsu Mungdang besides the district administration and the police for their cooperation and in making the bandh a success.

ZUNHEBOTO: NSF bandh was observed in Zunheboto by “All Sumi Students’ Union” (SKK) and passed off peacefully evoking a mass response from all.

The district administration headed by DC, Sumi Hoho, STH (Z), STH (G), ZRSU, Zbto police, 8th NAP, IRB personnel, 21 AR and several bodies monitored the bandh which went on uninterrupted except two stray incidents where armed cadres of the NSCNs were apprehended at two different locations.

The identity of the arrested armed cadres could not be ascertained till the filing of this report. SDO (civil), EAC, Sumi Hoho general secretary and several DBs were seen monitoring the bandh so as to prevent any untoward incidents.

TSEMINYU: In Tseminyu area, Rengma Students Union (RSU) imposed the NSF spearheaded bandh which passed off peacefully.

According to RSU tribunal general Kenneth Rengma, National Highway 61 crossing Rengma areas wore a deserted look.

RSU also expressed gratitude to the administration, police, Rengma hoho and its frontal organizations for their cooperation and thanked the Tseminyu Union, Phenwhenyu village council and K. Station Village Council for providing food and refreshment to the volunteers.

PEREN: Zeliangrong Student’s Union, Nagaland ZSU (N) under the directive of NSF observed the total Bandh in Peren district.

The union has lauded all the units and the public for their co-operation during the bandh which passed off peacefully.

PHEK: In response to NSF total bandh, Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) observed Monday’s bandh from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. It passed off peacefully without any untoward incidents.

CSU president Thupukutho Lohe has lauded all for their positive response to the call of students community in the fight to maintain peace and tranquility within Naga society.

Overwhelming response in Eastern Nagaland
TUENSANG: The bandh called by Eastern Naga  Students’  Federation (ENSF) in solidarity with NSF drew overwhelming response in Eastern Nagaland areas. It passed off peacefully without any untoward incident.

ENSF president Likhumse Sangtam said the federation decided to extend support to the bandh as it was against any “anti- social activities” by ‘Naga national  workers.’ All government offices, business establishments remained closed and vehicles stayed off the road.

KIPHIRE: Along with the rest of the state, the bandh passed off peacefully in Kiphire. No vehicles plied on the roads and business establishments downed their shutters in the district from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.

The bannd here was initiated by United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) under the directive of ENSF.

LONGLENG: Phom Students` Conference (PSC) under the directives from ENSF also observed a total bandh in support NSF’s protest against June 25 incident.

The bandh evoked overwhelming response with no untoward incidents reported from any parts of the district.

The entire district headquarter wore deserted look as government offices, business establishment, banks, schools and collage remained closed and publics stayed indoors while vehicles went off the road.

UKHRUL: Ukhrul town wore a deserted look following the total bandh called by NSF in all the Naga inhabited areas.

Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) initiated the bandh as district mini secretariat, shops and business establishments in Ukhrul town downed their shutters and vehicles stayed off the road. There were no reports of any untoward incidents.

All the inter-district transport systems between Imphal and Ukhrul were halted for the day in the district headquarter.

TKS has appealed all factions to maintain peace and shun violence and has decided to extend support to NSF in further course of action.

~NP

NSF calls for support to July 1 bandh

DIMAPUR, JUNE 29 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), while appreciating civil societies for extending their cooperation to the protest rally on June 28, urged the public for continued support to the ‘total bandh’ called by the NSF on July 1 from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
A press note from the NSF General Secretary, Esther Rhakho informed that the proposed ‘total bandh’ would restrict all vehicular and pedestrian movement, any form of functions, programs or events.

In order to avoid any untoward incident, the federation has once again appealed to all government establishments, the business community and educational institutions to remain closed during the bandh. It stated that “any individual ignoring the fervent appeal of the students’ community will be doing so at their own peril and for which, the federation will not be held responsible.”

The NSF said that the intention of the proposed total bandh is to express “strong resentment against the incessant clashes and killings amongst the underground factions, imposition of illegal taxation by the Naga UGs, against all arbitrary harassment and threatening the lives of innocent civilians and also the recent attempt on life of federation official.” It was also informed that administration, security personnel, emergency medical services and media would be exempted from the purview of the bandh.

DNSU extends
cooperation
The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union extended its “fullest cooperation” to the NSF’s ‘total bandh’ call on July 1. The Office of the DNSU through a press note from its President and General Secretary appealed to the public concerned, educational institutions and business establishments to co-operate and support the Union for the said total bandh. While informing the public that the bandh will be strictly imposed on vehicular movement, pedestrian, and government and private functions, the DNSU stated that Administration, Police, Security Force, Medical Emergency, Fire Brigade, Power Department on duty and Media Fraternity would be exempted from the purview of the bandh.