Politics / Nagaland

NEW DELHI JAN. 11. Emerging from the meeting with the Defence Minister, George Fernandes, leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) made a significant statement here today. There would be "no more fighting between Indians and Nagas," they said.

"I want to tell you that there will be no more fighting between Indians and Nagas. That is the understanding we have reached now,'' the NSCN (I-M) chairman, Isak Chisi Swu, said after an hour-long meeting with Mr. Fernandes.

"The people of Nagaland have been praying that the leadership of India and the NSCN (I-M) should...

MAO (Manipur), Jan 11 – Over a span of three centuries 38 villages had sealed treaties of peace with Pudunamei, a small village nestled in a hillock at a high altitude on the Manipur – Nagaland border, revered and feared in those yonder days of head-hunting. And today at a time when the country is looking at the historic Naga talks with hopeful eyes, the 38 Naga villages came together in a memorable celebration commemorating and reaffirming the peace treaties entered into by their forefathers. Unveiling of the monolith on which the names of the 38 villages are engraved and a peace feast marked...

NEW DELHI, Jan. 9 – The move to oust Congress-Government in Nagaland has gathered pace, with the ruling NDA likely to seal a deal with the opposition alliance of Naga People Front (NPF). A formal announcement is slated to be made on January 22 in Nagaland. While the focus is on the ongoing tour of the NSCN (I-M) leadership, the NDA leaders are busy hammering out a strategy to put up a joint front of opposition parties to dislodge S C Jamir Government. The NDA partners who were joined by NCP leader, Sharad Pawar met at Defence Minister, George Fernandes house last evening for the first time.

T...

Shillong, Jan. 11: At a time when the region’s eyes are focused on New Delhi — where the two leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) visited Rajghat before kickstarting the peace talks — far away in a small house in Shillong, a 75-year-old woman recalled Mahatma Gandhi and the Naga struggle for self-determination like no one else.

Kong Bires Lyngdoh Nongrang, huddled by the fireside in her hilltop residence in Risa Colony, recalled how her husband, Theyiew Shakrie, general secretary of A.Z. Phizo’s Naga National Council who was often referred to as “Phizo’s lips and...

Kohima, Jan. 11: Even as the NSCN (I-M) and the Centre are trying to hammer out a lasting solution to the Naga problem, there is simmering tension in the state following intelligence reports about a possible spurt in the turf war between the two factions of the NSCN. Describing the situation in Nagaland as “tense,” the security forces have stepped up vigil in the state. Frisking and patrolling by Assam Rifles jawans in the sensitive areas have been increased.

“We are taking all measures to avert any untoward incident,” a senior Assam Rifles official here told The Telegraph.

“The situation in...

New Delhi, Jan. 11: After an hour-long discussion with defence minister George Fernandes, the NSCN (I-M) leaders today said there would be no more fighting between “Indians and Nagas”. Though a ceasefire agreement has been in place in Nagaland since 1997 and today’s reiteration by NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chisi Swu is largely symbolic, its significance cannot be overlooked.

For the Naga leaders who have relentlessly fought the Indian Army, the statement shows a complete shift in mood and direction of the outfit.

“I want to tell you that there will be no more fighting between Indians and Nagas...

IMPHAL, Jan. 11. — An all-party ‘peace-talks monitoring cell’ was set up here today with chief minister Mr O Ibobi Singh as its convener following what is viewed here as disturbing signals regarding the territory of Manipur emanating from the NSCN (I-M)-Centre talks.

“I will even give up my chief ministership if it would save the territory of Manipur from being divided,” Mr Ibobi Singh said. “We are are ready to meet the eventuality at any cost,” he added at the em-ergency meeting of all state political parties that was hastily convened at 10.30 a.m. at the CM’s conference hall here. It was...

Imphal, January 11: An all-party emergency meeting presided over by Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today conveyed to the Centre that the territorial integrity of the state would be maintained ‘at any cost’.

The meeting was held in the wake of the NSCN (I-M) leaders’ demand for formation of ‘greater Nagaland’ placed during the ongoing peace talks with the Centre in Delhi.

The resolution adopted at the meeting said the people of Manipur would ‘‘unitedly oppose attempt by any authority to disintegrate the state’’.

‘‘The territory of Manipur belongs to Manipuris (different communities...

New Delhi, January 11: Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah today assured Defence Minister George Fernandes that NSCN (I-M) will not target the Indian army any more. The unscheduled meeting with Fernandes turned out to be more significant than either side had expected as the minister too reciprocated in kind, saying that their cadres would not be ‘‘victimised unnecessarily.’’ The insurgent leaders had sought an appointment with Fernandes, known to be a Northeast sympathiser, only late last evening. He obliged and agreed to meet them despite the Governor’s meeting today.

Both the leaders...

Imphal, January 10: Opposition DPA constituent partner Manipur Peoples' Party said it will take up arms, if necessary, if Government of India concedes to the demand of NSCN (IM) to amalgamate all Naga inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella. Addressing news persons at the MPP office today, president of the party and firebrand leader O Joy said the present peace talks between Govt of India and the NSCN (IM) to solve the Naga issue is based on four points put forward by the underground outfit. While pursuing a solution to the vexed issue, drastic measures should not be taken that could...