State lad youngest Indian to conquer Mt Everest
IMPHAL, May 18: Even though it was nearly five-decades back when New Zealander Edmund Hillary and his Nepali companion Tenzing Norgay scaled Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, on May 29, 1953, Nameirakpam Chingkheinganba became the youngest Indian .....
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Burmese Language Studies programme
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Leakages waste 60 Kls
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Shija's Cleft Project goes on
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TNAL protests
IMPHAL, May 18: The Tang-khul Naga Aze Longphang (Southern Tangkhul Naga Union) strongly denounced the Cabinet decision which prohibited entry of both Sailent and Saijang villagers to the ‘disputed site.’ An emergency general bo-dy meeting of TNAL .....
UGs clash
IMPHAL, May 18: A suspected NSCN (IM) cadre died in a gunfight with ZUF rebels at Lunghshai Chiru, located at the border of Bishnupur and Chu-rachandpur districts at around 2 pm today. The gunbattle broke out at the bank of Thongjaorok riv-er under Upp.....
NPF, ATSUM flay vacate order
IMPHAL, May 18: An order from the state government was issued today (Saturday) asking the residents of Naga River Colony in Imphal to vacate by May 19 (Sunday). The government of Manipur is planning to construct a five-star hotel in the area. Registeri.....
Gym inaugurated
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Dr NT Kom felicitated
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Mayek Chatpa Numit
IMPHAL, May 18: Marking the 7th anniversary of State Government’s declaration to replace Bengali script with Meetei Mayek in the school syllabus of Manipuri subject, Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasillon Apunba Lup (MEELAL) today observed Mayek Chatpa Numit at .....
High tension electric wire falls on Ukhrul school
Ukhrul, May 18: A High Tension (HT) wire fitted across the campus of Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, Hungpung Ukhrul, fell on the school today. The incident occurred at around 11 am while the cadets of Scouts and Guides were performing drill exe.....
Veterinary directorate
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Fishermen refute charges
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Introduction of Hindi in DU NEFIS urges, cautions
IMPHAL, May 18: Urging the Prime Minister Office to effect scrapping of the set of 'reforms' introduced by Delhi University in its four-year undergraduate courses, the North East Forum for International Solidarity has cautioned of launching democratic agi.....
Vitiligo Day observed
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Victim, sister called to Court of Inquiry
IMPHAL, May 18: Even as the warrant of arrest issued by Court in connection with the rape attempt on a sweeper by a CRPF personnel has been accepted by CRPF authority, they have asked police to send the victim and her elder sister to assist in their court.....
Hoi Polloi And Mundanity
By : Yenning
The Manipur Project of NSCN-IM
The Manipur Project of NSCN-IM and its General Secretary, Th. Muivah has become all the more revealing if one looks at the recent socio-political development unfolding in Manipur. In other words, it has thrown up certain crucial issues pertaining to the movement of NSCN-IM in Manipur. At the outset, it is worthwhile to recall that the ‘Muivah/Manipur’ factor has been a stumbling block to the much awaited honourable solution to the Naga movement of Nagaland. In spite of the negative impact the above has on the integrity of the Nagas, Nagaland has given support to the callous demand of Muivah recognising his contribution in terms of resources and manpower. Thus, Nagaland has agreed and supported the Muivah faction to find an exit from Nagaland.
Another reason, why the Muivah project does not draw flak from the armed groups in Nagaland is that the armed Nagas of Nagaland have declared their intention to resolve the movement by and for the Nagas of Nagaland. Take for instance, in an exclusive interview to Nagaland Post during the observance of the 6th Unification Day at GPRN/NSCN’s Designated Camp at Khehoi (Thursday, 23 November 2012), Kitovi claimed, “The current talks between NSCN-IM and the Government of India (GoI) were confined only to the Naga inhabited areas in Manipur and thus, the alternative arrangement for the Nagas of Manipur has nothing to do with the Nagas of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam”. He further added, “Government of India, being a big country and a nation, their constitution is also very flexible. Although it is very bulky, it is flexible. But in the case of Nagas, the Government of India has set two rigid conditions – no sovereignty, no integration. So any solution that may come about between Government of India and Muviah cannot be applied beyond Manipur, since there is no question of integration.”
In the light of such developments, it is only reasonable to understand the predicament of the followers of Muivah in Manipur. What is more worrisome to them is about the fate of their cadres from Manipur in the days to come. Perhaps, few cadres close to the ‘top’ may fit in the absorption policy such as to the Indian forces but many will be left out. This reality has been a frustrating factor for the leaders of Manipuri Nagas within the movement. As a result, the movement for an honourable exit from Nagaland was started as a way of solving the problems highlighted above. Three attempts were made to push through the agenda but ended in failure. The failure can be said to be on account of being emotive and lack of clarity of vision. Emotional sensationalism, frustration and misinformation have been the characteristic features of the three attempts launched by Muivah.
First Attempt: Muivah’s Proposed Visit to Manipur
Having understood the grave situation of his followers and supporters in Manipur on account of the fallout of the 17-years long negotiation with GoI and in terms of the adamant response of other armed groups based in Nagaland as well as the people of Nagaland who do not accept them as part and parcel of Nagaland but see them as ‘outsiders’ or ‘impure Nagas’, Th. Muivah, a domicile of Manipur, made a strategic shift in his tactics. As a part of this new tactics, Muivah, with the permission of GoI, proposed a visit to his native village in Manipur and then to all the hill districts of Manipur. This had political overture, such as garner support in his vision of creating a political space (sic. Later on came to be known as alternative political arrangement outside the Government of Manipur). In addition, through the proposed visit, Muivah aimed at rejuvenating his otherwise dying movement.
In the proposed visit, government security personnel were expected to guarantee Muivah’s safety not by his armed cadres. It must be noted here that in the course of the tragic ridden Naga movement, many Nagas have died at the hands of the Indian security forces. Entrusting one’s security and life to a decade-long sworn enemy only proves that Muivah has succumbed to the inescapable tangle of Indian politics and turned collaborator. Another issue regarding the proposed visit concerns the means of transport which Muivah opted. A low profile air service (sic. helicopter) could have fulfilled his cherished dream of visiting his birth place. But the element of sensationalism and political loudness could be achieved only by surface transport, thus, Muivah’s choice of road trip. During the course of the movement, on numerous occasions, he must have visited his village many a times. But his sudden interest to visit his native village was a clear sign that he has given up the movement and he is more worried about the future of its cadres from Manipur than anything else. But simply giving up in this way would invite public ire and retaliations from his high profile cadres of Manipur. So, he looked for an ‘honourable exit’ by consulting with its core members in Manipur.
As expected, the proposed visit was stopped but ended in achieving Muivah’s dream of creating an ethnic divide. Later, a propaganda video message, which Muivah spoke in Manipuri (sic. Meiteilon), was circulated in the name of Naga rights and as a way of cementing the fractured Nagas in Manipur. This was the last and first attempt in which Muivah involved himself.
Second Attempt: Demand for Alternative Arrangement
The second attempt, i.e. demand for alternative arrangement was left to the frontal organisations of NSCN-IM with tactical and financial support from Hebron. This time, parties and civil society organisations based in Nagaland did not openly support as they did in the first campaign because they considered it to be a Manipuri issue. Within a year of Muivah’s proposed visit, the campaign for alternative arrangement was initiated albeit without defining the meaning and scope of alternative arrangement. It is more akin to an exercise of releasing frustration without having any basis or direction. Take for instance, one of the main organisers of the campaign, United Naga Council (UNC), came out with a private circulation in which they talked about severing ties from the Government of Manipur (GoM) but without talking about alternative arrangement. Moreover, they could not persuade a single Naga to do so. This brings us to the conclusion that UNC is merely implementing a programme to remain accountable to the higher authorities. The analysis of this campaign was discussed in our article “Alternative Arrangement and the Nagas of Manipur” (The Sangai Express, Imphal, December 11, 2011).
The campaign for alternative arrangement is a mere exercise of keeping under certain order the frustrated and misinformed Manipuri Nagas, particularly, the cadres who have dedicated their lives for the movement. Besides, it is also a mechanism to keep them engaged. The campaign will start whenever NSCN-IM does not have anything to share or are scared to share the progress and/or retreat of the negotiation with GoI. For instance, GoI has firmly denied sovereignty and integration of Naga inhabited areas into a single politico-administrative unit. Inspite of this, NSCN-IM and its frontal organizations continue to misinform the Manipuri Nagas that everything is going on well and an honourable solution is forthcoming. Over and above, sections of Manipuri Nagas, who are aware of the truth desist from making it public for fear of armed retaliation.
Third Attempt: Campaign of Communal Politics
With the waning of the campaign for alternative arrangement, a new strategy to engage the Nagas has been devised under the campaign of communal politics. In the process, UNC and other frontal organizations of NSCN-IM have been calling GoM as a as ‘communal government’ without explicating in what ways it is being so or what constitutes communal politics. In fact, “communal” and “communal government” have become the most favourite and oft-repeated catch words of UNC and others in their press releases. The Momoko incident is a testimony to this affliction. When justice for Momoko was demanded, none of the agitators demanded for punishment of a “Anal” Livingstone or a “Naga” Livingstone or a “Christian” Livingstone or a “Hao” Livingstone but simply demanded punishment of a criminal called Livingstone, who happened to be an NSCN-IM cadre. But UNC and other NSCN-IM frontal organizations likened it to be a case of “communal” politics.
Calling a name is easier than proving the basis. This seems to be the problem of NSCN-IM and its funded organizations. What they failed to understand is that communal politics is a politics based on religion for short term gains. If they feel that government of Manipur is communal, then to whom. Is it to the Chin-Kuki-Mizos and the Nagas, who are predominantly Christians, or to the Meitei Pangals who follow Islam or to other faiths? The answer is a big “No”. None of them feels that the government is communal except those who are returning home empty-handed after years of negotiation with GoI and aggressively and exclusively looking for an honourable space for themselves. Perhaps, “communal” is the only plank on which the campaign for alternative arrangement can be built and the only bargaining chip to throw to GoI when all others have failed.
Dancing to the Tune of Reality
It is political sagacity to be able to foresee the future and dance according to the tune of reality. Muivah and NSCN-IM leadership remains to be appreciated at least on these grounds. When limited options are available and faced with the potential crisis of the cadres, and above all, having learnt from history (sic. the Mizo Accord), Muivah is right to push ahead with the agenda of saving himself as well as close associates in Manipur. Apprehension on the part of the Muivah followers has been captured by the Morung Express, (January 4, 2013) when it reported, “UNC delegation is expected to visit Hebron camp in Dimapur soon and meet the NSCN-IM General Secretary Th. Muivah and Chairman Isak Chishi Swu to get a clear picture about what the Nagas of Manipur can expect in the event of a final solution to the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks”. In the light of such developments, campaign for alternative arrangement is a political move to assuage the tensed minds and thus, a logical outcome. Not only this, on the material front, too, NSCN-IM leadership has also given permission to its cadres to amass wealth from any available sources as a move to appease them. The sanction given to Jubiliant Energy for oil explorations in Manipur and illegal chromite mining in Ukhrul District are indicative examples. Articulating communalism as the basis of alternative arrangement and destruction of Manipur by MNCs, will only lead to destruction of all the communities in Manipur. Is NSCN-IM willing to pay the price?
The writer can be reached at
yenning05@rocketmail.com or visit
www.hoipolloiandmundanity.blogspot.com
Critic
Sitting in imphal valley and writing about the Nagas does not hold much weight as your writeup is very pro meitei thoughts. Come to Naga hills and see for yourself what a common Naga like me thinks... It's not the UNC or the NSCN - but it's common man like me who wants to have an alternative arrangement for the Nagas outside Manipur.. if you want to write facts - come to naga hills then we will appreciate
@critic
my brother what and which hill you r talking about. in real world there is diff of poor and rich, day and night, good and bad, have and havenot. which site are you on? common man is found in every corner and their problem too. your common man is no diff from any other common man. to do some thing for humanity to ease their problem is what counts and not the other way. we live for ourself every day. lets help each other and see our problems collectively for no one other then you and me will come and clean our homestead.
Ng Boy
It is good thought provoking analysis of a mere conflict situation created by IM in Manipur for personal benefit. Please keep on writing on many prevailing issue in Manipur in the way your looking from the realistic angle without beating around the bush.
critic
Hello - meitei fellow, when you write about any naga issue. Be it NSCN issue, Alternative Arrangement, UNC, Mao Gate killing by the Manipur Govt in 2010.. The Common Naga folks are the people living in Naga Hills... Come and see, hear for yourself... your perception will change... KUKNALIM... Why are you so worried about the Naga Solution??
eLJe
To some extent I am willing to agree with the chaos faced by the NSCN-IM leadership that you have pointed out. I am not a Naga, but I do agree and believe that the Govts. in Manipur (call it Political set up if you wish) have always been communal to your "HAO" macha. Someone rightly said that 'the wearer only knows where the shoe pinches'. Maybe you might like wearing the shoe for 5 years and find out How and Where the pinch is........
Masanglai
The entire NE is a frog in a pond. Don't you realised that, you people of NE. The ULFA become smaller and smaller, and one day it will be gone. The GOI won't make a big umbrella for the Nagas either, even as NSCN demand all Nagas to be under one umbrella. Its over now. Everything is over. NE people are now, like frogs fighting inside a pond amongst themselves. The entire NE is like a frog inside a pond. Do you know that? Throw a corn inside a poultry; the chicken, the cocks and the hens will try to snatch the largest corn and fight among themselves trying to get more share. However, at the end of the day, or one day, even the stongest of them all, will be roasted by the owner of the poultry. NE is just like that. We are like chickens in a poultry. No matter how big and strong you feel, actually you were not. A much much stronger hand is teasing you, exploiting you, setting you up against one another, and playing with your lives. More companies will come, and more army will come. You think the companies are for you, but they were not. They are working to enlarge their companies and for the Central government. Your lands become smaller and smaller. You call each other "a frog in a pond". Actually, it is the entire NE (which includes you people) is a frog in a pond. The owner (be it legal or not) buys you, sells you, and makes you laugh or cry at any time it wish. Sometimes it kills you and even eats you many times. Destroying your cultures in the name of promoting your cultures. They will let you live by dreams, mirage and hallucinations. In reality, NE is gone, really gone.
Hill man
Meitei should understand how to differentiate people's mandate and responsibility. NSCNs(be it IM,K,KK) is just an organization fighting for a cause. The organization does not exist if people withrew their support. If the organization cannot fulfill the cause of the people, it is certain that another group will emerge to take over the responsibilty. Our stand are loud and clear - leave us alone. Why Meitei has to all the time poked their nose in our day to day affairs. Mr. Yenning I believe, you understand the meaning "empty vessels make sound". Without knowing the reality don't write bais report. Let me advise these, peace is prevailing in hill region, while your meitei UG are busy carrying out their cowards act by planting bomb everywhere, we are not provocating the Indian soldiers, we knew when to raise gun or when to have peace or when to negotiate. Don't provoke the hill people. Remember people are the BACKBONE of Naga movement.
people
there is some element of truth in this article. There is no much hope left in IM's leadership for anyone including Nagas.
hoplaa
Hi, Mr Yening, be human, don't be meitei
@ Hill man
How you said if the people withdrew their support the UG elements like nSCN(IM/KK/K) are non existence??? The NSCN(IM) which meted out genocide against brethren ethnics cannot be spared.They should be held accountable for the crime they have committed.They should be try ,book and gave punishment--- hang in full public view.
Man
Mr Yenning, be a good writer but don’t be a communal writer. Give true message to the younger generation so that they can learn in a good way. Your communal write up will not bring any good for the people. At some point I can understand the frustration and worrying factor currently faced by the Meitei but this type of write up will not solve the issue. Separation of Valley and Hill is unquestionable.... sooner or later.
nixon
Gone are those days people fm mr.yenning's community used to drop eatables on our plate and would let us lye near their cow shed assuming we are HAO and MAANGBA when we go to their places for any reasons and the same was opposite whe the come to hill........ today people are literate enough hence no chit chat but one mere Q Mr yenning - is it still HAO attitude to hill people persist in so call centre manipur areas - imphal, thoubal, bisnupur distts. a big Yes...thats y pse shut your mouth and dont propagate devils advocacy here.....
hopeless article
when i first saw the heading i was quick enough to slide down but i found out that the writer is a poor typical meitei centric writer writing only what he knows. so i left reading the entire article and one funny thing is that the writer himself is commenting against naga commentators. meiteis should learn that ignoring the true meaning behind indo naga talk will lead them to an embarrassing situation at the end.
GO
Mr yenning has seemingly written it very well! God bless for it to happen for the good future of Manipur: everybody must respect each other's sentiments. It is ripe time for it. There should be no millitancy or extremism in twenty first century. One should realize that once done is done; example, when a couple comes to know they cannot be couple and have children also. They should be like before they were maried. Similarly between brothers; they must not have been so. Do one believe that there is never a quarell between or among brothers or similarly.. Will it be possible? Reversible things seldom happen in nature.
Puyam Nassir-u-din Shah
The writer is bold and write the true picture of NSCN(IM) in the context of contemporary political crisis. It doesn't show any communal bias. It is a realistic analysis how a big organization fail to an embarrassing situation because of lack of clarity of goal and commitment. It is a good lesson for all the young leadership of political organization and civil societies. NSCN(IM) is the best example of a failed political organization in North east.
Long
Everyone comment be write to hate each other is not a good symbol. Why we all hill & valley don't try to do something for better future like as if some development work has done in my area then we have Clubs,Vill. Org to lookafter the contractor or thika if not work as per existing manner do anything to him because contractor and the area is our area. And lastly who will guarantee like Aa in manipur by the naga nscn/unc then in naga or kuki and There r so many small groups/community they will not demand their Aa in naga kuki and majority will occupy the benefits of the other community. Lastly we must think about what we will be naga or kuki in one umbrela then our identity of a kabui, anal, tankhul, mao or zoumi, vaiphei, kipgen be safe in it? It also be discuss. Meitei was advance to lose identify others they r Meetei they r worn hindu in vastly except some SHANAMHISM.
naruto
it is interesting to kno the hostile attitude of the Meitei community against the so called hill peoples especially against the Nagas. Mr. Yenning's article proves to it. it is unfortunate that the Meitei community propagate 'ching-tam amadani' only for their own selfish vested interest. Mr. Yenning your kind of writing wil only heightened the emotional division between the Nagas and the Meitei. Your writing is ful of false assumptions and allegations. use ur brain... tat MOmoko incident was completely communal ...bcoz of one unfortunate personal incident, the Meitei's targetted da whole Naga community...if i ever meet tat gal i wil giv her a tight slap...bcoz of her superiority complex, 4 Nagas were killed...wat a ckeeky gal n u r suporting tat kind of shamless gal...u r more cheekier than her! dont twist the ground reality wit ur venomous words! get a grip of urself n wake up boy...the Meitei's r no saint like u projected...
@naruto
TRY IT N UR INTESTINE WOULD BE FED TO DOGS!!
@ Mr Yenning
'K write up more what U know but ur fate of ashame is waiting 4 U. U R God 4 2day. A self-styll God form by urself will die 1day though theres no God die from time immemoral.
naga boy
mr.ploi ploi ,don't worry be happy.Its naga thing and you are not a naga
Observer
IM political aspirations are diminishing in relevance and ambition as we can all see. Many Nagas may yell that IM issue is a Naga issue and hence others are not welcome to think about it. But the IM by it's own acts of terrorising .neighbouring ethnic groups and States has made it an issue in which all victims who have now acquired as much political and firepower will give their all to
