United Naga Council endorses peace talks
Correspondent
DIMAPUR, Dec 16 – The United Naga Council (UNC), in a joint meeting held with tribe presidents, regional presidents and frontal organisations and representatives of political parties at Tahamzam, Senapati in Manipur today, has endorsed the Naga peace process while urging the negotiators for early settlement of the Indo-Naga issue.
The other resolutions adopted at the meeting, convened by the UNC, included endorsement of the objection to the attempt to bifurcate Naga areas for upgradation or creation of Sadar Hills, Jiribam, Tongei Marin, Phungyar, Tegnoupal and Kakching districts. It also acknowledged and endorsed the initiative of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation for bringing peace and reconciliation among the Naga brethren. Further, on the demand for an alternative arrangement outside the Government of Manipur, it once again urged the Government of India to intervene immediately with an alternative ‘political and administrative’ arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue.
Strongly endorsing the aspiration of the Nagas to live together under a single administrative roof, it cautioned that any political party or individual(s), who either in speech, written statement, visual display or in action, oppose the established and registered position of the Nagas will be deemed to be anti-Naga. The policies, programmes and activities of any political party which does not subscribe to the position of the Nagas will not qualify for the support of the Naga people in any manner whatsoever, it was resolved.
Source: Assam Tribune
Seven Naga girls rescued in Chennai back home
Correspondent
DIMPAUR, Nov 23 – Seven Naga girls who were rescued from the clutches of flesh trade in Chennai during July this year were brought home on November 13 last by members of the Miqlat Ministry.
The Ministry was assigned the task by the Directorate of Women Development and the Nagaland Government.
The release of the girls (name withheld) was ordered by a Chennai Court on October 13 with the condition that they be escorted till Nagaland by two Chennai Police personnel for each rescued girl.
However, the case against them will be dismissed only after Chennai High Court reviews the character and behaviour of the girls after one year and finds it satisfactory. A progress report has to be sent by the Ministry every two months.
The girls reached home only now because there were reportedly no police personnel to spare owing to the Tamil Nadu election.
All victims of human trafficking, the seven girls were arrested on July 6 by Tamil Nadu Police along with one Korean international, identified as Park Ju Dei, for running a prostitution racket under the pretext of running a hotel cum bar at Nemili near Sriperambudur in Chennai. Seven other Northeastern girls from Manipur and Mizoram were also arrested along with the Naga girls, it was learnt.
The girls from Nagaland, mostly aged between 17 to 25, were sent to a Vigilance Home in Chennai after their arrest and kept there along with the other NE girls. The girls from Manipur and Mizoram are reportedly still under the custody of the Chennai vigilance commission.
Addressing a press conference today, members of the Miqlat Ministry informed that the rescued girls will be kept under their care for rehabilitation for a year or more depending on the wish of the girls.
The mission of bringing back the girls back home was assigned to Miqlat in August. However, despite the team making two trips down to Chennai along with Nagaland Police, the vigilance home refused to release the girls since the case was registered in Chennai High Court, and the team did not have certain required documents of the said case. The girls will be housed at Miqlat Ministry for shelter and rehabilitation.
On the promise of lucrative jobs and other opportunities, the seven Naga girls had become victims of human trafficking. The case scenario being that the victims were gullible coupled with ignorance of their parents. Another matter of serious concern is the growing evidence of the existence of trafficking nexus operated by the locals here.
According to Miqlat Ministry, most of the girls are school dropouts and children of poor farmers or daily wage earners. They were tricked to the city with rich promises and then sold for flesh trade by locals.
“Since they don’t have educational qualifications, it added to their vulnerability,” Miqlat Ministry Director said, adding that the rescued girls had themselves revealed their unexpected journey to the illegal and immoral profession. “With limited job opportunities, girls from the NE States are easily lured for lucrative jobs and better opportunities,” she said.
Stating that these girls had sent enough money home with their handsome earnings, the Miqlat Director, however, said parents of the girls had been ignorant of their children’s profession.
Source: Assam Tribune
NSCN-IM Chairman for next round of talks
Dimapur, Nov 21: NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chisi Swu has left Dimapur for New Delhi today for participating in the next round of talks with the government of India. Isak Chisi Swu was here for sometime. According to the NSCN-IM sources, a crucial talk is likely to begin from this week end in New Delhi between the outfit and the government of India representatives. As part of the prelude to the next round of talks, key NSCN-IM leaders including the outfits general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah have been holding series of talks, said the sources.
Meanwhile, back home in Nagaland, ever since the publication of a report on the so called ‘Supra State Body’ in newspapers the curiosity of general public on what exactly is that Supra State Body has gone high. The NSCN-IM has not reacted nor commented on the newspaper report on the matter so far.
According to The Seven Sisters Post newspaper reproduced. by Imphal based dailies, the negotiations between the Indian Government and the NSCN-IM faction are now in its final stages, and Seven Sisters Post newspaper has access to all its many details. The final settlement envisages a “special federal relationship” between India and Nagaland and creation of a “Supra-state body” for the Nagas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to be given as this year’s Christmas gift to “preserve, protect and promote their cultural, social and customary practices”, according to a report published by The Seven Sisters Post.
The offer to create a pan-Naga ‘Supra State Body’, instead of the “Greater Nagalim” demanded by the NSCN, has been touted by Indian negotiators as the “Second best option for the Naga people”, the report had said.
Newmai News Network
Source : Hueiyen News Service
Nagaland donates for Thailand flood victims
Correspondent
DIMAPUR, Nov 20 – An amount Rs 10 lakh was collected from the solidarity concert for Thailand in aid of the flood-affected people of Thailand. The concert at the Heritage Old DC Bungalow in Kohima on November 16 was organised by Friends of Thailand and Nagaland Baptist Church Councils and supported by the Government of Nagaland.
Receiving the amount, Tharadoi Thongruang, Councillor, Office of the Commercial Affairs, Thailand in New Delhi, thanked the people of Nagaland for their help. He also gave a presentation of the flood-affected areas in Thailand.
Nagaland Minister for Health & Family Welfare Kuzholuzo Nienu, said Thailand has always been close to the hearts of the Nagas and called upon all concerned to lend their support towards the people of Thailand.
Three months of heavy rains have affected about a third of Thailand, destroying farmland and forcing tens of thousands from their homes. More than 506 people were now known to have died since July. Over 2.3 million people have been affected by the floods.
Source: Assam Tribune
Unexploded WW-II bomb recovered in Kohima
Correspondent
KOHIMA, Nov 18 – Recovery of a suspected World War-II bomb, weighing around 90-100 kg, in Kohima village today created panic and chaos among the denizens of the State Capital.
While many such relics of the War have been found in the past, this is perhaps the biggest-ever recovered. Sources revealed that the unexploded bomb weighed nearly a quintal and measured about 3 feet 11 inches.
The bomb was found by some labourers at around 2.30 pm today while digging in an area to erect a retaining wall for the BRC Kohima village located near old TM Government High School.
Kohima Police personnel were informed about the bomb-like substance at around 3.30 pm, after which they went for spot verification and confirmed it to be a bomb. It is suspected to have been dropped during the Second World War.
The Police called for the service of the Bomb Disposal Squad under INT branch as well as the Assam Rifles, but they were unable to defuse the bomb.
The recovery of the bomb has created a fear psychosis not only among the people of Kohima village but even others in Kohima town, since it is assumed that the explosion of such a massive bomb could have a major impact and cause harm and damages to a large area.
However, sources informed that police personnel from INT have already relocated the bomb to a safe zone. It was further informed that they would be carrying out the process of disposal in a remote area with the help of the security forces.
Source: Assam Tribune
NCP only alternative in Nagaland: Conrad Sangma
Correspondent
DIMAPUR, Nov 16 – Close on the heels of withdrawing support to the NPF-led DAN Government in Nagaland, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has claimed that many State bureaucrats and leaders from other political parties have voiced desire to join the party affirming belief that NCP is the only alternative to run the affairs of the State.
This was stated by Meghalaya Leader of Opposition Conrad K Sangma during a brief interaction with media persons on Sunday at the State NCP office here when he also claimed that people in the State are not happy with the functioning of the DAN Government.
Sangma said, gauging from the sentiments of the public, the NCP would make a major impact in the forthcoming general election in the State.
Commenting on the withdrawal of the party from the DAN coalition government, the NCP leader said the decision was taken after a hard and intensive introspection. He was confident that the party would be able to cater to the public in addressing their needs.
He further stated that the decision to withdraw support from the ruling NPF-led DAN Government was made with the approval of the high command. He was of the opinion that the withdrawal was made in the best interest of the party and was most appropriate while stating that the major DAN partner, namely NPF, had never taken the party into confidence on policy matters.
Source: Assam Tribune
Nagas safe under regional party: Rio
Correspondent
DIMAPUR, Nov 11 – Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has stated that Nagas are now quite safe under the Indian Union as they are governed by a strong Naga regional party which carries the aspirations of the people and works to protect the history and culture of the Nagas.
Addressing the first general meeting of the NPF life membership cell at the party headquarters in Kohima, Rio said Nagas had fought for independence as they wanted to be separated, but maintained that this could not be supported due to division among the people, both overground and underground.
Nevertheless, he maintained that because of the unique history of the Naga people, recognition by the White and Black people and also special constitutional provisions and Article 371(A), “If we have a strong regional party from the State to rule the people, it is as good as being independent and sovereign”.
He pointed out that a regional party governs itself and takes own decisions without being imposed upon by a high command like national political parties. Even in future, if any other regional party besides NPF should form the government, it is good, he said.
Rio further maintained that the NPF-led DAN coalition government has been able to survive because Naga people have realised that the regional party carries their aspirations and works for the Nagas. He, therefore, opined that with a strong regional party ruling the people in the State, Nagas are now quite safe in the Indian Union and continue to pursue the aspiration to be free Nagas.
Rio also reiterated that NPF-led DAN Government is committed to its role of facilitator to the Naga peace process and hopeful that an honourable and acceptable solution will come soon for the Nagas. “We cannot hand over this problem to the next generation,” he insisted.
NPF president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu said in his address that successive governments in Nagaland had been plagued with the problem of defection and counter- defection for many years. But, despite all odds, NPF has proved that it has come to stay under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, he stated.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today said it ‘decries’ the statement of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio whereby he said that Nagas were safer under a regional ruling party in the State.
The NPCC media cell, in a release, questioned whether the CM meant that only NPF people are Nagas or whether he was implying that regional parties are not under the Constitution of India.
Further, the opposition party maintained that the CM, by equating sovereignty and independence with that of regional ruled State, had not only crushed the aspirations of the national workers but also belittled the ongoing political talks, while adding that his statement may also be interpreted as a call to the undergrounds to abandon their struggle and join the NPF party.
The statement also contended that the statement “Nagas were quite safe under the Indian Union” was an open admission that Statehood is the end of the road for the Nagas, a stand which it said Rio had stoutly opposed earlier and on which he rode to power. “He can’t fool the Nagas and the Government of India with such hypocrisy,” the Congress release said.
Source: Assam Tribune
12,400 HIV/AIDS cases in Nagaland
Correspondent
DIMAPUR, Nov 6 – There are around 12,400 people affected by HIV/AIDS in Nagaland, out of which a total of 7,500 are registered in different ART centres to avail treatment.
At least 7-8 people out of every thousand will be infected with the deadly virus in the State. This figure has been projected going by the total number of people testing positive in the State.
The State’s trajectory, when compared with that of the country’s ratio, is in a very vulnerable situation. India stands only at 3-4 person infected for every thousand.
This was revealed by Dr Hutoka, Medfical Officer in-charge ART Centre, District Hospital Dimapur, during the sensitisation programme on HIV/AIDS at Signal Angami village here.
The awareness programme was organised by the District AIDS Prevention & Control Unit (DAPCU) under NSACS in collaboration with the Legislators’ Forum on AIDS Nagaland.
Dr Hutoka stated that although the prevalence rate has been projected as having come down with the State now standing at 0.78 per cent, the ground situation seems otherwise.
Judging by the number of people being tested positive everyday, it appears that infection rate is not lessening but rather increasing relentlessly, he stated.
Infection through sexual route still remain the highest with more than 90 per cent of the reported cases while three per cent are through infected needle, four per cent from parent to child transmission and one per cent through unexplained circumstances.
Earlier, when HIV/AIDS was first detected in Nagaland in 1994, the main transmission route was through drug injecting users, which nowadays has comparatively lessened.
With regard to the age factor, 80 per cent of those tested positive are between 25-49 years of age followed by 15-24 age category with 12 per cent and over 50 years category at 4 per cent.
Dimapur still has the highest infection rate in the State with detection of over 3,500 positive. Around 1,500 of those tested positive are availing treatment at the ART centres in Dimapur.
Expressing serious concern that HIV/AIDS is becoming one of the highest causes of death, the MO said a total of 127 HIV patients availing ART medicines have died since its inception in 2006.
Most HIV related deaths occur because they (patients) come for assistance and to avail ART medicine to ICTC’s and ART centres only when they are in the last stage.
“I have been observing that this is another grave concern. Most of the HIV positive people come to avail of the much needed medicines only in the later stage of their infection,” Dr Hukato said. “If it’s delayed, medicinal benefits will lessen and the chances of patient’s survival are poor. Early detection is very important,” he added.
Another issue is the need for timely blood test, which most of the Nagas are apprehensive to come forward for owing to a number of reasons, particularly the stigma attached with the illness.
Early detection is also important to keep the infection rate in check, the doctor stressed.
Furthermore, in order to decrease HIV infection risk, he informed that a medication known as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is also available at the ART centres. While the drug cannot give 100 per cent guarantee, it is reported to decrease the incidence of sero-conversion and HIV infection.
Source: Assam Tribune
Aggrieved teachers of Nagaland on strike
Correspondent
DIMAPUR, Oct 27 – Members of the Aggrieved Teachers Association Nagaland (ATAN) continued with their hunger strike for the third day today. They are demanding fulfillment of their three-point charter of demands from the State Government.
ATAN officials informed that they will be continuing with their protest since there has not been any positive response from the Government. There is no report of any untoward incident while the volunteers sitting on hunger strike remain determined and firm with no health complications so far.
The association’s three-point demand includes revocation of the Abeyance Order of the Cabinet and to honour the CM’s assurance to ATAN; annulment of show-cause notices of those who have already responded earlier and retained as per District Vigilance Commission (DVC) and implementation of the DVC final report approved by the Cabinet for retaining ATAN members in their original posting place and establishment.
ATAN officials had said yesterday that they have been having a series of meeting at the directorate level but said they want a written assurance from the State Cabinet or the Chief Minister and until such time, they would not call off their hunger strike.
It may be mentioned here that ATAN started their hunger strike in September last year but had suspended it after the State Government assured to look into the matter.
The district administration and police have been deployed to control the situation in the event of any emergency. A medical team has also been made available to deal with any possible health complications.
Source: Assam Tribune
‘Corruption almost legalised in Nagaland’
Correspondent
DIMAPUR, Nov 14 – Former Nagaland Chief Minister Dr SC Jamir has rued that corruption has become so legitimate in Nagaland that it has become an almost essential part of governance and administration.
Jamir, who also served as Governor of Goa and Maharashtra, stated this at the inaugural session of the first ever technical festival ‘Techaura 2010′ organised at the School of Engineering & Technology and Management (SETAM), Nagaland University, which concluded here recently.
Referring to the recent remark made by the State Vigilance Commissioner that ‘corruption in the State has become institutionalised’, he said the statement couldn’t be truer as corruption has indeed become a legalised institution in Nagaland.
He further voiced apprehension that if the trend of corruption which is being witnessed in almost all the functions of the State mechanism is to continue, the moral foundation which is the very basis of our societal structure will soon disintegrate.
The veteran leader reminded of the fate that society would fall into if its moral foundation decays away while citing instance of the history of the Roman Empire which collapsed because of moral degradation eventually leading to disintegration of its political, economic, religious and other social institutions.
Source: The Assam Tribune
