‘Financial Package Will Not Solve The Nagaland Problem’

‘Financial package will not solve the Nagaland problem’

A decade-long ceasefire hasn’t solved anything. NSCN(K) members tell AVALOK LANGER that the Indian government has failed to broker peace because it is yet to understand the aspirations of the people

In 1980, disputes over the Shillong Accord saw Isak Chisi Swu, Thuingaleng Muivah and SS Khaplang break away from the Naga National Council, which was fighting for Naga sovereignty, to form the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). However, the unity among the trio didn’t last for long and eight years later, the outfit spilt into two. With the real reasons for the split known only to the big three, Nagaland was divided between the factions. With neither group ready to change its name, the media dubbed them NSCN (Isak Muivah) and NSCN (Khaplang) to put an end to the confusion. Though the debate as to who is the real deal rages on, the media-assigned suffix will have to do for now.

In a frank chat at a police guesthouse on the outskirts of Dimapur, Ceasefire Supervising Board (CFSB) supervisor Wangtin Naga, secretary Kideon V Zhimomi, and Kilonsers (ministers of the NSCN(K) parallel government) C Singsong Kuki and Jack Jimomi explained the ambitions of the organisation. Excerpts from the interview:

What motivates you? Is it Naga sovereignty?
KUKI The situation in Nagaland is a case of invasion. Like the US invaded Iraq and Afghanistan, we were invaded by India. We are fighting for our historical sovereignty. We are fighting to bring all Nagas under one administrative umbrella. On one front, we want to consolidate all Naga-dominated areas of India (Nagaland and the Naga majority districts of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh) and simultaneously, we are trying to bring the Nagas of Myanmar under this umbrella (Northern Myanmar is Naga dominated) to create a Naga homeland.

Why do you have a socialist tag in your outfit’s name? Does it have anything to do with Chinese support or communism?
The socialism we are talking about refers to the role played by the people in a traditional Naga society. Historically, the Nagas have followed a form of direct democracy where all decisions are taken collectively through a vote; the power is with the people. The ‘socialist’ in our name has nothing to do with communism; it is based on the collective decision-making of the Nagas. (Even today, decisions are taken through organisations such as the Naga Hohos and village councils).

How does your organisation generate funds?
NAGA As a government of the people, we collect taxes. We collect house tax, we tax government employees (15-25 percent of their salaries), we generally collect 2-3 percent from contractors per project, but never more than 5 percent, and of course, we receive donations. Everyone identifies with the cause. They know what we are fighting for and they have no qualms about making voluntary contributions.

I have heard many stories of extortion. Does that happen?
KUKI In a family, there is always some black sheep. Our government has not issued any such directive that allows extortion. It is done at an individual level.

Do you undertake any developmental work?
NAGA The international border with Myanmar has been arbitrarily created. It divides the Nagas and therefore the situation on either side of the border is drastically different. The Burmese Nagas are very backward; they have no water, no electricity, no government machinery to look after them. It is the NSCN(K) that looks after their welfare, their education, the church and their medical treatment. It is our soldiers who interact with them directly and look after their basic needs.

Civilian lives (From left): Jack Jimomi, Kideon Zhimomi, Wangtin Naga and Singsong Kuki

PHOTO: AVALOK LANGER

Are you able to cross into Myanmar easily?
It is an open border and we are able to move across freely (Rumour has it that the NSCN(K) controls the Naga section of Myanmar and not the Burmese government).

Many say that reconciliation between the factions is imperative. The ceasefire with India has been there for 13 years but the people are caught between warring factions.
NAGA When a husband and wife are not on good terms, it is always the children who suffer. Though the atmosphere of the 18 September meeting of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation was positive, reconciliation is only possible if the groups understand the meaning of it and realise that no one group represents the people. The Nagas have changed a lot. Today, we are aware and educated, and the people can no longer be taken for granted. Leaders need to be sincere and stop using reconciliation as a tool to gain political mileage. Reconciliation is about leaders coming together and giving up their authority to the will of the people. No one is superior or inferior. The process has to be inclusive. Otherwise, we won’t be able to move forward.

‘Factional leaders need to be sincere and stop using reconciliation as a tool to gain political mileage. No one leader is inferior or superior’

What is the best solution for the Naga issue?
KUKI Let us not talk about a solution at this juncture. The aspirations of the Nagas are well known. A solution is possible only if the Indian government is interested in understanding the heart, mind and soul of the Naga people, rather than imposing a solution on us. They need to look at the issue from up close, recognise and understand the ambitions of the Nagas before coming to the discussion table. Why can’t they discuss sovereignty? What is the big deal in discussing this? Is the Indian government so insecure? Simply offering a (financial) package is not a solution.

The movement has been out of the jungles for 10 years. As development slowly creeps into Nagaland, do you feel that your cadres will return to the forests if the ceasefire is lifted?
JIMOMI The issue of Naga identity and sovereignty predates the idea of development. If the present peace process with the Indian government fails and they lift the ceasefire, all 100 percent of the cadres won’t return to the jungle. The support is there and slowly we will grow and become even more powerful.

If you don’t mind me asking, I am sitting here in a police guesthouse talking to four underground members. How is it possible?
NAGA Well, basically right now, we are under ceasefire and being the CFSB supervisor, I have access to the guesthouse and therefore we can meet here. But, do you think that there is any real difference between us and the police? It is just that they can’t point their guns at India, but their aspirations are the same.

via Tehelka.com

Iron-Fisted And Female, Boxing Breaks Through

Guangzhou, Nov 13 : MC Mary Kom is a five-time world champion, a mother of two with a single burning ambition – to become one of the first Asian Games champions in women's boxing.

After being added to the programme for the 2012 London Olympics, women's boxing makes its Games debut in Guangzhou with three titles up for grabs, in flyweight (48-51kg), lightweight (56-60kg) and middleweight (69-75kg).

"This is a very big opportunity for me. A gold medal here will keep my motivation level high for the London Olympics in 2012," said the 27-year-old fighter.

It's been a tough road to the top for Kom, known as “Magnificent Mary” in India.

The daughter of poor farmers, she grew up in the north-east of India, next to the border with Myanmar where her parents still endure back-breaking work on the fields.

A fan of actor Jackie Chan, Kom gravitated towards boxing and used her natural strength to good effect, a legacy of her chores of chopping wood or making charcoal to help her family make ends meet in her troubled region.

"She never told us she'd taken up boxing," her father Tonpa told the BBC from the family home in Kangathei, a village in Manipur state.

"We only found out when we read in the papers of her success in a local competition.

"In fact, I didn't really want to encourage her to become a sportsperson because I thought it would cost a lot of money, more than we could afford."

Kom's fierce determination to succeed quickly killed off any suggestions she should retire after giving birth to twins.

"I can’t imagine life without boxing. I always knew I would come back and I am planning to continue as long as my body permits me," she said recently.

Boxing academy

Kom has also been trying to divert youngsters into the sport in her home region by setting up a boxing academy.

"I want to be able to provide things for the children, provide them with the equipment," said Kom.

"At the academy I try and provide a family background. I want to help out."

Chinese women picked up one gold, three silvers and three bronzes at the recent world championships in Barbados and will start as heavy favourites to dominate here.

In the flyweight final in the Caribbean, Ren Cancan made Chinese history, becoming the nation's first two-time women's world champion.

What is The Army Doing in Manipur?

By Oishik Sircar

FILM: TALES FROM THE MARGINS
DIRECTOR: KAVITA JOSHI

PROTEST AGAINST State repression took on a new meaning in independent India when Irom Sharmila went on a fast-unto-death on 4 November 2000 to protest against the army brutalities in Manipur, made legitimate by the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Her decision to use her body as the means to register protest was inspired by an incident in Malom, when in response to a bombing of a military convoy by insurgents, the army shot dead 10 civilians. Sharmila was arrested on charges of attempted suicide and has since remained in custody, being force-fed through artificial means.

Long wait for justice Irom Sharmila has been on a fast-unto-death for more than a decade

PHOTO: KAVITA JOSHI

The poetic frames in the film capture Sharmila’s moments of anguish and determination

On 15 July 2004, middle-aged women in Imphal stood naked outside the Assam Rifles Headquarters shouting: “Indian Army rape us! Kill us! We are all Manorama’s mothers!” Their bodies had become their weapon to protest against the innumerable ‘disappearances’ of civilians accused of being insurgents by the army, particularly that of Thangjam Manorama, who was apprehended, raped and killed in custody earlier that month.

Three stories, including the above two events, form the core of Kavita Joshi’s film Tales from the Margins— the title signifying both the geographical and metaphoric marginality of Manipur and its people from mainstream national consciousness. The third event that the film is woven around is the story of Sanmacha Yumlembam, a 15-year-old boy who was apprehended from his home in February 1998 by the army and then ‘disappeared’.

Joshi’s camera captures the idyllic landscapes of Manipur, interspersed with images of the everyday and ordinary lives of its people living in one of the world’s most militarised zones — declared ‘disturbed’ by AFSPA for more than five decades — giving the armed forces a free rein to apprehend, abduct and kill at will.

What makes it an important film is not only its telling of the life and times of a draconian law and the way it destroys the social fabric of a peaceful community, but the poetic frames that capture Sharmila’s moments of anguish, determination and hope inside the security ward of JN Hospital in Imphal. Although it has been four years since the film was made, her courageous words haunt, disturb and inspire you in the 10th year of her protest: “That very happy day will come one day, but for the time being I must endure. I must be contented. I must be patient.” For how much longer?

Via Tehelka.com

Chidambaram Orders 'All-Out' Operation Against NDFB

Guwahati, Nov 13 : Union Home Minister P.Chidambaram on Friday directed the security forces in Assam to launch an 'all-out' operation against National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) (anti-talk faction) and to spare none indulging in violence.

Chidamabaram, who held a meeting with Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, top army and paramilitary commanders, senior police and civil officials during his brief visit in Guwahati, told reporters that he had directed the security forces to take a 'tough stand' against the outfit and tackle the situation with a 'strong hand'.

Referring to the recent massacre of 24 people by the outfit in the state since Monday, he said the security forces had been instructed to take immediate measures to arrest those
involved and to deal with them sternly.

"All violent activities of NDFB anti-talk faction will be tackled with an iron hand. The Centre has no objection to holding talks with all outfits provided they abjure violence as dialogue is the only way to solve problems," Chidambaram said.

Expressing displeasure over the stand taken by the NDFB (anti-talk group) in resolving the Bodo issue, the Home Minister said its arrested chairman Ranjan Daimary was not interested in keeping the situation under control.

The banned outfit had threatened that if any of its cadres was killed, at least 20 people security forces or civilians would be killed and they carried out their threat killing 24 people since November 8. It had reissued the threat on Thursday.

"The outfit has not yet submitted its charter of demands but has given indication that they want more autonomy for the Bodos," Chidambaram said adding the outfit is not happy with
the functioning of the Bodoland Territorial Council and is also not eager for talks with the government.

He also held a meeting with the Unified Command Structure Headquarters at the Border Security Force (BSF) base camp in Patgaon on the outskirts of the city before leaving for Kolkata.

Meanwhile, a report said one NDFB anti-talk faction militant was nabbed during a joint operation by army and police in the district on Friday.

The militant was nabbed near the Lungsung forest reserve and a nine mm pistol along with two rounds of live ammunition was seized from him, it said quoting the police.

The arrested ultra is part of a group that had planned subversive activities in the district and was involved in a firing incident on November 9 in which one person was killed.

Hmar Rebel’s Make Peace With Mizoram Govt

Aizawl, Nov 13 : Peace talks between the Mizoram government and the Hmar Peoples Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) began in Aizawl yesterday at Mizoram State Guest House.

At the talks, a ceasefire agreement was signed by both the parties and ground rules were also prepared by the Mizoram government which the HPC-D agreed to abide by the ground rules agreed. The ceasefire will validate till the next round of talks to be held in near future.

As per the ground rule, both sides agreed not to undertake any offensive action against each other, said a government official today.

The Mizoram government team was headed by Lalmalsawma, Home Commissioner who was assisted by C. Thanchhuma, Aizawl Deputy Commissioner, PC. Lalchhuanawma Assistant Director General of Police, C. Laldina, SP CID and Lalhriatpuia ,Under Secretary Home.

Five representatives of the HPC(D) who participated in the talks were the Army Chief Lalropui Hmar , the Political Affair Secretary Lalbeise Hmar, the Information and Pulic Relations Secretary David Hmar, the Defence Secretary Robert Hmar and the Public Relation Officer Lalthanglien.

The sources said that the talk was in the initial stage and the discussion covered only the modalities for resumption of the peace talks which will show the two decade old HPC-D problem.

Home department officials said after the talks said, the HPC(D)’s demands and conditions would be submitted to chief minister Lalthanhawla and home minister R. Lalzirliana for arriving at a decision on their surrender.

The HPC(D)’s main demand is a separate Hmar area, comprising the Hmar-inhabited areas of Mizoram, Manipur and Assam’s Cachar and Dima Hasao districts, to be administered through their proposed autonomous district council. Mizoram, a hub of the Hmars, is a stronghold of the rebel group.

Mizo Body Concerned Over Rising in Child Sexual Abuse

Aizawl, Nov 12 : In the wake of the recent gruesome incidents where two five-year-old girls were raped and murdered, the shocked Child Welfare Committee (CWC) today underscored the need to introduce sex education to children to protect the children against the menace.

Urging the government to put more thrust on child protection, the CWC implored that let the recent two incidents be the eye-opener to the need and urgency protecting the children.

Of all the complaints against child abuse the CWC has received since 2005, cases of sexual molestations topped the list, the CWC said, adding, ''there were a number of cases of sexual molestation against boys.'' A total of 641 complaints on child abuse have been received by Mizoram's Child Welfare Committee since its inception on September 22, 2005, CWC Chairman Lalengruali Sailo said.

''The highest is sexual abuse against children and we have identified 127 child sexual abuse during the past four years,'' Sailo said.

Out of the 127 cases, reported in over four years, a high 107 were incidents of sexual abuse by adults, she said.

CWC, working in coordination with the administration and human rights' bodies, has registered 22 cases of physical abuse and two cases of child labour while there were 18 cases of sexual abuse perpetrated by minors.

CWC secretary Zodinpuii said a high incidence of child sexual abuse, was by older relatives of the victim like uncles, step-fathers and people close to the family.

She felt there could be more cases of abuse as many parents and victims dare not approach the CWC for fear of stigmatisation of the victims. It is said that if a child is taught all the rules of 'stranger danger', the child is protected to a great extent from chances of being sexually abused.

In both the cases of rape and murder of two five-year-old girls in Aizawl, the first on October 18 and the second on November 8, the victims were lured by strangers.

Myanmarese Nationals Asked to Leave Aizawl South-III

Aizawl, Nov 12 : In the wake of the rape and murder of a five-year-old girl allegedly by a Myanmarese national, village councils under Aizawl South-III constituency of Mizoram have served an eviction notice to all Myanmarese migrants staying in the constituency.

A joint committee of village councils of the constituency today issued an order telling all Myanmarese nationals living in Mizoram to never set foot again within the Aizawl South-III constituency and asked all to leave immediately.

The village councils reiterated that it severely condemned the gruesome rape and murder of the five-year-old innocent girl, while justifying that the eviction order was necessary to prevent repetition such in human acts in the area.

The Myanmarese national, identified as Henry Vanneihchung, aged 35, who was accused of raping and killing the five-year-old girl of Muallungthu village under Aizawl South-III constituency on November 8, was lynched by the mob the next day.

The man arrived in the village about a week back in search of employment.

Mary Kom Gets Taste of Team Spirit

Guanghzou, Nov 12 : She is a five-time world champion, but her excitement at the prospect of competing in the Asian Games, one almost feels like Mary Kom is taking part in her first tournament.

The thrill for the seasoned women’s boxing champion is in being a part of the Indian contingent.

“It’s the first time women’s boxing is a part of the Games. Everytime I have been at boxing events alone, this time it is different. It’s great to stay and travel with the Indian contingent. It’s a great feeling to represent your country,” said Mary.

Nicknamed ‘Magnificent Mary’ for her outstanding exploits in the boxing ring, the Manipur woman is being seen a sure-shot contender for gold.

No wonder, she was the star attraction at India’s flag raising ceremony held at the Games Village on Thursday.Draped in a pink saree, Mary looked a typical Indian housewife from the North East, certainly nowhere close to the ferocious fighter she turns into once inside the ring.

But the cat was out of the bag soon: “I don’t know how to wear the saree. My friends helped me out with it.”

Mary has won four of her World Boxing Championship titles in the 46kg category and the last one, this September, she won in the 48kg category. In the Asian Games here, she will be competing in the 51kg category. “I never competed in the 51kg category that’s why there’s a little bit of pressure, but I am still confident. I have the experience too. So, I feel I can make up.”

The Indian star termed the Chinese and Phillipines boxers as her main challengers.

“I have done my homework. I know that the Chinese and the Phillipines boxers are good. Especially, the Chinese, who have quick reaction and are strong in counter-attack. Their movement is very fast.”

For the 27-year-old Mary, winning the gold medal will be fulfilling her childhood dream. It was her state champion, Dingko Singh’s gold medal win at the 1998 Asian Games that had fuelled her desire to become a boxer. She has had a great career. An Asian Games medal win will be an icing on the cake.