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North East : Naga peace talks : NSCN (I-M) harps on ‘federation’

	October 30, 2006

The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) on Oct. 23, said the proposed “Federation of India and Nagalim” concept needed to be “incorporated in the constitutions of India and Nagalim” to resolve what it called the “Indo-Naga conflict.”



NSCN(IM) spokesman V. Horam told newspersons from the outfit’s Hebron Camp in Nagaland that the outcome of the ongoing negotiations would be the basis of “this special relationship” between India and Nagalim.



“The solution being worked out is having a Federation of India and Nagalim on the basis of a special relationship between the two separate entities, having two separate constitutions and not a relationship where one entity is within the other,” he said.



The senior NSCN (I-M) functionary said that during the latest round of talks in Amsterdam, New Delhi insisted on a solution within the parameters of the Indian Constitution, which was not acceptable to the rebel group. The session wound up without result.



Horam declined to divulge details of the 30-point issues which the NSCN(I-M) submitted to the Government. He broadly said defence, currency and natural resources also figured in the 30-point issues.” “It is better left to experts involved in the negotiations to discuss these 30 points and work out mutually agreeable solutions. If these are thrown open without being sorted out, then forces opposed to the peace process might get an opportunity to jeopardise the ongoing dialogue,” he said.



The NSCN(I-M) signed a ceasefire agreement with the Centre in July 1997 and held 50 rounds of negotiations during the last nine years.





Hoho reviews progress, says solution lies with people



The Naga Hoho, an apex body of Naga people, has said the solution to the Naga problem lay in the mandate of the people, for which it is imperative that political talks and reconciliation process among Naga groups proceed simultaneously.



On Oct 25, the Hoho oragnised a programme - A Perceptive Dialogue on Naga State of Affairs - where the participants unanimously agreed that the solution to the Naga problem lay in the people’s mandate.



John Murray, former general secretary of the Naga Hoho, said the current peace process was not only for the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) but for the Naga people.



He said the Naga people have endorsed the talks between the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) more than once, but there was no consistency among them.



If the talks failed, the people can initiate a dialogue on another platform, he felt.



Rev. Wati, a peace activist, said reconciliation involves problems like ignorance and arrogance and can be overcome by engaging in democratic system of dialogue and acceptance of the differences. He, however, regretted that the Naga underground leaders have become “goondas and dakus” in the guise of leaders.



On the healing process among Naga warring groups, the Hoho admitted the difficulties in the process and appreciated the initiatives of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) for its attempt to promote true peace.



“While being fully aware of the difficulties, the Naga Hoho expresses the need for an introspection and healing of acrimonious memories in order to build a sustainable nation,” said Hoho president Bengdang Jamir and general secretary Niengulo Krome.



They also appealed for better understanding among the Nagas through dialogues and periodical confidence-building meetings. The Naga Hoho reiterated that it was committed to playing facilitator for an early and honourable solution.



“The Nagas are one and will live as one,” said Temjenkaba, president of Ao Senden. He also urged the people to persistently fight the “evil force” which was trying to divide the Naga people.



Several Naga leaders of NGOs, ex-rebel leaders and political groups, also accused the Centre of trying to undermine the ongoing Naga peace process through various agencies.





Turf war between rival factions



Meanwhile, Naga militants battling for turf pounded one another with mortars and rockets in the heart of Zunheboto town of Nagaland, leading to heavy casualties on both sides of the NSCN divide and a breakdown of law and order.



Security forces seemed unable to stop the battle at Amiphoto Colony, which erupted around 9 a.m. on Oct. 26 and continued till reports last came in. Clusters of residential houses in the locality were either destroyed or damaged in the shelling. One of the damaged houses belongs to K. Hollohon, Adviser to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.



Although several casualties were reported, police found only one body. The slain militant was identified as a member of the NSCN (Isak-Muivah). A source claimed to have seen at least eight bodies lying at a particular spot in the battle zone. Half-a-dozen injured militants were admitted to hospitals in the town.



Zunheboto superintendent of police K.K. Chishi confirmed heavy shelling by the NSCN (I-M) on “rival positions” in the colony. “We have not been able to reach the spot due to heavy firing and shelling by the NSCN groups,” he said.



On whether the administration had estimated the number of casualties, the district police chief said the figure would be high considering the magnitude of the clash.



The NSCN (Khaplang) admitted that many of its bunkers and positions had been destroyed by “rival rockets” but said the casualties were “less than expected”.



Amiphoto Colony is home to three senior functionaries of the NSCN (K) - general secretary Kitovi Zhimomi, his brother-in-law Kughalu Mulatonu and “brigadier” Niki Sumi.



Karaibo Chawang, the NSCN (I-M) spokesman said reinforcements were being sent to Zunheboto from Satakhaside, about 25 km from the town.



The NSCN (K), too, said reinforcements were on the way. Chawang said about 150 of his men had encircled a large group of NSCN (K) members in the colony. The NSCN (K) did not deny this but said its men would fight till the last and that “no Indian-sponsored safe passage” would be accepted. “We will not accept Indian safe passage,” Mulatonu said.



The government told the NSCN factions that clashing in civilian areas was tantamount to violating the ceasefire. State Home Minister Thenucho said the militant groups had shown utter disregard for the safety of civilians.







Naga students to go to Israel for agro training



New Delhi has finally given the green signal to 10 Naga students to go to Israel for on-the-job training at Granot Agro Studies, the International Centre for Agriculture Studies of Israel Co. Ltd.



The Ministries of External Affairs and Home were reluctant to issue the clearance, citing security reasons. This had, however, generated resentment in the government, the Opposition Congress and several organisations in Nagaland. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio even charged the Centre with meting out step-motherly treatment to the state.



A source said the Union Government was dithering on the issue as it suspects Naga insurgents share close ties with Israel. There are reports of Naga militants being either trained in or helped by the country. Some Israel-made guns are also available with the NSCN (Isak-Muivah).



Now that the passage is clear, Horticulture Secretary Thangi Mannen said the programme would fall within the framework of the “Indo-Israel Work Plan Agreement on Agriculture, 2006-08” of the Ministry of Agriculture. Nagaland has signed several MoUs with Israel, especially in agriculture and allied sectors.