By : Newmai News Network
Dimapur, Sep 6: On the killing of 10 Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) cadres T.Hundung village on September 3, the NSCN-IM today clarified that the former's criminal activities has prompted the latter to take up such action.
While owning responsibility on the September 3 incident, the NSCN-IM brought the abductions cases of a German NGO worker and Victor Keishing onto the picture in its clarification statement.
Issuing this clarification note to Newmai News Network tonight in Dimapur by the outfit's Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), the NSCN-IM said that creating terror or violence is not part of NSCN revolutionary spirit. "Standing by our avowed guiding principle NSCN have equal respect and sympathy for the neighbour’s revolutionary groups. More than anything else we have inspired them to take people interest as part of their liberation movement. Because revolution arises because there is oppression of peoples interests. But what is revolution if they become a source of public nuisance and come to the level of a mere anti-social group?", asked the NSCN-IM, while adding, " Revolutionary groups exist to bring socio-economic and political transformation. But no such historic event can ever take place when the very revolutionary groups earned the wrath of the people for its anti-people activities".
The statement then accused the KLA and said, "unfortunately, this is the story of KLA today. For all practical purpose KLA has become nothing more than counter-revolutionary force who practice an extreme and ruthless form of struggle without any convincing support to justify their peoples' movement".
The NSCN-IM also said that naturally, such group strives to use terror and violence to make their presence felt. But resorting to fraud and exploiting other socio-economic vulnerabilities should not be made the KLA’s affairs for existence. "They don’t live in isolation and it brings grievous harm to the revolutionary image of other groups. This is the tragic state of affairs within KLA. And the compulsion for NSCN to stop their anti-people activities which has also put the Naga national interest at stake. When NSCN’s spirit of accommodation is taken for granted and even daring to cross sword with us the option for NSCN is quite obvious", clarified the NSCN-IM statement.
The NSCN-IM statement further clarified that no revolutionary group of any standing will concentrate their activities in extortion, kidnapping for ransom and other fraudulence. "But this is KLA’s story and the truth has to be told today to clear the public conscience, particularly the Kuki community," asserted the NSCN-IM.
While recalling the kidnapping of one Germany journalist (NGO) few years back in Manipur, the NSCN-IM said that anti-revolutionary crime was committed by KLA purely for ransom. Former Manipur Chief Minister Rishang Keishing’s son Victor Keishing was also kidnapped for the same purpose of extorting money. This is no way for the KLA to justify their criminal act in the name of liberating their people from socio-political injustice, disclosed the NSCN-IM.
The NSCN-IM then philosophycally commented that revolutionary groups are motivated by human values and human rights. "But in the recent past KLA has become a source of physical and mental turmoil in the villages they operate, particularly in the area of the incident at Tangkhul Hundung. They created social nuisance and harassed the public beyond forbearance. This is no revolution for the people but counter-revolution because this messing up of revolutionary movement served the interest of the forces against revolution and NSCN cannot afford to close eyes on this wanton violation of people’s right of Naga villagers at the hands of KLA," alleged the NSCN-IM statement.
The statement then specifically narrated the September 3 incident and said, "For closer understanding of KLA activities on Wednesday the two vehicles used by KLA members are hijacked and not hired as alleged by KLA. NSCN Naga Army was compelled to intervene and what follows thereafter is KLA’s folly."
The NSCN-IM statement further accused the KLA and said that to the discomfort of vehicles plying on National Highway 39 KLA has been on the prowl to hijack vehicles. "The hijacking of JCBs was in the news recently. The hand of KLA is not clean in this crime, though the name of one Kuki group was exposed as the group behind. Their modus operandi was to hijack vehicles from the highway in collaboration with some like-minded Meiteis and take shelter in the Naga foothill villages to give the impression that it is the NSCN who mastermined the operation. As part of their ploy they go to the press to delink themselves from the crime.These are some of the few instances of the KLA’s sheer madness to survive but which other true revolutionary patriots abhor."
It then explained that the Kuki revolutionary groups are no enemy of NSCN-IM, adding, "naturally, NSCN has relationship with most of the Kuki groups including KRA".
The statement categorically said that by virtue of NSCN-IM's relation with KRA it does not warrant KLA to indulge in freewheeling movement that is not in consonance with NSCN-IM's revolutionary concept. "With NSCN still unconvinced of the political ideology of KLA except for its gang-like operation the operational style of KLA was considered nothing more than any anti-social group and thus far from any revolutionary group that deserve any respect", quipped the NSCN-IM.
"Lest the NSCN is misunderstood for the killing but it was the KLA who repeatedly throw challenge to NSCN and ultimately the final encounter day was brought before the NSCN and KLA when KLA on the fated Monday went too far for the NSCN to exercise restraint, and the KLA’s challenge has to be accepted though reluctantly", concluded the NSCN-IM's clarification note on the September 3 incident.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Security beefed up after KLA massacre: CM, Troops alerted at sensitive areas
By : A Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Sept 6: Chief minister O Ibobi said today security has been tightened to avoid any undesirable incidents in the wake of Monday morning’s incident in which 10 KLA cadres were killed by NSCN(IM) cadres at Tangkhul Hundung Khunou in Ukhrul district.
Army troops have been deployed along the Ukhrul road from Yaingangpokpi and Litan to protect passenger vehicles and travellers, the chief minister informed IFP today.
Ibobi termed the Hundung Khunou incident as very unfortunate, coming as it did just as the state government was gearing up for launching a peace process with the Kuki underground groups under specific ground rules.
Ibobi said every effort would be made to initiate the at the earliest on the basis of the ground rules drawn up by the government.
The chief minister also made it clear that the talks should preferably be held directly with the state government.
Speaking on development related issues, the chief minister said the government was pressurizing the concerned authorities to expedite the construction of the Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway so that it can be completed within the current term of the SPF government.
In this connection, the state chief secretary and other concerned officials have held discussions with the chairman and finance members of the Railway Board, he informed.
While observing that progress in several power projects taken up in the state were being delayed for one reason or another, the chief minister said every effort would be made to complete the Loktak Downstream project within the SPF government’s term. He also expressed hope that the Thoubal and Dolaithabi projects can be completed soon.
Regarding the BT flyover, the chief minister said work on it has been competed, and construction of the side paths was now being taken up.
He added that the space underneath the flyover would be fenced in and flower beds planted to prevent vendors from encroaching there.
Regarding the Khwairamband bazar reconstruction project, the CM said reconstruction of Purana bazar would take at least a year, while work on the other two markets is expected to be completed by December.
He also mentioned that under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, a waste dumping ground is being prepared at Lamdeng.
Regarding the strengthening of the state police, Ibobi Singh said the government is planning to to have at least two battalions of police commandos.
Observing that the state police was still facing acute shortage of manpower, the chief minister disclosed that some 1600 police constables would be recruited. Most would be to make up manpower shortages in the hill districts, he said.
------------------------------------------
Killing has added to the wound : KNO
IMPHAL, Sep 6 : Coming out strongly against the ‘cold blooded’ elimination of ten KLA cadres by the NSCN (IM) at Tangkhul Hundung on September 3, the Kuki National Organisation has today stated the mass killing has come even though the memories of the killing of over 900 Kuki (mainly children, women and the elderly), uprooting over 359 villages and thousands rendered refugees from 1992 to 1997 are yet to dim.
Quoting the accounts of the two KLA cadres who somehow escaped the killings, the KNO in a statement today said that the KLA cadres had gone to Tangkhul Hundung on the invitation of the KRA. Their stay at the village was arranged by the KRA, which already has a steady relationship with the NSCN (IM).
After staying for two days at the village, the KLA cadres and NSCN (IM) men travelled in two separate vehicles to head for Ukhrul and meet top brass of the NSCN (IM) in order to finalise and formalise KLA’s link with the IM group, said KNO. The KLA were to enjoy the status of the KRA and the UKLF in their relationship with the IM group, said the statement.
However while they stopped for fuel, the NSCN (IM) men opened fire at the KLA cadres while they were inside the Jeep and killed ten of them in cold blood, alleged, KNO.
Despite the old wounds and the latest mass scale elimination, KNO wishes to look forward to a state of peaceful co-existence, said the statement and charged the KRA of abetting the IM group in eliminating the KLA cadres.
“It is also unfortunate that the United Peoples’ Front which acknowledges that KLA is a member group of the organisation (Press release of 5th Sept, 2007) tolerates membership of those linked with the NSCN (IM),” added the outfit. The KNO has also asked the IM group to come out with an official declaration and measures to remedy the dastardly act.
-------------------------------
KNF decries, seeks answer for elimination
IMPHAL, Sep 6 : The Kuki National Front (KNF) has condemned the cold-blooded killing of 10 Kuki Liberation Amy (KLA) cadres at Tangkhul Hundung village on September 3 and demanded an explanation from those responsible as to why they carried out such acts and what solution they suggest to remedy their act.
Whatever the causes may be, the Front takes such acts as a crime against the whole Kuki community, information and publicity secretary of KNF LH Stephen said in a statement.
The outfit also warned of giving a befitting reply if the perpetrators of the crime cannot come up with an acceptable solution.
Any secret deal or agreement with any particular revolutionary organisation to resolve the matter act will not be acceptable. So the perpetrators must come up with an understanding acceptable to the Kuki community as a whole as such incidents are the sparks that light up the communal flame in 1992-93 claiming thousands of innocent lives including women and children, the statement said.
Further, this incident should serve as an eye-opener for all those organisations and revolutionary groups of Kuki community who depend on or sought help from organisations outside their own community, Stephen said, adding that ‘we must learn the lesson from our comrades who have paid for their lives that having alliance with groups and organisations hell bend on suppressing our people in every aspects is never going to serve the interest of our people.
---------------------------------
NSCN (IM) sets record straight on Jalukie arson
Dimapur, Sep 6: The NSCN-IM has set record straight with regard to the Jalukie-Zangdi village arson episode of August 28 amidst condemnations aga-inst the incident from different quarters.
The NSCN-IM explained that the Manglumukh-Jalu-kie Zangdi episode has cast a dark shadow in the otherwise peaceful atmosphere that surrounds these picturesque villages. “Never- theless, the spark of small misunderstanding should not give way to spoil the time-honoured peaceful co-existence. Despite the invol -vement of emotionally-cha -rged reactions and counter-reactions leading the is- sue to be blown out of proportion, sanity should pre- vail to pave the way for humane approach to the is- sue,” stated the NSCN-IM in a statement.
“It is, however regretted that making a damning criticism of NSCN in the heat of the emotion without first waiting for the actual picture has really put the NSCN authority in turmoil lest the world look at NSCN as the culprit,” rued the NSCN-IM.
The NSCN-IM recalled that the history of Manglu-mukh dated back to the period of 1901 to 1913 which goes to testify that the Ka-charis are no new comers in the area. It will be quite unbecoming if one were to feign ignorance to the history of early settlers in Manglumukh. Historical reality of the Kacharis and Zeliangrong people will ha-ve to be given deeper treat- ment to establish sense of belonging to the native land. It is however to be taken into consideration that as per the records the Manglumukh village GB Domush admitted in 1977 that irrespective of Kacha-ris and Kukis they live in the land belonging to the Jalu-kei people. Customary law will be taken into priority for that has been the Naga’s guiding basis of any dispute including land dispute. Necessary customary references will naturally come into account, stated the NSCN-IM.
“Surprisingly, some of our own Naga people tangled with words by passing unwarranted statement on the issue complicating the matter further. The irony is that the issue has been given unfair treatment at the hands of various civil societies who shot off unpala -table remarks to the press against the NSCN. The legal dimension of the issue ‘encroachment’ was not pro -perly highlighted in the manner it should have been by going through proper process of investigation. And thereby the factual picture of the issue was left without exposing its true colour,” stated the NSCN.
The outfit also said that in any dispute that involves land the question of ‘eviction’ often comes up. But this is only the legal compulsion that cannot be avoi- ded in delivering justice, said the statement, add-ing,” the NSCN interpre- tation of ‘eviction’ should therefore not be given negative connotation. To evict the persons involved in the encroachment is in confor-mity with the customary laws and legal norms. But what has come as the painful experience for the NSCN is that some civil societies, including Church organizations have taken sheer plea- sure in condemning NSCN magnifying the issue to smear NSCN and mislead the thinking of the people on the motive of NSCN. But such unwarranted and exaggerated outburst to hood -wink the emotion of the people with vested interest is detrimental to the greater interest of the Naga nation leaving enough room for others with devilish mind-set to generate destructive game plan.”
The NSCN-IM then expressed its unhappiness saying that in the given situation rumour mongers on the basis of unverified statement emanating from some irresponsible persons have taken the upper hand disturbing the perspective side of the issue, and there-by, provoking incendiary remarks from civil society who matters. “This is the crux of the issue and nothing to do with NSCN taking recourse to judicial nuisance at the behest of any person in the NSCN authority,” said the statement.
Regrettably, the universal norms of putting up representation to the concern authority if it is of the opinion, legally and historically, that something has gone wrong in the handling of the Manglumukh and Jalukie Zangdi dispute, has not been followed by the concern parties, the NSCN-IM said. “It is best to be in line with the legal standard rather than exploiting the judicial scope and going for other means and sensationalizing the issue through the media is against the nation-al interest of the Nagas. But to seek justice nothing is too late in the hands of the NSCN legal authority. Consultation and deliberation on the issue should have been initiated by represen-tatives of the concerned communities in the NSCN set-up and not allowed themselves to be carried away in the maddening crowd of emotional turmoil. And allow the case to proceed after sending represen -tations for proper review of the case. This could have also helped the NSCN legal body to establish ethical standard with pure judicial sense,” suggested NSCN.
The statement then said that it was all the more unfortunate that the Jalukie Zangdi–Manglumukh episode has been “personal- ized to the level that has the potential to damage the functioning of NSCN. The issue of Jalukie Jangdi and Manglumukh is in NSCN hands and not in anybody’s hands. And therefore, the situation does not warrant making any persons in GPRN authority as the scapegoats”.
The issue involved having come to such pass, there is room for consultation and the door of “NSCN Collective Leadership is always open. In the process, the sanctity of the NSCN judicial authority has to be main -tained to the standard whe-re justice is not denied to anyone. It is however, to be cautioned that meddling in GPRN affairs and going pu-blic will be considered un- called for. Holistic approa-ch to the issue be entrusted to the NSCN. But due process needs to be followed”, said the NSCN-IM statement, adding, “NSCN shall live up to its commitment to stand by protecting peoples’ justice taking into con- sideration all established legal and historical norms. The NSCN cannot escape from the legal compulsion of executing its order that co-mes within its legal para- meter”.
Finally, the NSCN-IM lengthy statement alerted that “Nagas must face the world from the realistic point of view. We don’t live in isolation in this age of globalization. While histori-cal facts and other legal and customary aspect cannot be set aside, conciliatory approach should be the gui- ding principle. In this critical juncture of Indo-Naga peace process this should be the over-riding spirit”.
Imphal Free Press
Dimapur, Sep 6: On the killing of 10 Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) cadres T.Hundung village on September 3, the NSCN-IM today clarified that the former's criminal activities has prompted the latter to take up such action.
While owning responsibility on the September 3 incident, the NSCN-IM brought the abductions cases of a German NGO worker and Victor Keishing onto the picture in its clarification statement.
Issuing this clarification note to Newmai News Network tonight in Dimapur by the outfit's Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), the NSCN-IM said that creating terror or violence is not part of NSCN revolutionary spirit. "Standing by our avowed guiding principle NSCN have equal respect and sympathy for the neighbour’s revolutionary groups. More than anything else we have inspired them to take people interest as part of their liberation movement. Because revolution arises because there is oppression of peoples interests. But what is revolution if they become a source of public nuisance and come to the level of a mere anti-social group?", asked the NSCN-IM, while adding, " Revolutionary groups exist to bring socio-economic and political transformation. But no such historic event can ever take place when the very revolutionary groups earned the wrath of the people for its anti-people activities".
The statement then accused the KLA and said, "unfortunately, this is the story of KLA today. For all practical purpose KLA has become nothing more than counter-revolutionary force who practice an extreme and ruthless form of struggle without any convincing support to justify their peoples' movement".
The NSCN-IM also said that naturally, such group strives to use terror and violence to make their presence felt. But resorting to fraud and exploiting other socio-economic vulnerabilities should not be made the KLA’s affairs for existence. "They don’t live in isolation and it brings grievous harm to the revolutionary image of other groups. This is the tragic state of affairs within KLA. And the compulsion for NSCN to stop their anti-people activities which has also put the Naga national interest at stake. When NSCN’s spirit of accommodation is taken for granted and even daring to cross sword with us the option for NSCN is quite obvious", clarified the NSCN-IM statement.
The NSCN-IM statement further clarified that no revolutionary group of any standing will concentrate their activities in extortion, kidnapping for ransom and other fraudulence. "But this is KLA’s story and the truth has to be told today to clear the public conscience, particularly the Kuki community," asserted the NSCN-IM.
While recalling the kidnapping of one Germany journalist (NGO) few years back in Manipur, the NSCN-IM said that anti-revolutionary crime was committed by KLA purely for ransom. Former Manipur Chief Minister Rishang Keishing’s son Victor Keishing was also kidnapped for the same purpose of extorting money. This is no way for the KLA to justify their criminal act in the name of liberating their people from socio-political injustice, disclosed the NSCN-IM.
The NSCN-IM then philosophycally commented that revolutionary groups are motivated by human values and human rights. "But in the recent past KLA has become a source of physical and mental turmoil in the villages they operate, particularly in the area of the incident at Tangkhul Hundung. They created social nuisance and harassed the public beyond forbearance. This is no revolution for the people but counter-revolution because this messing up of revolutionary movement served the interest of the forces against revolution and NSCN cannot afford to close eyes on this wanton violation of people’s right of Naga villagers at the hands of KLA," alleged the NSCN-IM statement.
The statement then specifically narrated the September 3 incident and said, "For closer understanding of KLA activities on Wednesday the two vehicles used by KLA members are hijacked and not hired as alleged by KLA. NSCN Naga Army was compelled to intervene and what follows thereafter is KLA’s folly."
The NSCN-IM statement further accused the KLA and said that to the discomfort of vehicles plying on National Highway 39 KLA has been on the prowl to hijack vehicles. "The hijacking of JCBs was in the news recently. The hand of KLA is not clean in this crime, though the name of one Kuki group was exposed as the group behind. Their modus operandi was to hijack vehicles from the highway in collaboration with some like-minded Meiteis and take shelter in the Naga foothill villages to give the impression that it is the NSCN who mastermined the operation. As part of their ploy they go to the press to delink themselves from the crime.These are some of the few instances of the KLA’s sheer madness to survive but which other true revolutionary patriots abhor."
It then explained that the Kuki revolutionary groups are no enemy of NSCN-IM, adding, "naturally, NSCN has relationship with most of the Kuki groups including KRA".
The statement categorically said that by virtue of NSCN-IM's relation with KRA it does not warrant KLA to indulge in freewheeling movement that is not in consonance with NSCN-IM's revolutionary concept. "With NSCN still unconvinced of the political ideology of KLA except for its gang-like operation the operational style of KLA was considered nothing more than any anti-social group and thus far from any revolutionary group that deserve any respect", quipped the NSCN-IM.
"Lest the NSCN is misunderstood for the killing but it was the KLA who repeatedly throw challenge to NSCN and ultimately the final encounter day was brought before the NSCN and KLA when KLA on the fated Monday went too far for the NSCN to exercise restraint, and the KLA’s challenge has to be accepted though reluctantly", concluded the NSCN-IM's clarification note on the September 3 incident.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Security beefed up after KLA massacre: CM, Troops alerted at sensitive areas
By : A Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Sept 6: Chief minister O Ibobi said today security has been tightened to avoid any undesirable incidents in the wake of Monday morning’s incident in which 10 KLA cadres were killed by NSCN(IM) cadres at Tangkhul Hundung Khunou in Ukhrul district.
Army troops have been deployed along the Ukhrul road from Yaingangpokpi and Litan to protect passenger vehicles and travellers, the chief minister informed IFP today.
Ibobi termed the Hundung Khunou incident as very unfortunate, coming as it did just as the state government was gearing up for launching a peace process with the Kuki underground groups under specific ground rules.
Ibobi said every effort would be made to initiate the at the earliest on the basis of the ground rules drawn up by the government.
The chief minister also made it clear that the talks should preferably be held directly with the state government.
Speaking on development related issues, the chief minister said the government was pressurizing the concerned authorities to expedite the construction of the Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway so that it can be completed within the current term of the SPF government.
In this connection, the state chief secretary and other concerned officials have held discussions with the chairman and finance members of the Railway Board, he informed.
While observing that progress in several power projects taken up in the state were being delayed for one reason or another, the chief minister said every effort would be made to complete the Loktak Downstream project within the SPF government’s term. He also expressed hope that the Thoubal and Dolaithabi projects can be completed soon.
Regarding the BT flyover, the chief minister said work on it has been competed, and construction of the side paths was now being taken up.
He added that the space underneath the flyover would be fenced in and flower beds planted to prevent vendors from encroaching there.
Regarding the Khwairamband bazar reconstruction project, the CM said reconstruction of Purana bazar would take at least a year, while work on the other two markets is expected to be completed by December.
He also mentioned that under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, a waste dumping ground is being prepared at Lamdeng.
Regarding the strengthening of the state police, Ibobi Singh said the government is planning to to have at least two battalions of police commandos.
Observing that the state police was still facing acute shortage of manpower, the chief minister disclosed that some 1600 police constables would be recruited. Most would be to make up manpower shortages in the hill districts, he said.
------------------------------------------
Killing has added to the wound : KNO
IMPHAL, Sep 6 : Coming out strongly against the ‘cold blooded’ elimination of ten KLA cadres by the NSCN (IM) at Tangkhul Hundung on September 3, the Kuki National Organisation has today stated the mass killing has come even though the memories of the killing of over 900 Kuki (mainly children, women and the elderly), uprooting over 359 villages and thousands rendered refugees from 1992 to 1997 are yet to dim.
Quoting the accounts of the two KLA cadres who somehow escaped the killings, the KNO in a statement today said that the KLA cadres had gone to Tangkhul Hundung on the invitation of the KRA. Their stay at the village was arranged by the KRA, which already has a steady relationship with the NSCN (IM).
After staying for two days at the village, the KLA cadres and NSCN (IM) men travelled in two separate vehicles to head for Ukhrul and meet top brass of the NSCN (IM) in order to finalise and formalise KLA’s link with the IM group, said KNO. The KLA were to enjoy the status of the KRA and the UKLF in their relationship with the IM group, said the statement.
However while they stopped for fuel, the NSCN (IM) men opened fire at the KLA cadres while they were inside the Jeep and killed ten of them in cold blood, alleged, KNO.
Despite the old wounds and the latest mass scale elimination, KNO wishes to look forward to a state of peaceful co-existence, said the statement and charged the KRA of abetting the IM group in eliminating the KLA cadres.
“It is also unfortunate that the United Peoples’ Front which acknowledges that KLA is a member group of the organisation (Press release of 5th Sept, 2007) tolerates membership of those linked with the NSCN (IM),” added the outfit. The KNO has also asked the IM group to come out with an official declaration and measures to remedy the dastardly act.
-------------------------------
KNF decries, seeks answer for elimination
IMPHAL, Sep 6 : The Kuki National Front (KNF) has condemned the cold-blooded killing of 10 Kuki Liberation Amy (KLA) cadres at Tangkhul Hundung village on September 3 and demanded an explanation from those responsible as to why they carried out such acts and what solution they suggest to remedy their act.
Whatever the causes may be, the Front takes such acts as a crime against the whole Kuki community, information and publicity secretary of KNF LH Stephen said in a statement.
The outfit also warned of giving a befitting reply if the perpetrators of the crime cannot come up with an acceptable solution.
Any secret deal or agreement with any particular revolutionary organisation to resolve the matter act will not be acceptable. So the perpetrators must come up with an understanding acceptable to the Kuki community as a whole as such incidents are the sparks that light up the communal flame in 1992-93 claiming thousands of innocent lives including women and children, the statement said.
Further, this incident should serve as an eye-opener for all those organisations and revolutionary groups of Kuki community who depend on or sought help from organisations outside their own community, Stephen said, adding that ‘we must learn the lesson from our comrades who have paid for their lives that having alliance with groups and organisations hell bend on suppressing our people in every aspects is never going to serve the interest of our people.
---------------------------------
NSCN (IM) sets record straight on Jalukie arson
Dimapur, Sep 6: The NSCN-IM has set record straight with regard to the Jalukie-Zangdi village arson episode of August 28 amidst condemnations aga-inst the incident from different quarters.
The NSCN-IM explained that the Manglumukh-Jalu-kie Zangdi episode has cast a dark shadow in the otherwise peaceful atmosphere that surrounds these picturesque villages. “Never- theless, the spark of small misunderstanding should not give way to spoil the time-honoured peaceful co-existence. Despite the invol -vement of emotionally-cha -rged reactions and counter-reactions leading the is- sue to be blown out of proportion, sanity should pre- vail to pave the way for humane approach to the is- sue,” stated the NSCN-IM in a statement.
“It is, however regretted that making a damning criticism of NSCN in the heat of the emotion without first waiting for the actual picture has really put the NSCN authority in turmoil lest the world look at NSCN as the culprit,” rued the NSCN-IM.
The NSCN-IM recalled that the history of Manglu-mukh dated back to the period of 1901 to 1913 which goes to testify that the Ka-charis are no new comers in the area. It will be quite unbecoming if one were to feign ignorance to the history of early settlers in Manglumukh. Historical reality of the Kacharis and Zeliangrong people will ha-ve to be given deeper treat- ment to establish sense of belonging to the native land. It is however to be taken into consideration that as per the records the Manglumukh village GB Domush admitted in 1977 that irrespective of Kacha-ris and Kukis they live in the land belonging to the Jalu-kei people. Customary law will be taken into priority for that has been the Naga’s guiding basis of any dispute including land dispute. Necessary customary references will naturally come into account, stated the NSCN-IM.
“Surprisingly, some of our own Naga people tangled with words by passing unwarranted statement on the issue complicating the matter further. The irony is that the issue has been given unfair treatment at the hands of various civil societies who shot off unpala -table remarks to the press against the NSCN. The legal dimension of the issue ‘encroachment’ was not pro -perly highlighted in the manner it should have been by going through proper process of investigation. And thereby the factual picture of the issue was left without exposing its true colour,” stated the NSCN.
The outfit also said that in any dispute that involves land the question of ‘eviction’ often comes up. But this is only the legal compulsion that cannot be avoi- ded in delivering justice, said the statement, add-ing,” the NSCN interpre- tation of ‘eviction’ should therefore not be given negative connotation. To evict the persons involved in the encroachment is in confor-mity with the customary laws and legal norms. But what has come as the painful experience for the NSCN is that some civil societies, including Church organizations have taken sheer plea- sure in condemning NSCN magnifying the issue to smear NSCN and mislead the thinking of the people on the motive of NSCN. But such unwarranted and exaggerated outburst to hood -wink the emotion of the people with vested interest is detrimental to the greater interest of the Naga nation leaving enough room for others with devilish mind-set to generate destructive game plan.”
The NSCN-IM then expressed its unhappiness saying that in the given situation rumour mongers on the basis of unverified statement emanating from some irresponsible persons have taken the upper hand disturbing the perspective side of the issue, and there-by, provoking incendiary remarks from civil society who matters. “This is the crux of the issue and nothing to do with NSCN taking recourse to judicial nuisance at the behest of any person in the NSCN authority,” said the statement.
Regrettably, the universal norms of putting up representation to the concern authority if it is of the opinion, legally and historically, that something has gone wrong in the handling of the Manglumukh and Jalukie Zangdi dispute, has not been followed by the concern parties, the NSCN-IM said. “It is best to be in line with the legal standard rather than exploiting the judicial scope and going for other means and sensationalizing the issue through the media is against the nation-al interest of the Nagas. But to seek justice nothing is too late in the hands of the NSCN legal authority. Consultation and deliberation on the issue should have been initiated by represen-tatives of the concerned communities in the NSCN set-up and not allowed themselves to be carried away in the maddening crowd of emotional turmoil. And allow the case to proceed after sending represen -tations for proper review of the case. This could have also helped the NSCN legal body to establish ethical standard with pure judicial sense,” suggested NSCN.
The statement then said that it was all the more unfortunate that the Jalukie Zangdi–Manglumukh episode has been “personal- ized to the level that has the potential to damage the functioning of NSCN. The issue of Jalukie Jangdi and Manglumukh is in NSCN hands and not in anybody’s hands. And therefore, the situation does not warrant making any persons in GPRN authority as the scapegoats”.
The issue involved having come to such pass, there is room for consultation and the door of “NSCN Collective Leadership is always open. In the process, the sanctity of the NSCN judicial authority has to be main -tained to the standard whe-re justice is not denied to anyone. It is however, to be cautioned that meddling in GPRN affairs and going pu-blic will be considered un- called for. Holistic approa-ch to the issue be entrusted to the NSCN. But due process needs to be followed”, said the NSCN-IM statement, adding, “NSCN shall live up to its commitment to stand by protecting peoples’ justice taking into con- sideration all established legal and historical norms. The NSCN cannot escape from the legal compulsion of executing its order that co-mes within its legal para- meter”.
Finally, the NSCN-IM lengthy statement alerted that “Nagas must face the world from the realistic point of view. We don’t live in isolation in this age of globalization. While histori-cal facts and other legal and customary aspect cannot be set aside, conciliatory approach should be the gui- ding principle. In this critical juncture of Indo-Naga peace process this should be the over-riding spirit”.
Imphal Free Press
