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The Morung Express
Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 7
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www.morungexpress.com
Thursday, January 9, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4
Count your blessings. You are one of a kind. There’s no one in the world like you. You are amazing Nine die in MumbaiDehradun Express blaze
BipashaHarman to tie the knot
Azo inspects ongoing road construction [ PAGE 2]
Syria ships out first batch of chemical weapons materials
[ PAGE 11]
[ PAGE 9]
[ PAGE 8]
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
Dimapur | January 8
Curfew relaxed in Karbi Anglong
The young and old of the Karbi and Rengma communities have geared up to bring peace to the land, even as it seemed evasive at a point of time. And peace efforts, say elders from both communities, must continue. “Understanding will emerge when leaders— social, religious and political—meet, review their position, strengthen bonds, forgive and forget,” says former director of the Peace Affairs Committee of the Nagaland Baptist Churches Council, Rev. Kari Longchar. “If there is someone to lead the way for the common people, they will rush to seek peace,” he asserts, further suggesting that such guidance could also come from either the Axoms or other communities that approach communal harmony with a positive outlook. That can happen, of course, with cooperation from other Naga tribes (apart from the Rengma), which, according to some elders, should approach the idea of peace with an “open mind.”
DIPhU, JANUARY 8 (PtI): Curfew has been relaxed during the day in troubled areas of Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, but it continued at night with Assam Rifles personnel keeping a watch on the border with Nagaland. “We have relaxed the curfew during the day, but it will continue at night in the entire Bokajan subdivision, which comprise the disturbed areas under Chowkikhola police station,” a senior Assam Police official told PTI here on Wednesday. He said that a joint meeting of officials of Assam and Nagaland took place on January 6 during which it was decided to make a concerted effort to prevent future incidents. All the vehicles passing through the area are being provided escorts, he said. Operations against the militant Karbi Peoples Liberation Tigers and rival Naga Rengma Hills Protec- DIMAPUR, JANUARY 8 tion Force have been intensi- (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has condemned, in its words, “the fied, he said. recent cold blooded murder of nine Karbi young men at Pachaspura near Chamukedima in Dimapur by Naga Rengma Hills Protection DIMAPUR, JANUARY Force (NRHPF).” 8 (MExN): Air India has In a press release from informed all passengers the MIP, the NSCN (IM) has traveling on Air India flights stated that such “gruesome from Dimapur to report for murder is uncalled for and check-in formalities, two could have escalated to far hours prior to the flight de- more unwanted repercussion parture time. A press note had it not been the overtime from the Station Master, Air work for restraint, peace and India, Dimapur stated that reconciliation from both the the check in counters will civil societies of the Nagas and be closed forty five minutes Karbis.” In the same vein, it has before the departure time of also condemned the killing of the flight. Passengers have four Rengma Nagas, burning been requested to co oper- of their granaries and leaving ate to avoid any inconve- them homeless. While praynience at the last moment.
Advantage Sunderland as ManU lose again [ PAGE 12]
As Rev. Longchar puts it, “we, the Naga people, might be assumed to be supporters of the Rengma but we should be cautious of supporting or condemning any one or the other unreasonably.” “The Nagas must go to Diphu with a completely open mind about the need to be good neighbours, about how to support each other,” indicates peace activist Niketu Iralu. For him, neither the Karbi nor the Naga side should be undermined, and thinking must go beyond “political and economic agendas.” “The people must be able to see beyond provocation and counter provocation—we should be able to strengthen links between us and them to renew long term relationships,” maintains Iralu. He has long held the metaphor for the North East of India that “we’re on the same boat.” The cabins that people(s) inhabit might be different but if one punches holes in the boat, everyone sinks. And if there is a third party punching holes in the boat, “they and their agendas should be exposed,” asserts Iralu. “If we cannot achieve peace soon,
More than 2000 people were displaced by the violence in Karbi Anglong. Seen here is a displaced person with a child and a baby at a relief camp in Santipur, Bokajan. Displaced families have expressed the desire to go back to their villages and are being facilitated by the Assam police and the CRPF. Requests have been made to the Assam government to provide books, uniforms, bags and hostel facilities to students whose belongings were burnt in December. (Morung Photo/Caisii Mao)
evil forces may try to create more tension by taking advantage of the situation,” highlights Rev. Longchar, reflecting senior retired IAS official, J.I. Kathar’s words. “Since 1951 there
has been a systematic attempt to reduce the tribal—as much as I detest that word—population of Karbi Anglong,” he says, adding, “currently there are only 53% tribals left in
Karbi Anglong—less than 50% could call for the withdrawal of the sixth schedule (of the Indian Constitution) from the district.” Since 2003, state forces in conjunction with a certain
right wing organization and certain Indian intelligence agencies, reveals Kathar, have been applying the ‘divide and rule’ policy effectively to “impoverish, humiliate and debase us.” This is fuelled, in no small part, through the military means available to the people of the region. As long as the region remains militarized, there is little to taken control of. “We are helpless in disarming the region,” laments Rongbong Terang, former president of the Assam Sahitya Sabha. “There is great friendship between the Rengma and Karbi people; we will be able to re-establish relationships but the central government should work to disarm the region first of all,” he insists. But developing relationships, in this situation, can also be an uphill task if “mutual respect” between the communities is not restored and communicated. Unlike others, PS Lorin, a senior educationist, recommends that political aspirations must be kept in mind for dialogue to progress, and past hurts inflicted on each other be cleared. “Territories need to be properly demar-
nscn (iM) condemns killings; NH to address Karbi – calls for peaceful coexistence Naga issue politically
Air India informs passengers
Atsu to launch couture line online
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NEw DElhI, JANUARY 8 (IANS): Designer Atsu Sekhose, a promising name in the Indian fashion world since his debut in 2007, will launch his first couture line on an online pop-up shop. The line will be available on www.perniaspopupshop. com. Known for his chic, feminine and understated clothing, Sekhose brings to his customers a couture collection that combines delicate intricacies of haute couture, grand Indian aesthetics and bold designs. The line brings together soft hues and detailed embroideries to celebrate elegance. “This is my first ever couture collection and to collaborate with Pernia’s Pop Up Shop is a huge launchpad for me. The collection will be available and can be viewed by everyone across the world through the website,” Sekhose said in a statement. Qureshi says the designer is one of her favourites. “This couture collection takes his aesthetic to whole new fashion dimension. One will find a lot of it in my closet. I hope the shoppers love it as much as I do,” she said.
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–Richard Simmons
rising above violence: from people, to people Morung Express News
For Rs 150, I can set your time an hour ahead. No? Ayah Unkol. It can save you lot of day light-energy, productivity......
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ing for the departed souls to rest in “heavenly peace eternally,” the NSCN (IM) has prayed for the people to “respect each other rights and coexist in peace so that what has happen will not be repeated.” Further, it stated that “It is the bounden duty of the two states to facilitate and maintain peace between the two indigenous communities and that adequate course of measures for rehabilitation and compensation to all the affected villages, families and individuals are accorded with swift justness to the satisfaction of the affected.” The NSCN (IM) has appealed to both the communities to “restrain from any negative propaganda against each other and sort out differences through dialogue and by mutual respect.”
It has also warned of elements that could spread rumours to fuel the “communal crisis” for vested interests at the “cost of the Nagas and Rengmas.” The press release noted as “malicious” that “the Assam Government is blaming NSCN for the murder of nine Karbi when on 7th January the NRHPF has openly claim responsibility for the act. Such “habitual accusations” and malice towards us only indicate the attitude of Assam Government under Tarun Gogoi towards the Nagas.” Noting that the Assam government has “totally failed” to maintain law and order, it also hinted that “Rengma Nagas and Karbi community are being pitted against one another for the reason best known to them.”
To engage in “people to people dialogue” with Karbis and Ahoms
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 8 (MExN): The Naga Hoho has resolved to address the “Karbi Naga issue” politically in the near future. This was agreed upon at the Naga Hoho Civil Society meeting held on Wednesday in Dimapur. A press note from the Naga Hoho President and General Secretary informed that the meeting also resolved that an appeal will be made to the Assam government to treat both the Karbis and Rengmas equally in terms of providing relief materials to the displaced persons and ex gratia payment to the deceased. It was resolved that Naga Civ-
il Societies under the aegis of the Naga Hoho shall meet Karbi Civil Societies/Peace Forum and the Ahoms at the earliest, to engage in a “people to people dialogue to bring the situation into normalcy in the Rengma hills.” The Naga Hoho further informed that henceforth, individuals and different Naga Organizations “should not meet Karbi civil societies and others separately without the knowledge of the Joint Naga Civil societies” and that all relief materials should be handed over collectively. The meeting was attended by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Naga Mothers’ Association, Naga council Dimapur, Naga Students’ Federation, Dimapur Naga Students’ Union and Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights.
cated. Normalcy can only be restored by respecting each other. Peace can be brokered by prominent NGOs,” advises Lorin. “People to people dialogues and discussions are necessary—not just one, but many seminars and closed door meetings are required between the two communities to work together and restore peace,” agrees Kathar. While the elders have given their advice, the young are implementing peace in tandem. Negotiations and dialogues between the Rengma Naga Students’ Union and the Karbi Students’ Association of Karbi Anglong have averted any bandhs and blockades that seemed likely, and that could have given rise to more hostility between the two communities. On Thursday evening, they have jointly organized a candle light vigil in Diphu town for the 15 lost lives in the ongoing conflict—the two communities will pray together for the souls. It is exemplary of how, even in the presence of divisive forces, peopleto-people collaboration can rise to the occasion and above violence.
cBcnei appeals for peace; restrain
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 8 (MExN): The Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India, the apex body of 7000 Baptist Churches in the North East has expressed deep anguish and sorrow at the “loss of life, property, displacement and cause of fear among peacefully cohabiting Karbi and Rengma brothers.” A press note from the CBCNEI appealed to leaders and youths of both communities for peace and urged all to refrain from “ethnic coloration” of the event. The council has also urged the concerned administration to take just action against the perpetrators and to provide adequate security and protection for restoration of peace in the Karbi Anglong area of Assam. It called upon the government, NGOs and churches to assist in relief work and facilitate continuing education of the displaced students, especially those who are scheduled to write exams in February.
India changing fast, ‘Reported Christian “martyr” deaths double in 2013’ stay engaged, says PM
NEw DElhI, JANUARY 8 (IANS): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday said India is changing in a significant way and asked over 22 million expatriate community, the world’s second largest, to stay engaged in the future of the country with confidence and optimism. “India is changing in a way that is significant but not always evident to those who do not see the big picture,” he said, addressing the Indian diaspora at the Bharatiya Pravasi Day congregation here. The country, he added, is “prepared to assume the international role and responsibilities that the world at large expects from a rising India.” Seeking to dispel a sense of pessimism in view of falling growth, Manmohan Singh said the economy would grow at 5 percent in 2013-14 and it was heading towards better days. “There is a perception in some quarters outside India that the country is losing its momentum of the past decade. This is also amplified by the political contestation here in India, which are inevitably louder in the election season that is now on the horizon.” “I wish to assure you that there is no reason to despair about our
present or worry about our future,” the prime minister told the audience. “Our economic fundamentals remain strong. Our savings and investment rates are still over 30 per cent of our GDP and the entrepreneurial spirit in India is very much alive and kicking,” he said. He, however, agreed that more could have been done. “With greater political support, we could have legislated deeper reform measures - for example, in the financial and insurance sector.” “However, our decisions are already beginning to make an impact and India is re-emerging as an attractive investment destination. I am confident you will see the evidence clearly in the next few months.” The prime minister also assured the non-resident Indians of continuous support and assistance in promoting their links with the mother country in every possible way. “We have also recently launched the Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana to provide social security to Indian workers abroad. The Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in Delhi will be completed this year. We also intend to start a scheme to assist state governments in establishing Pravasi Bharatiya Bhawans,” he said.
lONDON, JANUARY 8 (REUtERS): Reported cases of Christians killed for their faith around the world doubled in 2013 from the year before, with Syria accounting for more than the whole global total in 2012, according to an annual survey. Open Doors, a non-denominational group supporting persecuted Christians worldwide, said on Wednesday it had documented 2,123 “martyr” killings, compared with 1,201 in 2012. There were 1,213 such deaths in Syria alone last year, it said. “This is a very minimal count based on what has been reported in the media and we can confirm,” said Frans Veerman, head of research for Open Doors. Estimates by other Christian groups put the annual figure as high as 8,000. The Open Doors report placed North Korea at the top of its list of 50 most dangerous countries for Christians, a position it has held since the annual survey began 12 years ago. Somalia, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan were the next four in line.
The United States-based group reported increasing violence against Christians in Africa and said radical Muslims were the main source of persecution in 36 countries on its list. “Islamist extremism is the worst persecutor of the worldwide church,” it said. WAR AGAINST THE CHURCH Christianity is the largest and most widely spread faith in the world, with 2.2 billion followers, or 32 percent of the world population, according to a survey by the U.S.-based Pew Forum on religion and Public Life. It faces restrictions and hostility in 111 countries, ahead of the 90 countries limiting or harassing the secondlargest faith, Islam, another Pew survey has reported. Michel Varton, head of Open Doors France, told journalists in Strasbourg that failing states with civil wars or persistent internal tensions were often the most dangerous for Christians. “In Syria, another war is
thriving in the shadow of the civil war -- the war against the church,” he said while presenting the Open Doors report there. About 10 percent of Syrians are Christians. Many have become targets for Islamist rebels who see them as supporters of President Bashar al-Assad. Nine of the 10 countries listed as dangerous for Christians are Muslim-majority states, many of them torn by conflicts with radical Islamists. Saudi Arabia is an exception but ranked sixth because of its total ban on practicing faiths other than Islam. In the list of killings, Syria was followed by Nigeria with 612 cases last year after 791 in 2012. Pakistan was third with 88, up from 15 in 2012. Egypt ranked fourth with 83 deaths after 19 the previous year. Thereportspokeof“horrific violence often directed at Christians” in the Central African Republic but said only nine deaths were confirmed last year because “most analysts still fail to recognise the religious dimension of the conflict.”
NORTH KOREA The report had no figures for killings in North Korea but said Christians there faced “the highest imaginable pressure” and some 50,000 to 70,000 lived in political prison camps. “The God-like worship of the rulers leaves no room for any other religion,” it said. There was now “a strong drive to purge Christianity from Somalia,” the report added, and Islamist attacks on Iraqi Christians have been increasing in the semi-autonomous Kurdish north, formerly a relatively safe area for them. Veerman, based near Utrecht in the Netherlands, said that killings were only the most extreme examples of persecutions. Christians also face attacks on churches and schools, discrimination, threats, sexual assaults and expulsion from countries. Open Doors, which began in the 1950s smuggling Bibles into communist states and now works in more than 60 countries, estimated last year that about 100 million Christians around the world suffered persecution for their faith.
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