Nephiu Rio addresses Parliament for Peaceful Naga Solution

Lok Sabha Member and former Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio today asked the government of India to expedite the Indo-Naga peace process and ongoing political dialogue and bring about an early solution in a time bound manner. Addressing the Lok Sabha in Zero Hour of today’s session, Rio said that the more than seven decades of conflict must be brought to its logical conclusion through an honorable solution that is acceptable to the people.

Zero Hour in Parliament is reserved for addressing issues of urgent public importance and national issues.
Rio told Parliament that the Naga issue is of utmost national importance and the peace process and negotiations must be approached to be resolved in a time bound manner.



He recalled that in 2003, the then Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee has stated in Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, that “India recognizes and understands the unique history of the Nagas”, adding that the Naga peace process must be approached as a national issue.
“A peaceful, democratic and just conclusion will not only strengthen the foundations of Indian democracy but it will also bring to an end, the more than seven decades of violent conflict in a crucial region of the country that is of strategic importance in multi dimensional manner”, Rio said in his address.

The Nagaland MP stated that the Naga political issue is termed as the mother of all insurgencies and the conflict is more than seven decades. A ceasefire was declared between the Government of India and the Naga political groups in 1997, however even after 17 years of ceasefire and dialogue, a solution to the protracted problem remains elusive till today.

Rio appreciated the Government of India for appointment of a new interlocutor and welcomed the statement of the National Security Adviser who has expressed the sincerity of the Government of India in the ongoing peace process. He told the House that the Naga people have been crying out for peace and the peace process has the popular support of the people including the mass based civil societies, church organisations, tribal hohos, NGOs, and political parties.

He informed Parliament that in the previous House of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, all 60 MLAs under the banner of the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) had unanimously resolved to support the peace process. This, he said is a significant achievement that cannot be undermined.
The three times chief minister of Nagaland stated that the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has declared in its election manifesto that the State Government will pave way for any solution that is honorable and acceptable to the people. This commitment, he said has removed all hurdles and obstacles and the ground has been prepared for realization of an honorable solution. Further he reiterated that it was on the basis of this commitment in the manifesto that the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland was voted to power with the popular mandate of the people for three consecutive terms.

Rio urged upon the Government of India to expedite the peace talks and give an offer of solution to the Naga people so that an honorable solution can be reached and permanent peace can be achieved which will pave way for accelerated development to take place.

~EasternMirror Nagaland

Sukulung Crowned Naga Chef Season 2

Sukulung has won the coveted title of Naga Chef Season 2 and walked away with prize money of Rs 5 lakh. Naga chef Season 2 came to close with the grand finale held at Hornbill Festival, Kisama.

[caption id="attachment_13047" align="alignleft" width="300"] Proud Sukulung pose for photograph with cheque.[/caption]

The Naga Chef is a first of its kind culinary skills competition in Nagaland. The objective of the competition is to increase the appreciation of the Nagaland’s unique indigenous cuisines and to provide a platform to entrepreneurial Naga chefs to showcase their delectable range of Naga food to the world.

With the grand success of Naga Chef Season 1, Season 2 kicked off with the 12 contestants who qualified the screening round, amongst them the top four cooks advanced to the final “Entrepreneurial Chef” round.

They have been vying for the Naga Chef Season 2 title at Hornbill Festival Kisama where each contestant had to run an individual stall with innovation in technique and creativity to prepare authentic local cuisines. They have been evaluated from December 1 to 9 based on their Cooking skills, Presentation, Customer Service, Innovation, Cleanliness, Authenticity and Revenue Generation.

Naga Chef Season 2 was organized by the Synergy Group Enterprise and supported by Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland. The pantry partner was The Green Caravan who managed the Naga chef Pantry.

~NagalandPost

6th Music Awards of Nagaland, open-air concert on Dec 13

Musicians of Nagaland will be honoured during the awards presentation ceremony of the 6th Music Awards of Nagaland, 2014 on December 13, 6:30 p.m. onwards at City Clock Tower. “A starry Christmas” open-air concert is also scheduled at the same time and venue which will be graced by Maj. Gen. Deepak Saxena, VSM, COS, 3 Corps as the guest of honour.

It may be noted that the Music Awards of Nagaland was instituted in 2009 by the Native Trax Society and is the only platform to reward and honour recording musicians and those involved behind the scenes in the music industry of the state.
A total of 32 nominations in various categories representing the best music videos and songs in various genres recorded during the year will be vying for these coveted awards.

The awards presentation ceremony will witness special performances by Colored Keys, Ilitoli Aye and Toshimeren Jamir and the event will be compered by VJ Imli Lee (Déjà vu), VJ for ‘Backyard Buzz’ a TV programme about the music and musicians of Nagaland which is telecast on DDKK.

This will be followed by Native Trax Society’s annual advent Christmas concert ‘A Starry Christmas’ which NTS has been organising since 2010.
This free, open-air concert is aimed at getting Dimapur’s festive revelers into the Christmas spirit and also to give visitors a chance to see Dimapur at its best and experience an evening of artistry that will capture their hearts so that they can take back fond memories and a positive impression of our city.

The concert will feature live performances by some of the best singers and musicians of Nagaland. Those featured to perform include Avancer, DJ Ina, Diethozo Thakro, Moba Inggang Band, Imnasenla Aier, Neikuo Khezhie, Zulu Jamir, D. A. Chasie (Atso), Red Alert, Wannyen Bezo, Aben Jamir, Divas Unleashed, Leengoi meets Big Dane, Rajj Ismokey Proudliee and Molung Imsong

In addition to this there will also be a special lucky draw for those coming to witness the event with a chance to win mobile handsets sponsored by Basu Damani, general secretary, central NPF and a Titan watch sponsored by Sanjay, World of Titan.

~NagalandPost

 

Rio for peaceful solution to Naga issue

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 11 (MExN): “A peaceful, democratic and just conclusion will not only strengthen the foundations of Indian democracy but it will also bring to an end, the more than seven decades of violent conflict in a crucial region of the country that is of strategic importance in multi dimensional manner,” stated Member of Parliament from Nagaland state Neiphiu Rio today while addressing the zero hour of Thursday’s parliament session.

Rio urged the Government of India to expedite the Indo-Naga peace process and bring about an early solution in a time bound manner.
The MP from Nagaland state said that the Naga issue is of utmost national importance and that the peace process and negotiations must be approached to be resolved in a time bound manner.

Rio told the House that the Naga people have been crying out for peace and the peace process has the popular support of the people including the mass based civil societies, church organisations, tribal hohos, NGOs, and political parties. He further informed of the formation of the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF), its support for the peace process and the NPF commitment to pave way for any honorable and acceptable solution.

~MExN

Hornbill motor rally 2014 Winners

Vizosielie Rupreo and Ziekiezotuo Lhoungu (C139) emerged as the champion in Amateur category while Gagan Sethi and Dhiraj Arora (C102) won the title in professional category at the 7th JK Tyre Hornbill Motor Rally Friday.



The rally which started at Dimapur bamboo resource centre finished at main arena Naga Heritage village Kisama which was graced chief minister, T.R. Zeliang as the chief guest.

All together three professional and 40 amateur participated in the motor rally held under TSD (Time Speed Distance).

Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony, Zeliang said the motor rally organized by Nagaland Adventure Motor Sports Association (NAMSA) has added more eventful to this Hornbill festival.

Pointing out that motorsports being one of the most popular sports, he urged the NAMSA to carry forward the spirit of adventure to other parts of the country.

He said that not only the winners but all the participants who have come from different parts of the country were deserved to be appreciated.Zeliang further congratulated the NAMSA and JK Tyre for sponsoring the meaningful event.

Amateur category
1st     - Vizosielie Rupreo and Ziekiezotuo Lhoungu (C139)
2nd  - Vime Solo and Khrielezo Keretsu (C130)
3rd     - Khosazo Sazo and Vekhozo Medeo (C129)
4th     - Kesangulie and Yanrenthung Jamio (C118)

Professional category
1st    - Gagan Sethi and Dhiraj Arora (C102)
2nd  - Tali Akang and Moulinath Ghosh (C101)
3rd     - Biju Awomi and Mringla Kalita (C103)
Best Decorator Car        - Kaka Chophi (C124)
Best Couple team        - Visazo Theunu and R. Josephine Richa (C113)
Best Institution         - Kesangulie and Yanrenthung Jamio (C118)
Maximum zero in the rally    - Larry Imti and Tako Pongen (C123)
Most disciplined participants    - Dipak Kumar Choudhury and Syed Muhibur Rahnan (C126)

NagalandPost

ACAUT urges PM Modi to act on Naga solution

ACAUT Nagaland has in a memorandum addressed to the prime minister Narendra Modi at Chumukedima Police Complex on November 30 reiterated that it stood for tackling corruption and also for addressing the issue of unabated taxation and ‘syndicate system’ levied by Naga Political Groups(NPGs). According to ACAUT Nagaland,it organised the massive public rally on October 31 in Dimapur despite “threat from a faction” after which public decided to recognise only “One Government One Tax” and not to pay any tax to a single entity adding it meant that Nagas would not pay any tax so long factions exist.

Asserting that “unabated taxation is the cause of factionalism and factionalism, the cause of unabated taxation”, ACAUT said the tireless efforts by the FNR, to bring reconciliation among various factions by FNR seemed to have been abandoned. Realising the futility, ACAUT said it adopted the slogan “One Government One Tax” at the October 31 rally.

No permanent solution could be achieved without reconciliation among factions and so long as there was no solution, there would be no peace in Nagaland, the gateway of Myanmar, South and East Asia, said ACAUT.

In the light of the above, ACAUT said it was not against any ongoing peace talks but that in order to bring about a permanent solution and resolve the 67-year old conflict, it demanded that the prime minister consider the consequences of settlement minus “One Government One Tax” in the absence of unity among NPGs.

It maintained that the onus of salvaging unity among NPGs should be placed squarely on the shoulders of the NSCN(I-M), the dominant faction spearheading the current negotiation.

ACAUT has demanded that the prime minister take into confidence all stake holders, notably the Naga village councils, since people would invariably be affected once settlement was arrived at. It cautioned against a settlement that would spawn “post-settlement conflict” as viewed by Naga civil society

ACAUT reiterated that the 67-year Naga political issue be resolved permanently under the strong leadership of Narendra Modi, prime minister of India by “taking an inclusive approach” by engaging wider talks with NPGs and Naga civil society on the kind of settlement by keeping in mind the concept of “One Government One Tax”.

ACAUT has strongly urged upon the government of India to deal with the issue of tax and unabated taxation that were linked to the wider issue of Naga political problem and to deal with the problem “separately and immediately” as they were causing untold hardship and misery upon the common people.

Further, it said there was no doubt that NPGs were running parallel governments where salaries of over one lakh employees were being deducted at the rate of 24% by NPGs.

It said the lure of easy money has also led many uneducated unemployed Nagas to the ranks of NPGs and the government of India should deal with the issue of unabated taxation “most seriously without delay”.

ACAUT said rampant corruption in the state was “most serious’ and that it has been relentlessly pursuing the issue and demanded that the Centre should “strictly monitor” fund utilisation in the form of economic and developmental projects.
In order to ensure transparency , ACAUT has demanded the setting up of Lakayukta as it was the only relief for the people of Nagaland as an answer to their “crippling lives”.

ACAUT has also demanded CBI probe into the abandoned SARDP project in four districts for two-lane roads at Longleng-Changtongya; Mon_Tamlu-Merangkong; Phek-Pfutsero; Zunheboto-Chakabama by Gayatri-Maytas JV where original estimate of Rs.1296 crore was escalated within 14 months by 200% to Rs.2978.20 crore.

ACAUT said it was incumbent upon the prime minister to close the chapter of conflict, death, alienation and militarization in the region by “concretising a permanent settlement with the Naga people”.

~NagalandPost

PMs remarks at the Inauguration of the Hornbill Festival, Kohima

Read PM Modi's speech here

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today described the entire Northeast region as a “Natural Economic Zone” – NEZ – whose potential had hitherto remained untapped. He said his priority is to nourish the NEZ for the benefit of the NE (Northeast). In his remarks at the inauguration of the Hornbill Festival in Kohima, the Prime Minister praised the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland and the sturdiness, honesty, simplicity, inherent strong character and hardworking attitude of the Naga people. He congratulated the Nagas for organizing this festival which showcases the cultural diversity of the state.



The Prime Minister also greeted the people of Nagaland on their statehood day, and urged them to introspect and look back at what has been achieved over the last 50 years, and what ground remains to be covered.



The Prime Minister also mentioned the rich biodiversity, and youthful English-speaking population. He said these would ensure that tourism and investment would come to the state. He said the region must capture a part of the global IT outsourcing business.

The Prime Minister mentioned the potential of the state in the sports of boxing, archery, football and taekwondo, and said this must be realized.



He said it was a decade since former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee had visited Nagaland. He assured the people of the state that they would not have to wait so long again for a Prime Minister to visit. He said he would come back to see that all he has mentioned becomes a reality.



The Prime Minister also highlighted the initiatives taken by his Government for the Northeast over the last 6 months. He mentioned the Ishan Uday special scholarships for 10,000 students from the Northeast, and the Ishan Vikas scheme for 2000 students and 500 faculty members from colleges of the Northeast to visit other parts of the country every year.

He said a modern apparel garment manufacturing centre would be set up in every state, beginning with Nagaland, Assam and Sikkim.



He said the Government has earmarked Rs 53000 crore in the Union Budget for development of Northeast. Rs 28,000 crore has been earmarked for construction of new railway lines to boost connectivity. Rs. 5000 crore has been earmarked for improvement of intrastate power transmission systems and a similar amount for boosting 2G mobile connectivity.

A National Sports University will be established in Manipur and 6 new colleges of agriculture will be set up in the region.

Source: Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Modi's speech at the inaugural function of Hornbill Festival 2014

 

Good morning. Ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honour for me to be here amongst the friendly Nagas to celebrate the world famous Hornbill Festival. I greet you on this joyous festive season. I congratulate the Nagas for organizing this wonderful festival, which aims to preserve, promote and protect the unique cultural diversity and rich traditions of Nagaland.

I also congratulate the people on the occasion of 51st anniversary of Nagaland’s statehood. On this auspicious day, I urge the Nagas that after 50 years of statehood, Look back! Introspect! And take stock of the ground you have covered so far and what remains to be achieved. I have seen the strength of your society today. A very rich cultural heritage. This must be promoted.

Your culture must not only be interpreted as your colourful dances and songs, but the Naga culture of sturdiness, honesty, simplicity, reflected in all your deliberations and actions. The Naga way of life means pride in your inherent strong character and your hard working attitude.

I also know that you have a rich biodiversity. Your region is located in one of the 25 hot bio-diversity areas of the world. This must be protected at all costs, even as your embark on sustainable development of your resources. People will come to your state for investment or tourism and they will do so because of your amazing bio-diversity and salubrious climate.

Nagaland is blessed in having a young population well-versed in the English language and in tune with what is happening around the world. This is an advantage which must be tapped. You must capture the IT outsourcing business of the world in this part of the country.

I also greatly admire the equal position of Naga women in the Naga society. I recall how smartly our young Naga women jawaans worked while deployed during the Delhi Commonwealth Games. This participation brought great pride to our nation and was a shining example for our womenfolk across the country. The contribution of half of our population to the growth of our society is immeasurable.

Nagas are sports-loving people and have the potential to perform well in disciplines such as boxing, tae kwon do, football and archery. I feel that these activities must be promoted in a systematic way to realize the potential of the people of the region, given the right direction.

I know that it has been over a decade since Prime Minister Vajpayee visited Nagaland. I think, nowadays, if I want to come to Nagaland from Delhi, or if anyone from here wants to go to Delhi, it hardly takes 10-15 hours. But Prime Ministers took more than 10 years to reach here. I assure the people of Nagaland that you will not have to wait this long for the Prime Minister to visit again. I assure you. I will be happy to come often to meet the people of Nagaland.

I will come back to see to it that everything that I have mentioned becomes a reality.

Come, let us together build a new, resurgent, stronger and more prosperous India, as well as our Nagaland.

Friends, for the last 2-3 days, I have been in this part of our country. I think it is the first time that an Indian Prime Minister has stayed in the North-East for 3 days. In India, the word “SEZ” is very popular. Special Economic Zone. But after being here for the last three days, I must say that it is not only SEZ, it is NEZ. When I say NEZ, I mean Natural Economic Zone. The other parts of India will have to find man-made Special Economic Zones. But here, Natural Economic Zones (already exist). But unfortunately, they are untapped.

It is my priority to nourish this NEZ for NE, North-East. NE is meant for NEZs. NEZs are meant for NE.

I took charge as the Prime Minister six months back. And I would like to mention some of the initiatives we have taken for the North-East in the last 6 months. I am sure that this is the right time to mention these initiatives as we are celebrating the Hornbill Festival and preparing for Christmas.

The scheme called “Ishaan Uday” is a special scholarship for students from the North-East, under which 10,000 students will benefit. The scheme called “Ishaan Vikas” will provide opportunities for internships and visit at IITs, NITs, NIFTs in other parts of India during vacation for the students of North-East. Every year 2,000 students and 500 teachers will benefit from this scheme.

We have decided to establish one modern apparel garment manufacturing centre in every state of North-East. We know that we have a rich heritage in the field of textiles. We have a mastery in weaving. Our women carry this art in their fingers, and we have to utilize this capability for the development of this area. And for that, we have decided to begin with Nagaland, Assam and Sikkim. The Central Government will spend 20 crore rupees for this new programme.

During the tenure of the Vajpayee government, a unique decision was taken by Atalji. It was decided at that time that 10% of the Annual Plan Budget will be spent on the North-East states. My government has made a provision of Rs 53,000 crore in the Union Budget for development of the North-East. Rs 28,000 crore will be provided for construction of 14 new railway lines. There are so many tourists here from other parts of India and foreign countries. This is the best tourist destination. All we need is road, rail, and air connectivity to develop tourism here.

Energy is lifeline. We cannot do anything without energy or power. The North-Eastern region power system improvement project has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore for six North-Eastern states including Nagaland. This will strengthen intra-state transmission and distribution systems. Our goal is 24x7x365 power supply.

Nowadays, the meaning of infrastructure has totally changed. Even if you have road-rail-air connectivity, it is not enough. You require Digital Connectivity too. Under the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for the North-Eastern region, we have sanctioned Rs 5,000 crore for 2G mobile coverage for enhanced connectivity between this area and the world.

We have decided to establish a National Sports University in Manipur, and the people of Nagaland will be among primary beneficiaries of this sports university.

We have decided to set up 6 new Agriculture Colleges in North-East. I am sure that North-East can become India’s Capital of Organic Agriculture. North-East can become a source of Organic Agriculture products for the world and for humanity.

Friends, it is a great opportunity for me to be a part of this Hornbill festival. We are very eager to develop our tourism sector. There is a tremendous untapped scope for India in this field of tourism, and we are focussing on it. There are people, even in India, who do not know what a rich bio-diversity we have in this part of India.

Seeing is believing. And I am sure that people here from different parts of India can see what a unique cultural heritage this part has. I am sure that this Hornbill Festival will improve the tourism sector of Nagaland, the people of Nagaland will be beneficiaries of this growth. And when the people of Nagaland become prosperous, the whole country will be the beneficiary.

I am thankful that the Chief Minister invited me to attend this festival. I am sure that in the next 10 days of this festival, lakhs of people will come here to be a part of this festival. Thank you very much.

Source: Narendra Modi

NPMHR demand justice for Naga human rights activists

KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 28 (MExN): The Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has informed that a hearing at the Delhi High Court on November 27 “marked another important step towards justice for Naga human rights activists Luingam Luithui and Peingamla Luithui.”

A press note from the NPMHR Secretary General, Neingulo Krome informed that the two human rights activist, who are also spouses, have been living in “virtual exile” in Canada for almost 20 years after the Government of India (GoI) “arbitrarily impounded their passports.” It stated that a writ filed by the activists, and 12 members of their immediate family and clan, demands the full restoration of their “citizenship rights.”

NPMHR informed that the plaintiff’s counsels pointed out the “illegality and unconstitutionality of impounding” Luingam Luithui’s passport “without providing him due notice and opportunity to respond, as required by law.”

The plaintiffs became Canadian citizens in 2006, almost a decade after Luingam’s passport was “impounded” and his wife was not issued a temporary travel document or duplicate passports after hers was pickpocketed. Indian law does not recognize dual citizenship, and Indian citizens who “voluntarily” acquire citizenship in another country forfeit their Indian citizenship. However, the petition argues that the decision of the plaintiffs to seek Canadian citizenship “does not fit this provision as it was a decision forced on them by the illegal actions of the Indian government which rendered them stateless.”

At the hearing, according to NPMHR, the Chief Justice determined that a tourist visa issued to the plaintiffs so that they could be present in the Court was “not an adequate response to the serious issues raised in the petition.” Following the issuance of tourist visa, the plaintiffs attended the Court hearing on November 27.

The Court was not satisfied with the Government’s failure to file a counter-affidavit which addressed the contentions raised in the petition, it added. NPMHR informed that the Court has given the GoI four weeks time to file its counter-affidavit. The case has been adjourned until February 10, 2015.

Aside from NPMHR members, the hearing was attended by supporters of the plaintiffs, including indigenous rights advocates from Malaysia, Denmark, Switzerland and Canada. NPMHR expressed hope that the response of the GoI will “finally put on record the explanation for its actions persecuting Mr. and Mrs. Luithui, and that the Court will provide justice in the case.”

Luingam Luithui, was one of the founders of both the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights and the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact among others. He was also a signatory to the letter petition that eventually resulted in the Supreme Court of India’s judgment on Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in NPMHR v. Union of India (1998 2 SCC 109).
The “denial” of the plaintiff’s “citizenship,” lamented NPMHR, “has deprived them the opportunity to freely travel to and from their homeland and to enjoy their rights as citizens.”

 

~MExN

3 Naga political groups ‘pledge to work closely’

Says ‘Our differences should not compromise our political right’ and reaffirms ‘common political vision’ for Naga people

Dimapur, November 29 (MExN): Three Naga political groups have affirmed the pursuance of a “common political vision” despite “our differed ideological and administrative positions.”

“We reaffirm that we are bound by common history,” stated a joint statement from Gen. (Retd) Khole Konyak, Chairman, NSCN, N Kitovi Zhimomi, General Secretary, NSCN, Z. Royim Yimchungru, Acting President, NNC, Vizosielhou Nagi, General Secretary, NNC, Zhopra Vero, Kedallo, FGN for Brig. (Retd) S Singnya, Kedahge, FGN and TS Keyho, Vice President, NNC.

“Our differences should not compromise our political right and therefore, upholding the spirit of Naga national unity, we are determined to understand each other because the interest of future Naga generations must be safeguarded at all cost and therefore, we repose our faith in each other and pledge that we shall work closely and facilitate each other in finding acceptable political settlement with the Government of Indi. We commit ourselves to this task as desired by our people,” the leaders noted.

The statement, signed on November 29 at the Council Headquarters of the GPRN/NSCN, urged the people of Nagaland to continue extending fullest support and cooperation.
“Having observed the political developments within and beyond artificial boundary, the people of Nagaland desire honorable political settlement with the Government of India. This is the practical step towards forming stronger ties among entire Naga family,” the joint statement noted.

~MExN

Eastern Naga Students’ Federation to boycott Statehood Day celebration

TUENSANG, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) today informed that it would boycott the Nagaland Statehood Day celebration in the four districts of eastern Nagaland.

A press note from the ENSF informed that in response to the federation’s letter dated November 26, 2013; the office of the Nagaland state Chief Secretary had issued a response on November 15, 2014. However, it lamented that the Nagaland state government has “failed” to address the grievances endured by the six “backward” tribes of Eastern Nagaland (Yimchunger, Chang, Konyak, Phom, Khiamniungan and Sangtam).

As such, it termed the “agreement and assurance” of the state government as a “false promise as all the commitment and assurance made therein by the state government with the ENSF on November 26, 2013 had remained only in paper.”

The ENSF expressed displeasure on the state government’s response regarding post transfers, recruitment and the Mid Day Meal Scheme implementation. Based on the response of the state government to these demands, the ENSF termed Nagaland as a “failed state in attending the basic need of its eastern citizens.”
As such, it informed that the ENSF in an emergency meeting resolved to boycott the Nagaland Statehood Day celebration on December 1 in the four districts of Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphire.

It further asked the Konyak Students’ Union, Confederation of Chang Students’ Conference, Phom Students’ Conference, Khiamniungan Students’ Union, United Sangtam Students’ Conference and Yimchunger Akheru Ariako to act immediately to the directive from the federation for the boycott until further order.

The ENSF informed that the boycott will include complete Shut Down from 6:00am to 6:00pm; no public or vehicular movement; closure of all business establishments and educational institutions; restriction of government vehicles and no public participation in the Statehood Celebration programme. However, the police and medical service shall be exempted from the preview of the bandh, it stated.

~MExN

Schedule for Hornbill Music Festival 2014

Dimapur, November 24 (MExN):  The Nagaland Outdoors Club & Sky Entertainment has informed that the Hornbill Music Festival of 2014 will be packed with fun and great music. The Hornbill International Rock Contest will not be the only highlight during the music festival, stated a press release issued by Al Ngullie, Publicity & Media Manager, NOC & Sky Inc., Hornbill Music Festival.

December 1: Night of the Home Warriors
Accomplished bands from Nagaland will perform on December 1. Some of the better known groups in the State like Divine Connection, Alobo Naga & the Band, Hello Radio and Purple Fusion will perform for approximately three and half hours.

December 2: Grand Finale of Naga Orpheus Hunt 2014
Finalists of the erstwhile Naga Idol will be fighting it out on the stage on the night of December 2. Competitive rounds of the 2014 edition of the Naga Orpheus talent hunt are currently underway. Dimapur-based Soyachunks is organizing the talent hunt for this year’s edition. Come, cheer for your favorite contestant!

December 3: Back in time
Legendary British country rock group Smokie from England will be headlining the evening. Besides, classics from the million-selling group of the yesteryears, the concert will also feature two brilliant and upcoming rock groups, K3M and Highland Oracle from Nagaland.

December 4-7
The four-day Hornbill International Rock Contest will be one of the showcase events of the Hornbill Music festival. 28 rock bands from across the state, northeast and India will be facing the music on the four days. To top it off, American guitar god Vinnie Moore will be there too! Vinnie Moore, Sanjay Divecha from Mumbai, Thejove Medeo and Wati Imchen from Nagaland will be judging the contest. Vinnie Moore will also perform a special set on the 7th.

December 8: Love East
Dance, music, fun and more music! That is Love East EDM/ Rap Night: LC (Naga rapper) will be dishing out an aural buffet to delight you through the night. There is none other than DJ Barkha, the Indian star DJ. The second performer DJ Ina has been performing since 2009 and has already performed in top clubs across India. He has also performed with the prestigious Kitty Su club, where superstars such as Avicii and Steve Aoki, and Dada Life have performed.

December 9: One Wild Night
Another highlight to add to the whole fun week is, Bon Giovi, from England, the official tribute band of Bon Jovi. The group will be performing some of the greatest rock ballads and hits from one of the biggest rock bands in history, Bon Jovi. The opening band for Bon Giovi will be Mumbai-based band Koniac Net.

December 10: Tear Drops of the Hills
The concept of ‘Tear Drops of the Hills’ is that the people of North East India continue to face  harsh realities in India as it has been for many years. Although citizens of the country, people of the NE region have always been looked down and treated as an alien in our own land. Crimes and injustices continue to be perpetrated against the people of the seven sisters because they just happen to look different, dress differently, and have a culture that’s different. “We are as much as Indian as our brothers and sisters in mainland India; that is the idea of this event,” stated the press release.
On the evening of December 10, various rock groups from North East India will be performing and perhaps spread the message of not only unity, but unity in diversity as well.
Who are the bands that will be playing for you? Vivace (Nagaland), Street Stories (Shillong), The Scavenger Project (Mizoram), Lucid Recess (Assam), Pulse Pundit (Manipur) and Yesterdrive (Arunachal).

~MExN

Eastern Nagas ‘forcefully converted’ to Buddhism

Those Nagas who get converted to Buddhism are allegedly offered “favorable chance to become government servants”

Kohima, November 24 (MExN): The Naga National Council (NNC) has alleged that the Burmese Government is deliberately trying to ‘discriminate and divide’ the Nagas by forcefully converting the Eastern Nagas to Buddhism.

Those Nagas who get converted to Buddhism are allegedly offered “favorable chance to become government servants than Christians and they are promoted to their next higher rank and give more power to exercise in the regions.”

“This policy is presently and currently applying by the Burmese Government and will be continued to eliminate Christianity in Eastern Nagaland or to Burmanize Naga people,” stated NNC member, Thomas, in a lengthy note today.

On the other hand, informed Thomas, the methods applied by the Burmese Army for proselytizing Nagas from animism or Christianity to Buddhism are “threatening, intimidation, exemption from tax, forced labor, portering and luring with money, clothes, providing rations.”

The Government of Myanmar’s Ministry for Border Area Ethnic People’s Development, according to the NNC member, has instituted boarding schools for Naga boys and girls in every Township Headquarters (Layshi, Homalin, Khamti, Lahe Townships, and under construction in Namyung and Pangsao Townships) which provide facilities free of charge, including food and lodging. Such boarding schools are also established at Tanai and Myitkyina in Kachin State where Naga and Kachin students get admission.

“The poor Naga Christian parents are compelled to send their children to the said Boarding schools in the interest of their children’s education. However, their children have no option but to be converted to Buddhism at peremptory order, since these Boarding schools are maintaining by the Government, Buddhists,” stated Thomas.

The Eastern Nagas in Burma, under the Sagaing Division now called Naga Self-Administered Zone (NSAZ), are predominantly Christians, he noted. Christianity was brought to them after the 1950s. After 1980 almost all Eastern Nagas became Christians, informed Thomas. “Only few such as shamans remained to practice ritual of the tradition. Christianity reached to Eastern Nagaland much later, 137 years after the Christianity brought to Burma by American Baptist Missionary Rev. Adoniram Judson in 1813,” he wrote.

Enumerating on his allegation, the NNC member gave examples of how the Burmese Army, after 1990, began to force people in the Naga Hills to “accept Buddhism at gun point.”

For instance, in 1997, in Somra areas, all Christian Churches were locked by Buddhist Monks for months. When the leaders of Tangkhul Baptist Church Association attempted to open the doors, the Burmese Army started firing at them and sought to arrest them all. The 12 Church leaders are said to have been compelled to hide in the jungle for their safety for weeks.

On 29 December 1998, 19 Burmese Army personnel under the Command of Captain Demongso came to Kingphu village and abducted a pastor and tortured him for a week without giving him food. The Kingphu Christian villagers were threatened by burning alive or shoot death if they attempted to enter into the Church.

On April 7, 1999, four Monks and soldiers called Ponyu Nyukyan village Christians, blindfolded them and tortured them for four hours. The youths were tortured hanging them upside down and even ordered to dig their own graves. On 24th April 1999, Ponyu village Baptist Church was destroyed and the Christians were forced to worship Buddha.

On January 20, 1999, the Burmese Army under the Command of Captain Zoolen, entered Houthait village along with Buddhist Monks and arbitrarily stopped the construction of Church building; and tortured the Pastor and Church leaders.

In 2004, the Burmese Army from Infantry Battalion (IB) 52 and 229 forced the Naga Christians to convert to Buddhism at gun point and forced them to build a Buddhist Pagoda.

On December 15, 2005, Rokvay, Pastor of Chawang Nukwuk village was tortured for three days by Burmese Army under the Command of Maj. Khaing Tun Naing and Christians from the said village were forced to convert to Buddhism.  Also the same Burmese Army group tortured Winrom, Pastor of Lumnu village in December 2005 and sent him to his native village without allowing him to preach Gospel. And yet another Pastor Rego of Chamkok village Baptist Church was also abducted by the same Burmese Army and kept him in the dungeon for a week. When he was brought out for sun bath, he availed the chance and run for his life. While he was running the Burmese Army fired several rounds upon him, but he escaped without any bullet injury.

In Pangsao areas, Burmese Army from IB 52, under the Command of a Major entered into several villages in January 2005 and seized material kept for construction of Church buildings. Through 2005, such material was consistently picked up by the Burmese Army, with demands of high amounts of Indian Rupees from the villagers.

Source: MorungExpress

MODI GOVERNMENT HAS GUTS TO SOLVE NAGA PROBLEM: NAGLAND GOVERNOR

Nagaland Governor P.B Acharya asserted that with a strong government at the centre which has the will and guts to solve the Naga problem, it was high time that Nagaland came out of the Naga political problem and appealed to all groups, intellectuals, NGOs including the elected government to speak out on what kind of solution they wanted.

Stating this at a press meet in the Raj Bhavan here Saturday, the Governor further pointed out that the constitutionally elected government represented the voice of the people and all elected members, the two MPs regardless of political affiliations including the thinking within those involved in the movement to spell out what they want within the constitution that was a “respectable solution” and not just a solution.
Highlighting his visit to the USA in mid-October, the Governor said he found overseas Nagas doing well in all fields and that they were praying for peace and development in Nagaland.

On the huge budget deficit of the state, Acharya expressed the hope that the prime minister would announce a big package during his visit in December 1.

He lamented that the state assembly had not passed the Lokayukta which was vibrant for democracy in Nagaland and where along with the RTI, would help strengthen constitutional democracy to counter wrong doings. The Governor urged upon the state government to act immediately to form the Lokayukta and also appoint information officers since bodies that were constitutional should not be excluded from the government role. He also insisted on rectification of the constitution 121 Amendment bill.

Appealing to the state government on women reservation, he said though the issue was still under litigation in the Supreme Court, Naga women should also be given the opportunity as women in other states , to be represented in zila parishads and local bodies.

Acharya suggested that there should be a dialogue between industries, trade and education since the current curriculum was limited to the subjects that were not in tune with industries and trade requirement.

He said universities, need to open up their minds and do their research to make them more applicable to society and that continuous dialogue took place for industries and trade. Lamenting that much of research was not applicable to day to day life, Acharya said knowledge-wise university research was wonderful but application-wise the net result was not what society needed.
The Governor also disclosed, that to encourage visitors to see the rich cultural of Nagaland and to rid off misgivings about insurgency,150 of his personal guests and tourists from Karnataka, Mumbai and Maharashtra, will be attending the Hornbill festival. He appealed to people to shower their hospitality and magnanimity to visitors to the state.
He also disclosed that members of the Maharastra Chamber of Commerce (MCC) will be arriving to Kohima for the first time for an executive meeting, where Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Dimapur Chamber of Commerce host the event on December 3 or 4.
He requested the state ministers to attend the event as it would be a great event which, he said would promote “a national integration” . The Governor said that in future, more organizations and universities will come to Nagaland to interact with our people.

The Governor also appealed to the two MPs from Nagaland, who are getting annually Rs.5 cr each under PM’s Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, to spend the money for construction of toilets across the state.
He also urged the state’s MPs to adopt one village in ENPO areas under PM’s Gram Yojana, and give full attention so that it would send a message that “we care for them”.

Acharya said not much changes have taken place in ENPO areas in the field of education, health or road sectors in comparison with other districts and so such demands needed attention.

On the prime minister’s scheduled visit to Nagaland, the Governor said schedules kept changing but that as per the latest update, Modi will fly from Imphal to Dimapur on November 30 evening and halt for the night. He said the PM will then travel to Kohima the next day where he is to inaugurate the Hornbill festival on December 1 and depart on the same day.

Acharya condemned incidents of assault on people from north east in Delhi and Bangalore saying “something has to be done”.
In this regard, the Governor informed that he would be writing to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to take strong action and suggested the idea of floating “fellowship link families” for a single person who required guardians.

Acharya said there were 20,000 to 25,000 north east people in Delhi, out of which 60% were students and rest employed in various sectors. He said those people from north east with families in Delhi will be attached with local people (having national outlook) to act as guardians to those living alone, especially women so as to instil confidence against the sense of insecurity.

He said north easterners are an asset who add to the wealth of the country and therefore, they should not be disturbed and likewise the non-locals residing and serving the Nagas in Nagaland should also not be disturbed.

~NagalandPost

Film on Naga music, 'Songs of the Blue Hills' enthrals IFFI 2014 Goa audience

“Songs of the Blue Hills”, a 96-minute documentary film on contemporary and folk music of the Nagas directed by Assamese journalist and filmmaker Utpal Borpujari enthralled a packed audience here at International Film Festival of India here at INOX2, Panaji, Goa on Saturday.
The film was screened along with another interesting documentary film titled “An American in Madras” directed by Karan Bali. The film dealt with the life and times of an American-born filmmaker Ellis R. Dungan’s experience with making Tamil films between1935-50.

However, the day belonged to “Songs of the Blue Hills” by Borpujari as the film skillfully negotiates the variegated music culture of the Nagas and their negotiation with the acquired western musical tastes and forms.

The film has already been screened in various international festivals and had been produced by Girish Joshi for the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), Union Ministry of Culture.



What made the film distinct was the not only the ethnographical description of the sound and music inherent within each of the tribes in Nagaland. While documenting the musical culture, the directors have ably researched the folk forms albeit the emerging trend of folk-fusion successfully experimented by the Nagas. The film also highlights the debate over the notion of preservation and emerging views of the dynamics of the folk form in accommodating and seamlessly fusing with western modern musical forms.

“Songs of the Blue Hills” also brings out the anxiety of the old guards when they truthfully express their views on why the pristine folk form should not be diluted. The film represents the voices of prominent music personalities of the state including veteran Ao folk singers Sademmeren Longkumer and A. Bendangyanger Tsuwar Jamir, Chakhesang folk veteran Zachunu Keyho, classical pianist Nise Meruno and groups like the Tetseo Sisters, the Nagaland Singing Ambassadors, the Chancel Choir, Ru’a, Üsou’s Instrumental, Abiogenesis, Nagagenous, Baptist Youth Choir Poilwa Village and Purple Fusion.

There are also expert views put forth by Lipokmar Tzudir, Gugs Chishi, Theja Meru, Vivee Peseye, Som Kamei, Zubeno Mozhui and Dr Abraham Lotha, all know for contributing their parts in keeping the flames of music alive in Nagaland in ways they think are the right path.

~Nagaland Post

8 Year Old Naga Girl, Lanlan Huileng, Releases Her Debut Gospel Music Album!

At just 8 years old, Lanlan Huileng is probably the youngest girl from North East India to have released a music album. The music album was released on 16 November at Union Baptist Church Ukhrul, Manipur.

The gospel video music album titled ‘Amazing Grace’ is directed by Kangba Lovejoy

Here’s one of the video from the album



Interested person may contact the following nos. to grab a copy of the album!:

1). DELHI – +918447590663/+919891432901/+919560987032

2). MUMBAI – 8286227944/8879898035

3). MANIPUR/NAGALAND – +918119921988/+918413952960

Visit Lanlan Huileng’s facebook page

Narendra Modi wants final solution to Naga imbroglio with 18 months

With his eyes set to have a peaceful Northeast to help expand trade with South Asia, prime minister Narendra Modi has instructed interlocutor R N Ravi to come out with a proposed settlement that could be a final solution to the simmering Naga issue.

Sources said, Ravi, former chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee and ex-special director of Intelligence Bureau, has been asked to try and clinch a solution preferably within a year to 18 months.

Unlike former governments, the emphasis this time is not on a resolution but on a solution which, means the Centre is approaching the issue with a hardened stand of pushing for a settlement on its own terms and putting the onus to accept the proposal on National Socialist Council of Nagalim -- Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM).

Getting rid of the baggage of previous UPA government during which the last interlocutor R S Pandey and before him Ajit Lal had worked hard in shaping up a proposed settlement, new interlocutor Ravi is expected to start the negotiation afresh to find out and lay down a new solution.

In an apparent indication to sound out Centre's tough bargaining policy, Modi has chosen not to meet the NSCN-IM top leaders -- Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah who are camping in Lutyen's Delhi, just a couple of kilometres from Prime Minister's house, for past since mid-September.

This is the first time that the "proud" leaders have waited for so long to meet the PM. The earlier PMs used to give them time rather promptly.

This change also indicates if the Modi government is trying to tell the rebel outfit that the solution would not hinge on a political dialogue but within the given administrative framework which would suggest a drop down for the NSCN-IM, considered to be most formidable in the Northeast.

However, it will also sound out a clear message in general to all the other insurgent outfits in the region that the government's stand would remain tough, sources said.

Modi is expected to discuss the issue with chief ministers of both Nagaland and Manipur during this visit to the Northeast in the end of this month.

A key component of Modi's talk would be how to establish peace between warring Manipur and Naga groups who are demanding autonomy of the state's Naga-dominated hill districts and tackle NSCN-IM that wants integration of the Naga areas under a single administrative umbrella.

Observers within the government say that the tough posturing by the Centre could find answers for a lasting peace in the Northeast that is necessary to take trade with ASEANgroup of countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and PDR Laos etc.

A peaceful northeast can help India reach its aim of increasing the bilateral trade with ASEAN to $ 100 billion by 2015 and to $ 2000 by 2022.

To take the trade to this level and beyond, Manipur can serve as a major gateway fromborder point of Moreh to Myanmar and beyond right up to the doorsteps of ASEAN countries.

"We are looking forward to conclusion of negotiations for an ASEAN-India Transit Transport Agreement by 2015. The Tamu-Kalewa-Kalemyo sector of the India - Myanmar – Thailand trilateral highway project is expected to complete in 2016 and will create a new dynamics of synergy of trade and cultural relations with South Asian countries," said an official of the ministry of external affairs.

Nagaland bags Indira Gandhi National Service Scheme Award 2014

Diezekhonuo from Oriental College, Kohima achieving the Indira Gandhi National Service Scheme (IGNSS) Award 2014 from the President of India on November 19.

Kohima: The National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell, Directorate of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland has produced, Diezekhonuo from Oriental College, Kohima in achieving the Indira Gandhi National Service Scheme (IGNSS) Award 2014.

C. Theyo State Liaison Officer, NSS Kohima in a press release stated that this IGNSS Award was constituted during 1992-93 for giving recognition to the outstanding work done under NSS. The award carries Cash, Citation and a medal received from the President of India on November 19 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

NSS is one of the flagship programmes of the Government of India which aims at development of students’ personality through voluntary community services and to acquire positive social attitude and values.

~MExN

NPMHR to organize peaceful protest on 2nd September

The Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR, Delhi) is organizing a peaceful protest on 2nd September 2014 to;

•Condemn the imposition of Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code and deployment of counter insurgency forces; Manipur Police Commando (MPC) and Indian Reserved Battalion (IRB) in Ukhrul without any justification since the 13th of July 2014

•Condemn the use of high calibre live rounds by the counter insurgency forces against peace rallyist, killing two civilians while injuring more than 35 people on 30th August 2014.

•Demand the revocation of Section 144 CrPC and withdrawal of the Manipur Police Commando (MPC) and Indian Reserved Battalion (IRB) from in and around Ukhrul District, Manipur

•Demand the Government of Manipur to apologize to the people of Ukhrul District, Manipur for its arbitrary actions causing deaths and social trauma.

We seek your support and presence. Please come and be a part of this movement!

Time: 5.30-6.30 PM
Venue: Near Manipur Bhavan, S.P Marg
Dress Code: Black 
RSVP: +91 8802824040, +91 9999228582

Nota bene: We would like to inform that this is purely a voluntary participation and NPMHR will not be providing any conveyance and refreshment.

Faith In Action world champs in Team Aerobic event

Bringing laurels to the country and Nagaland in particular, team Faith In Action emerged as the world champions in the “Team Aerobic Competition” at the World Taekwon-do Hanmadang 2014 from August 21-24 at Pohang City, South Korea. Also in a significant achievement, team FIA was able to break the 40-year old national jinx to win a team event at the International arena.

What was more impressive was that, FIA was the only squad that won medals for India-- 1 gold in team event (Team Aerobic Competition), 1 individual gold (Long Kick), 1 silver medal (Long Kick) and 10 bronze medals.

The 20-member squad of team Faith In Action was among the 38 participants who represented India under the banner of Taekwondo Board of India. Altogether around 4000 participants from 147 countries took part in the competition.

Talking to Nagaland Post, coach-cum-participant of team FIA, Deep Kumar said: “It was a remarkable achievement for FIA. For forty years India was unable to win gold in the team events. And this time, our team (FIA) was able to break that jinx and prove to the world and India that a small state like Nagaland had the potential.”

Deep said: “We also took the opportunity to showcase Naga culture by adding traditional waistcoat with our Taekwondo dress and combining Naga traditional dance during the Team Aerobic competition. The combination made the team unique.” Team FIA expressed gratitude to all those who had supported them through their journey of success.

Deep said that the Faith In Action team was also invited by Grandmaster Lee Jeong Hee, who introduced them to members of the Kukkiwon (world Taekwon-do headquarters) and president Won Sik Kang.

Lee Jeong Hee acknowledged the performance and was particularly impressed and curious about the team combining Naga costume and traditional dance.

Deep said that the grand-master also conveyed his wishes to the people of Nagaland.

It may be mentioned that Faith In Action team has also won various national and regional competitions. They were also among the semi-finalists in the India’s Got Talent 2011.

~Nagaland Post