Reconciliation & Political Outcomes

By ALONG LONGKUMER

Many months back I had interviewed General (Retd) Thenoselie, a former comrade-in -arms of senior leaders like Isak Chishi Swu, SS Khaplang, Th Muivah and General Khole. At that time, the work being done by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) was only beginning to unfold. I remember there was an air of expectancy as well as skepticism in the minds of many ordinary Nagas. The public mood at that time was a mixed one—optimistic with a yearning for a new day and yet cautious, knowing the familiar stories of failure. It was indeed therefore uplifting to listen to the old General and his story of hope, a belief in a better future for the Naga people. But he also knew that time was running out for the likes of Khaplang, Swu, Muivah, Khole and himself. During our conversation I recall uncle Thenoselie appealing perhaps for the last time to his fellow comrades “to reason together” and unite. “We can go to Delhi in one voice. We can achieve our goal once we are united in our purpose”, an upbeat Thenoselie remarked evoking the same spirit of ‘Yes we can’, which helped propel Barack Obama as the first ever African-American to the White House.
At that time, who would have thought that the voice of reason could ever triumph or sanity return and that peace would become a reality. Today, that story of hope is being written in gold letters and every day has become a renewal of the spirit—to heal the wounds of the past and to look to the future with greater confidence. And what is encouraging at this point of time is that the signatories to the covenant of reconciliation (the two NSCNs and FGN) have demonstrated up till now the much needed courage of conviction to work towards this objective—to reason together—keeping in mind the need for unity of purpose to achieve the common goal and a shared future. It should be noted that the current reconciliation process has produced several remarkable outcomes. Some of the positive political outcomes coming out of the reconciliation process are as follows:

•    June 14-15, 2009—Isak Chishi Swu, SS Khaplang, Brig S Singnya sign historic covenant of reconciliation
•    August 25, 2009—Joint Working Group (JWG) comprising of members from the three groups NSCN (IM), NSCN (K) and FGN constituted with main task of facilitating a meeting at the highest level
•    September 10, 2009—Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) of the Khaplang led NSCN Kitovi Zhimomi speaking at a public function in Suruhoto (Zunheboto Dist) clearly mentioning that they have no immediate intentions to start dialogue with the Indian Government till the Nagas unite and speak with one voice
•    September 22-25, 2009—Declaration of Commitment by the NSCNs & FGN groups pledging to cease all forms of offensive activities in Toto.
•    September 27, 2009—Commander-in-Chief of the Naga Army (NSCN-IM) publicly states that Nagas cannot afford another internecine war.
•    September 28, 2009—JWG comprising NSCNs & FGN rejects any form of ‘conditional package offered by the Government of India to the Nagas.

The point wise outcome mentioned above is self explanatory. However the significance of each outcome should not be missed out in understanding the progression of the reconciliation process. First, the historic “Covenant of Reconciliation” jointly signed by Swu, Khaplang and Brig Singnya has really been the pace setter—the buckle or the center piece that holds the reconciliation process together. And the inclusive nature of this covenant is stated in the appeal made to other Naga groups to “join them in reconciling with each other”. Secondly, the formation of the Joint Working Group is I believe the precursor to a future ‘national government’ and a vital piece of ornament in the reconciliation process. The groups must be encouraged to work together on common agendas. Thirdly, the September 10 statement of Kitovi Zhimomi is an important outcome because he was making a significant policy decision that the Khaplang group will not start a dialogue with Delhi till Nagas unite and speak with one voice. This set to rest some amount of confusion and speculation. Next, the image of leaders from various groups—Gen. V S Atem, Azheto Chophy, Zhopra Vero, Somba Chang, Wangtin Naga etc.—holding the common flag would have warmed many a Naga heart. And that this was not mere symbolism alone was demonstrated through the ‘Declaration of Commitment’ by the three groups pledging to cease all forms of offensive activities in Toto. This is definitely a breakthrough.
But what really set things apart though was the September 27 speech of the Commander-n-Chief (Longvibu) of the Naga Army (NSCN-IM) Lt Gen NG Markson VC (on the occasion of National Agony Day). Firstly unlike the recent declarations coming out of the reconciliation process, this one was hardly visible and almost subtle to the point that not many people would have read or understood its significance. The Army General stated point blank that “Nagas cannot afford another internecine war” and send out to fellow comrades the message ‘to reason together’. Should we be reading too much into this? Well for one, it is rare for the military establishment to make such kind of statements. We should in fact look at it as another welcome outcome of the reconciliation process where an Army Chief offers a conciliatory gesture. This is a paradigm shift. It should be welcomed and reciprocated by other groups. And finally the latest most visible political outcome coming out of the reconciliation process is the Naga groups taking a united stand by rejecting any form of ‘conditional package’ offered by the Government of India.  This is indeed a clear indication of the forward movement taking place in the peace and reconciliation process among the Naga national political groups.
In all the political outcomes what is most encouraging is that the JWG comprising of the three erstwhile warring groups have actually started to take their own decision on some very important and substantive issues. This shows the improved trust levels and the fact that the groups are slowly taking ownership of the reconciliation process. All these are healthy signs which need to be further strengthened on the ground, at various levels and across the board by way of taking confidence building measures. As much of goodwill as possible has to be generated to keep the engine of reconciliation running.
And it is for this reason that for the Nagas groups, the next step in the reconciliation process—the proposed meeting at the highest level becomes all the more important because unless the Naga national workers regroup themselves, there is less likelihood of Nagas getting an honorable deal from the Indian State. Not only this, any delay in coming together will allow vested interest elements to try and fill in the power vacuum which will lead to further division and mutual suspicion among the Nagas. Further if Nagas want to avoid falling into the familiar bait of the so called ‘packages’ and financial largesse, which can easily distract and blind us, then wisdom demands that the Naga national groups come together quickly and take control of the political process. This will ensure that the peace process is not hijacked by circumstances like it happened in the case of the 16-Point Agreement. It will be worthwhile to mention here of my earlier conversation with General Thenoselie who was struck by the fact that it was the State politicians and leaders who manipulated their way into bargaining peace deals with Delhi although it was the national workers who had all along kept afloat the “national struggle” or “freedom movement”.
As for the Common Naga Platform (CNP), it is unfortunate that the good intention of initiating such a platform has run into opposition especially from the Naga groups. This is not surprising because in the first place the basic objective of the CNP was itself a flawed one. There is nothing wrong in bringing together ‘Naga over-ground groups’ as envisioned by the CNP. But there is something unacceptable about the objective, “negotiating with one Naga voice with India”. It is obvious that negotiation is best left to the Naga political groups. There is no need for the CNP to be so ambitious to claim a role for itself which as a matter of fact it should not get into. For several decades now successive State governments and the Naga civil society groups have acted as facilitators to the peace process. And this has continued to be acknowledged as a matter of policy even by the present Chief Minister who has in fact assured time and again (as did the former Chief Ministers) that the State government will pave way for a new political dispensation. This being the stated position of the past and current state leadership, cutting across party lines, it was therefore misplaced on the part of the CNP to actually assign to itself the role of negotiation which is best left to the national workers. But it also means that the Naga factions must regroup themselves without further delay in order to take up its assigned role in the Indo-Naga peace process.
There is a need for synergy among all the different players that make up Naga civil society and polity. It also lends to reason that we have to take a step by step approach. Goals have to be prioritized accordingly. In that sense one should not discount the CNP. Its time and role will come at a later stage. But for now our priority should be reconciliation of the Naga factions. And the crucial role of bringing together the warring groups is being undertaken by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR). Its job is not complete. Bringing in the CNP at this juncture is akin to putting the cart before the horse. Let the factions reconcile and come to some form of meeting point first. Once this is done, the FNR will have to naturally move into the background and allow the Naga national groups to come to the fore and negotiate with one voice before the Government of India. The important role of the CNP will come in at this juncture when all out support of the Naga public will be required to push the case for an honorable political settlement acceptable to all Nagas. The point is, let us follow a systematic approach. For the moment let us nurture the ongoing Naga reconciliation process and encourage more political outcomes to emerge out of this process. The rest will follow in its own time. We need to remain patient.

(The above article is purely a personal analysis of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinion of this newspaper) Morung express

Why was Mr. Khathing not awarded the same treatment?

 A Naga International Support Center, NISC, www.nagalim.nl

A human rights organization

Amsterdam, May 29 2009

 The Naga International Support Center, NISC, deplores Hopeson’s (NSCN) murder of Meitei officials and Khathing’s execution for being a warned traitor  

 Specializing in the rights of the Naga Peoples the Naga International Support Center is a human rights organization. NISC, founded to defend and highlight the rights of the Nagas internationally, supports the Naga Peoples in their just quest for self determination. As they know them well, Naga organizations are expected to live by them.

 Considering the many threats to their long struggle, not only against oppressors who deny them their rights but also against opportunists who do not stop at killing innocent people as well as leaders, the Nagas who defend the nation and the rights of the Naga People are pushed to their limits. While the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, NSCN, negotiates with the Government of India an honorable settlement to this overdue conflict, they have to take the pressure and the tactics to split the Nagas. Taking this into account NISC understands the strain, the bitterness the NSCN leaders experience. Still, when at peril and the going gets really tough, the defender of the people’s rights, the NSCN as the representative body, should set the example. But, the NSCN’s execution of Khathing fails that as the NSCN fails to live up to its own standards. Unfortunately it shows it can act like the Government of India does with the dreaded Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

 Understandably the people of a nation, under siege for six decades and on ceasefire for over twelve years, feel cornered when money talks and weapons speak. And, extended ceasefire, with soldiers training in camps but with nothing much else to do, make discipline fade away. When opportunists then quickly profit from the cracks forged by Naga adversaries, who grow in numbers, it is a a formidable, almost insurmountable task  to keep the ranks closed.

 Considering that process, does this mean the Naga customary rights system of justice collapsed?

No, because it is laudable that Hopeson of the NSCN, responsible for murdering officials in Manipur, was taken into the custody of the NSCN. After confession the NSCN investigated to collect evidence for a court of justice which on the basis sentenced him.

 But why was Mr. Khathing not awarded the same treatment? Why was he awarded the death penalty without public prosecution instead? Were accusations of Khathing being a traitor and murderer enough to warrant capital punishment?

 Yes, because according to the NSCN Mr. Khathing was a treacherous person. The people and the NSCN were never against him even though he was given many times many clues to correct his ways, his behavior and to understand the desire of his people. Years ago, a decade, before he defected he worked all out for his people and the NSCN trusted him to deal with the Indian leaders. But after this he changed and began to speak and act against the NSCN and openly stated he was against the organization who seeks solution outside Indian constitution. His motives with evil intentions did not end there. If he had just spoken what he believed in, the NSCN would have left him alone. But, he went further and collaborated with the enemy and other traitors and went as far as attacking and killing his own people. The NSCN questioned him: “Who is Khathing to judge his people and decide for them as he shouts from the military camp of the enemy and in the process betrays his own wife, children and the Nagas. Are we to be dependent on his mercy? Khathing is responsible for killing his own people; in the hands of the enemy his own relative among them, they were treated worse than animals. Khathing betrayed and killed his own people and we question;  is that not against the human rights? Who is to judge that killing a traitor is against human rights? Khathing violated the human rights of the Nagas!  The NSCN is bitter about those who don’t mind betraying their own, those who have no regard for sacrifice of life. The NSCN, now or in the future, will not allow people like Khathing to mislead or misguide our own people. The NSCN with our people stands and fight for our just cause, till the end!

No because according to NISC Mr. Khathing may have been guilty on all accounts put forward by the NSCN, accounts like siding with forces of the Government of India, standing with the Meiteis for the integrity of the state of Manipur, or worse for purchasing weapons to fight against the sovereignty of the Naga People, but just like Hopeson should have been arrested, charged and brought before a court of justice, a Naga Customary Rights Court. Why?

Because, apart from raising suspicion that the NSCN took the law into its own hands and hands down capital punishment at will, killing him outright, apprehending to publicly prosecute him would expose not only himself but also all concerned who collaborated with him; those who were involved. Handing Khathing over to the Ministry of Justice of the Government of Nagalim consequently the NSCN would have achieved clarity and credibility. The majority of Nagas are Christian and capital punishment is the opposite of turning ‘the other cheek’. Thou shall not kill!

Any government acts on behalf of its people and is accountable to the people. Justice for all is the foundation of a true nation and the Government of Nagalim is no exception to that. Consequently severe punishment for selling out the rights of the Nagas and violently turning against his own yes,

Capital punishment no.

 The Naga International Support Center in recognizing the immense and growing difficulties the NSCN is facing and has to deal with, calls on the wisdom of the leaders to be the example of the Naga People, to live by what it professes and to show the world that in the heat of pressure it does not deter it from its just cause.

 For more information visit our website www.nagalim.nl or email nisc@nagalim.nl

NSCN (I-M) convicts ‘Lt. Col’ Hopeson (NPn)

DIMAPUR,   “General Court Martial” (GCM) of the NSCN (I-M) after thorough hearing of the murder case of Dr.Kishan and his driver Aribam Rajen and an official Y.Token, who were killed February 17 near Senapati, has convicted ‘Lt.Colonel’ Hopeson Ningshen, the then “Commanding officer” of Kiusumong Battalion Naga Army posted in Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR).

The NSCN (I-M) through a statement issued by its MIP Thursday said that as per Naga Army Act of Rules and Regulation (NAARR) 2002 “Lt.Colonel” Hopeson Ningshen bearing Army No. ST-28014, was convicted guilty of abduction, illegal detention and ultimate murder of Dr.Kishan and his two associate Aribam Rajen and Y.Token under Article 70 Clause 3, Sub Clause V Article 76 Clause ii of NAARR. The MIP release further said that GCM was satisfied to terminate “Lt.Colonel” Hopeson Ningshen with immediate effect from the service of the Naga Army.

The GCM has also dismissed all his services rendered to the Nation, including all military decoration and ranks awarded to him has been stripped off, it stated.
Further, the MIP informed that he would undergo rigorous imprisonment for seven years starting from the day he was arrested.

Beside he would also have to pay a fine of Rs. 50,000 to the GPRN. In default of which he shall undergo simple imprisonment for another one year six months, MIP/GPRN added.

 

Why issue charge sheet after killing?

A charge sheet dated 9/4/09 against my father, late J. Khating had been delivered to the family members by a messenger of GPRN after 15 days of execution. In true sense and correct definition, a charge sheet is to be issued for a trial, to a person who is alive, so that he can defend himself against the allegations either false or true, to surrender or to plead, to persecute or to forgive in the final judgment.. However, being the son of the deceased, I am compelled to give my views on my father’s political thoughts and activities. My father’s personal versions in response will be different if he had been given a chance to survive.

Had my father taken the course against the national interest, security and political rights of the Nagas, why the soldiers of Nagalim for Christ had masked their faces, chosen a dark night for awarding punishment? A nation’s heroes should be vice-versa. To kill an aged man, 72 years old, with masked face and in the dark night is not digestive and impressed created and blurred. And why the hand of the eliminator could not write the words charge sheet before execution to keep away the family members and public from confusions? Was it an intention or a strategy to shroud the murder of my father? When I enquired many high ranking officials and seniors of NSCN-IM about its responsibility of the incident, I got negative response from every quarter. But, why today, the GPRN (IM) has taken responsibility for the killing? Doesn’t it mean that every NSCN-IM is empowered arbitrarily or given license to kill according to his own wish? Or else, is GPRN a government without a system of governing body? It indicates that someone with hidden agenda, vested interest and personal grudges against my father did mastermind and conspire the killing.

My father is also alleged to have leaked very secret and confidential matters of NSCN to the enemy. Who are your enemies? I would like to know the details of leakage by my father.

Every individual has the right to have his own political ideology, principle and convictions and my father too had. No doubt, my father was a very outspoken person. He believed that participation in Indian election during cease fire (peace process) by NSCN is a political suicide for the Nagas as Indian Govt. is always trying to lay traps and hypnotize the Nagas with temporal power and wealth. He also did not believe the principle of Non-Stop Cease Fire notion (NSCN). He felt that Indian Govt. is taking advantage of ‘longer period, lesser security, more talks more mistakes’. But all his convictions, sacrifices and contributions towards the Naga movement had fallen into pits of adversities because he had no gun power and money power in his hand. He always disagree the NSCN’s principle of refusing to accept the Constitution of India, but contradictorily, participating in the Indian Govt. elections which are held within the Constitution of India. He took it as a contradiction of political ideology and principle of NSCN-IM.. It shows losing of revolutionary spirit and the concept of sovereignty. So, he openly opposed the NSCN-sponsored candidates in every election. Here cropped up a question of my father’s killing just on the eve of MP Election. He is wrong and fit to be awarded with befitting penalty, if all these concepts of my father are anti-Naga and anti-revolutionary for the Naga people.

None of the family members were aware of the repeated warnings served to my father as claimed by the GPRN. Even at his last juncture of life, he pleaded even to his killers – “What wrong have I done? Let us reason together” but he was given no time to do so.

Let us know the truth from any organization if my father had any collaboration with any outfit, i.e. anti-Naga and anti-NSCN. Let the whole world know the truth about the capital punishment awarded to my father if any organization can justify his collaboration with anti-Naga and anti-NSCN.

I wish the blood of my father will bring everlasting peace and permanent solution to the Indo-Naga problem. Every drop of his blood has the right to claim for the peace he had sacrificed and contributed. He died fighting for his political ideology and conviction and they killed him for a nation’s goal. God is always with us to answer the right judgment and every Naga has the right to have their own conclusion in their hearts and mind.

J.P. Temper

S/o Late J. Kathing

Phalee Village

Ukhrul Dist. Manipur

The Naga: Clash of Ideology and Principle (Part I)

The ideologies and principles of the Nagas are simple even today. However one needs to understand the historical background and ethos of the Nagas before one goes to scrutinise the present clash of ideology and principle. The main ideology and principle during headhunting was to bring prosperity for the village (society) and to be a man of integrity with high dignity. But today do we have the same ideology and principle to bring prosperity and to be a man of integrity with high dignity?

With great optimism and zeal – the Naga Club was formed in 1918, which was later re-christened to Naga National Council (NNC) in 1946. In Naga political history, the first clash of ideology and principle was observed in 1956 when there was clash of ideology and principle between Phizo and his colleague late Sakhrie, who believed in non-violence – adopting the principle of Mahatma Gandhi. On January 18, 1956, Sakhrie (former General Secretary of the NNC – who resigned from NNC for its extreme and violent means) was assassinated for alleged co-operating with the Indian Government and anti-NNC activities. “Many others who openly opposed the movement also met with the same fate” (Alemchiba: 1970).

The NNC wants complete Independence from India however some of the Naga leaders have different ideology and principle to solve the Naga problems; they want to solve the problem by creating Nagaland a new State and accepting the constitution of India, which clashed the ideology of the NNC. 5years after Sakhrie’s was assassinated, on 20^th August 1961, Imkongliba Ao was assassinated and Dr. Imkongmeren, the architect of the NPC and formation of Nagaland State was assassinated on 22^nd Aug. 1961 by the underground Nagas since it clashed the main ideology and principle of the NNC to have sovereign Naga Nation. Seemingly then, the NNC want to liquidate all the people who ever compromised from its main agenda of complete independence from India. “According to him (Phizo) the Naga People’s Convention was no more than a ‘puppet assembly’. The people will accept neither the Indian ‘bribe’ of statehood no India’s offer of ‘internal autonomy’ as something to be eulogized. It is only a means of conceal her (India’s) heinous crime against humanity” (Daili-Mao 1992:75). In the process of struggling to have Nagas right to self-determination, many precious Naga lives had been lost but the Nagaland becoming a State under the constitution of India in 1962 may be a great success according to the Naga People Convention as seemingly there is more peace and unity restored in Nagaland State. But according to the NNC and Naga people as a whole, it was indeed a stumbling block to the Naga National Movement (NNM).

The violence and hostilities continued even after the creation of Nagaland state, and the Nagaland Baptist Church leaders felt the exigency to restore peace and the Peace Mission was thus formed on February 24, 1964 which later steered the Indian State and the Federal Government of Nagaland to declare the bilateral ceasefire on 6^th September 1964. There were six rounds of talks in Delhi from February 1966 to October 1967 but those talks borne fruitless. In June 1967, R. Suisa and Vizol – the two Naga respected elders went to London and met Phizo, then the President of NNC and brought the news that he was not willing to participate in Indo-Naga peace talks. With this news, there were two group formed as pro-Phizo and anti-Phizo (Sema group). On June 22, 1967 the General Kaito Sema, the former commander-in-chief of Naga Federal Army organised his own force. His brother Khughato Sukhai also resigned from the Prime Ministership (Ato Kilonser) of the Federal Government on October 24, 1967 as he lost the confidence of his colleagues for not being able to bring any fruitful solution even after six rounds of Indo-Naga peace talks. He also joined in revolutionary group with his brother Kaito Sema but was assassinated on August 3, 1968 by suspected Naga Federal Armies. On 1^st November 1968 anti-Phizo groups with other nine tribes formed the Council of Naga People (CNP) and unanimously elected Kughato Sukhai as the President. The following day, the CNP declared the formation of the Revolutionary Government of Nagaland (RGN) and Mr. Scato Swu – the former President of FGN was elected as the Prime Minister of RGN. “The main objectives of the new party were among others, for the integrity of Nagaland, peaceful solution of the Naga political problem, and peaceful coexistence.” (R.Vashum 2000:91). However the FGN and NNC alleged and accused them as ‘renegades and traitor’ who worked with the Indian security forces. The objectives or ideology and principle of the RGN seem to be provoking but the splendour of RGN shattered in a short span when about 1500 men surrendered at Zunheboto to the Government of India on August 16, 1973 under the leadership of General Zuheto and Zekiyhe. General Zuheto was given rank of BSF Commander and Zekiyhe as Deputy Commander, and Scato Swu was nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha. The clash of RGN and FGN ideology and principle also came to end but the division created in Naga underground was a great impediment to the NNM.

The Shillong Accord, in 1975, termed the most gullible act of the NNC, was another great stumbling block to the NNM, which showed another clash of principle of the Naga leaders. Under the leadership of Kevi Yallay, the younger brother of Phizo and other four members came to accord with the Indian government –L.P. Singh representing the Indian government. Some of the NNC members in Peace Camp (PC) were still waiting for peace and promise from Indian government. The people in PC may be remorsed for trusting the Indian government but the fruit of their gullible, had to be reaped.

The Shillong Accord precisely revealed the clash of principle, which earlier the NNC was deadly against such kind of ideology and principle. According to earlier ideology and principle of the NNC, all those members in Shillong Accord were supposed to be assassinated. However there seemed a trivial amendment in their principle of assassinating those who went against their ideology and principle and those who rebelled on Shillong Accord took different ideology and principle (perspective) and formed their own group. Through this accord, the accordists lost their vision and main ideology and principle of the NNC by accepting the petty promises given by the Indian government. The rebel group under the leadership of Th. Muivah condemned the Shillong Accordists as a traitor, and formed the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN); Isak Chishi Swu became the Chairman, S.S. Khaplang and Muivah remained the Vice Chaiman and General Secretary. However the glories of NSCN ruptured shortly when he NSCN was split into two groups as NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) on 30^th April 1988.

The main ideology and principle of the NNC was not to compromise with India government and accept the constitution of India for solving the Naga political problem and the same ideology and principle was passed to NSCN. However due to lack of communication and misunderstanding between the Naga leaders, the NSCN was split after a bloody spurge led by S.S. Khaplang who accused Muivah and Isak Swu to co-operating with the Indian government and of moving towards a settlement within the Indian Union. From the view point of S.S. Khaplang, it may be a genuine act as it went against the ideology and principle of the NSCN. However carrying out such a barbarous act without further communicating with other leaders was indeed regrettable. Many precious Naga leaders were assassinated since 1956 due to their misconception of killing, lack of communication and understanding among the leaders. If our Naga leaders adopt the principle of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology and principle of non-violence, today we may be in different phase (better situation) in Naga National Movement. After nine years of NSCN split, the Indian government had taken into confidence with the NSCN-IM and the ceasefire was declared in 1997 between the government of Indian and the NSCN-IM to have the Indo-Naga political talks. The NSCN-IM having Indo-Naga talks with Indian government – at the Prime Minister level without any condition solved the earlier misconception and accused by S.S. Khaplang. Today the NSCN-IM is having unlimited ceasefire with the government of India and the Indo-Naga peace talks seem going on in right direction. However some people may be sceptical about the present Indo-Naga peace talks.

Today the Nagas are in cross-roads in different aspects with clash of ideology and principle. The NSCN lead by Tangkhul and Sumi became the most talks in Nagalim from 1988-2000 but the progress and the glory of their leadership seem vanishing after 2000 AD due to lack of transparency and mobilising power. There were also many fratricidal and other problems encountered by the Naga people during this period. The formation of NSCN-U in November 2007, under the leadership of Azheto Chophy and Kedolu is another clash of ideology and principle of the Naga leaders even though it was alleged to be ignited by an Indian army officer. Today the NNC, NSCN-IM, NSCN-K and NSCN-U have their own ideologies and principles; some of their ideologies and principles are appreciable but some may be unfeasible. After the formation of NSCN-U, it becomes a hot talk in Nagalim and around the world and we may need to ponder on the ideology and principle of the NSCN-IM and NSCM-U, which seem to have different ideologies and principle when it comes to unification and allotment of different posts. When we talk about the clash of ideology and principle, we also need to observe the different ideologies and principles – which are applied by different insurgent groups. Today the Naga civil leaders and Naga people may need to study the different ideologies and principles of different factions and support the faction, which will bring peace, development, prosperity, unity and reconciliation in Nagalim without compromising the dreams and aspirations of the Naga people. (To be contd.)

-         Dr. Thohe Pou

THE STANDING STRUCTURE OF THE GPRN AFTER THE RESHUFFLE

THE STANDING STRUCTURE OF THE GPRN AFTER THE RESHUFFLE

*COLLECTIVE LEADERS:* *SL*    *NAME*                                            *POSITION*                                        *REMARK* *01*    *Isak Chishi Swu*                        *Yaruiwo (President)* *02    *Khodao Yanthan*                        *Woshino** (Vice President)*                * * *03*    *Th. Muivah*                                    *Ato Kilonser (PM)* *   LIST OF STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS:* *SL*    *NAME*                                                *POSITION*            *REMARK* 01    Qhevihe Chishi Swu                                Convener 02    Rh. Raising                                                Secretary 03    Lt. Gen(Retd)V.S.   Atem                            Emissary,  CLS 04    Avuli Chishi Swu                                        Member 05    Maj.Gen(Retd) R.V. Shangam                    Member 06    Pamyola Vashum                                        Member 07    T.S. Thumpa                                                    Member 08    Maj.(Retd) K. Losii                                        Member             Reshuffled 09    Zarsie Nyuthe                                                Member 10    Angnaikham Makunga                                Member 11    V. Horam                                                        Member 12    A.K. Lungalang                                            Member     Reshuffled 13    Dr. N. Sonba                                                Member 14    Tokim Tikhir                                                Member 15    M.K. Panmei                                                Member 16    Z.D. Bon                                                        Member 17    D.T. Lincoln                                                   Member 18    Mhonsao Kikon                                             Member 19    M. Veniizo Zholia                                           Member 20    Toshalie kath                                                Member 21    Ashiho                                                            Member        Reshuffled 22    R.L.Kinghen                                                Member        Reshuffled 23    Lt. col (Retd.) Victor                                    Member 24    Brig. (Retd) Tushangchu                            Member        Newly inducted *     Tatar Hoho (Parliament):* 1    Tongmeth Wungnao                                    Speaker         Reshuffled 2    Yevito Zhimo                                                Dy. Speaker    Newly inducted        * * *    * *  Kilo Ministry:* 1    *Kedutsu Tsuzu*                                        *Kilonser* 2    P. Tsichomong                                            Dy. Kilonser        Reshuffled 3    Lalminlien Serto                                            Dy. Kilonser 4    Kihoi Swu                                                    Dy. Kilonser        Newly inducted 5    Chollan Chang                                            Dy. Kilonser 6    A.     Ngasathing                                            Dy. Kilonser 7    V. Makritsu                                                    Dy. Kilonser 8    R.T. Tsanglao                                                Dy. Kilonser 9    Alam Konyak                                                Dy. Kilonser 10    Hriipuni                                                        Dy. Kilonser.        Newly inducted 11    Arep Jamir                                                    Dy. Kilonser *     Chaplee Ministry: * 1    *Johny Dilbung*                                                    *Kilonser*    Reshuffled 2    Reisang Zimik                                                        Dy. Kilonser    Reshuffled 3    Limachuba                                                            Dy. Kilonser 4    Hukavi Yeptho                                                        Dy. Kilonser 5    Meyong Phom                                                        Dy. Kilonser 6    D. Stephen                                                            Dy. Kilonser    Reshuffled 7    Zenietou Angami                                                    Dy. Kilonser    Newly inducted 8    Khamba Maram                                                    Dy. Kilonser    Reshuffled * * *     Forest, Environment and Minerals Ministry: * 1    *Q. Tuccu*                                                            *Kilonser*        * * 2    W. Shimray                                                            Dy. Kilonser    Reshuffled 3    R.K. Rinthim                                                        Dy. Kilonser    Reshuffled 4    Moses                                                                    Dy. Kilonser    Newly inducted 5    Kihoto Yeptho                                                        Dy. Kilonser    Newly inducted 6    Bendang Aier                                                        Dy.Kilonser    Newly inducted * * *    * * Keya Ministry: * 1 2.    Lt. Col.(Retd) Kaphungwon                                Dy. Kilonser 3    Maj(retd) Thangpong                                            Dy. Kilonser    Newly inducted 4    Maj.(Retd)  K. Mero                                                Dy. Kilonser 5    Zhehoto Awomi                                                        Dy. Kilonser    Newly inducted 6    Khoshalie Angami                                                Dy. Kilonser    Newly inducted * * *     Ministry of  Information and Publicity: * 1    *Vikiye*                                                                   *Kilonser*    Reshuffled and upgraded 2    Chipenthung                                                        Dy. Kilonser 3    Sangti Konyak                                                        Dy. Kilonser 4    P.S. Shimray Kedu                                                Dy. Kilonser    Newly inducted *War Victims’ Welfare Affairs Ministry * * * 1    *Yanger Pongener*                                                *Kilonser*        * * 2    Ramthing Jajo                                                        Dy. Kilonser    Newly inducted 3    Maj.(Retd) Shelly                                                    Dy. Kilonser    Newly inducted 4    Lt.Col.(Retd)Megosede                                        Dy. Kilonser    Newly inducted *   Arts, Culture and Tourism Ministry* 1    * Kraibo Chawang*                                            *Kilonser*    Reshuffled and upgraded 2    Zevitho Kajiri                                                            Dy. Kilonser 3    Robin Ezung                                                            Dy. Kilonser    Reshuffled * Education Ministry: * 1    B.C. Ezung                                                        Kilonser        Reshuffled and upgraded 2    Lt.Col(Retd) Ng. Raman                                Dy. Kilonser 3    Worthingla Lim                                                Dy. Kilonser 4    Koningam                                                        Dy. Kilonser    Reshuffled *     Lota and Horticulture Ministry: * 1    *T.T. Among*                                                *Kilonser*    * * 2    Akhaun Rongmei                                        Dy. Kilonser 3    Kasinga Khing                                            Dy. Kilonser    Newly inducted 4    Rema Pongener                                        Dy. Kilonser    Newly inducted *     Ministry of Religious Affairs: * 1    *Vaison Vemai*                                            *Kilonser*    * * 2    Dr. P. Mor                                                        Dy. Kilonser. 3    Maj.(Retd) Medar                                            Dy. Kilonser    Newly inducted *KILONSER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO:* 01    K.P. Kuray                                                KWP        Reshuffled 02    L.David                                                    Dy. KWP *    National Judiciary Board: : * 1    Imtiramok                                                Convener    Reshuffled 2    W.A. Varch Khamrang                            Member 3    Nietsolo Venuh                                        Member 4    Lorho                                                        Member 5    T.K. Giant                                                    Member 6    Tsezu Pozar                                                Member 7    T. Kithan                                                        Member 8    Khetoi Awomi                                            Member        Newly inducted 9    Brig(Retd) Daiguang                                Member        Newly inducted 10    Mr. Y. Wungkhai                                        Member        Newly inducted (source: NSCN Official site)

The real evidence of Naga Independence

 As per the Leangyu village resolution adopted in the August 14, 1954, some more than five hundred strong warriors gathered at Y. Anner Village and voted with voice vote to M- Lakhum Yimchunger to be the war leader. Therefore, all the scholars, educationist, historians, journalists, tribal elders, Reverends, Pastors, Churches, Associations, Naga Hoho, Beaucrates, Human rights, Tribal elders and all the elders of the state of Nagaland should wisely open your eyes and be clarified there of. As per the resolution adopted as stated above, the freedom for Naga Independence was not started in the form of society or union or n nay false allegation, but it I through the conscious of war Elders that it was formed for the Naga Independence through the bloodshed so, why are the people of Nagas treading in the wrong direction? 1. The first NNC meeting was held on July 25 1954 at Tuensang Town. In the meeting the important discussion was resolved to collect the NNC fund in which the collectors in-charge was given to M. Lakhum Yimchunger under Yimchunger Region to mobilize fund rising, and as per meeting resolution, the fund was collected from twenty three villages. The amount was handed to Imkongmeren Ao, Vice President NNC on July 31, 1954. Only the NNC officially set up and free Naga in the Tuensang Area declared the “Sovereign Republic Free Land Country” on September 9154. 2. In the second round, A.Z. Phizo’s intervention to the Yimchunger Land reached on August 8, 1954, he crossed through the Huker village to Shiponger village and rested overnight, the next day he proceeded to Sangmutong village and took rest overnight thee too after where he proceeded to Leangnyu village, there he called for NNC meeting on August 1954, where all Tuensang Free Area respective authorities had gathered at the Leangnyu village. In the meeting many important discussions and resolutions were made. But the most important issue was that A.Z.Phizo appealed to the Tuensang Regional Authorities. He said that Kohima and Mokokchung areas are under the clip of Assam state, for which, he said, Tuensang is Free Area and “they (you) should move the Naga Independent movement, we ask to be taken under ‘unclipped Wings’ “. And led by your warriors, we will be free from India tyranny. He repeatedly said, open the gate for (Kohima and Mokokchung) because Tuensang is only free to do any cause.

source: MExN

M. Lakhum Yimchunger, Lord- Com- President, Naga National Council, Bloodshed No. 1