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AFPSA extended in parts of Arunachal, Nagaland

One more police station area has been brought under the ambit of the AFSPA through the fresh notification…reports Asian Lite News

The Union home ministry on Friday extended for six months the “disturbed area” status in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.

According to two separate notifications, the decisions have been taken after review of the law-and-order situation in both the states.

The AFSPA gives armed forces personnel, operating in disturbed areas, sweeping powers to search, arrest, and to open fire if they deem it necessary for “maintenance of public order”.

The home ministry said the central government in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the AFSPA 1958 (28 of 1958) had declared the Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai and Mahadevpur police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the state of Assam as ‘disturbed area’ on September 30, 2022.

One more police station area has been brought under the ambit of the AFSPA through the fresh notification.

“And whereas a further review of the law and order situation in the state of Arunachal Pradesh has been undertaken. Now, therefore, Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the state of Assam, are declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2023, unless withdrawn earlier,” one of the notifications said.

In the other notification, the home ministry said the central government in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the AFSPA, 1958 (28 of 1958) had declared nine districts and 16 police stations in four other districts of Nagaland as ‘disturbed area’ for a period of six months with effect from October 1, 2022.

It said, now, the disturbed area status will be applicable in eight districts and 21 police stations areas falling under five other districts.

“And whereas a further review of the law and order situation in the state of Nagaland has been undertaken. Now, therefore, Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek and Peren districts in Nagaland and the areas in Nagaland falling within the jurisdiction of i) Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District; ii) Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki ‘C’ police stations in Mokokchung District; iii) Yanglok police station in Longleng District; iv) Bhandari, Champang and Ralan police stations in Wokha District; and v) Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto District, are declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2023, unless withdrawn earlier,” the notification said.

ALSO READ-AFSPA extended in 9 Nagaland districts

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Nagaland gears up for G20 event

Some of the business delegates will be from big continental corporations, ambassadors and other senior representatives of their respective countries…reports Asian Lite News

Nagaland is set to host one of its biggest events, for the G20 Summit 2023, at Kohima on April 5, informed the state’s Chief Secretary J Alam.

The Chief Secretary said India’s year-long presidency of G20 from December 2022 was a matter of great honour for the country and Nagaland, like other host states, was also actively participating in G20 events. He said in the G20 calendar, meetings are to take place all around the year in about 33 cities, with the most scheduled to be held in Kohima.

“Nagaland will host a business meeting, which will feature representatives of the G20 countries, on April 5, 2023. We are fully prepared to host the summit event,” he said.

“We are very excited to host the G20 event. We are started preparing for a grand welcome of the G20 delegates who will participate in the summit meeting in Nagaland,” he said.

He said the state was expecting to play host to about 110 delegates, of which about 100 will be from 28 G20 countries and the remaining from international organisations that are part of the grouping, the chief secretary said, adding that the delegates will arrive on special flights on April 4, and thereafter attend the main events on April 5.

Informing that there will be business meetings and cultural programs that will showcase the strengths of Nagaland at the summit events, he said, “The focus of the meetings would be mostly on agri, allied and food processing industry, as well as tourism development of the state. We hope that through these events, the state would be able to create investment opportunities.”

On whether there were any big names expected at the summit, the chief secretary informed that they have not received the list of names so far, as it is yet to be shared by the G20 Secretariat, in Delhi.

However, some of the business delegates will be from big continental corporations, ambassadors and other senior representatives of their respective countries.

He informed further that on the arrival of the delegates on April 4, they will be accorded a formal welcome at the Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima and on April 5, business meetings will be held in the State Banquet Hall followed by cultural evening and dinner at Kisama heritage complex where the State intends to showcase its signature Hornbill Festival in honour of the guests.

Further, he said that the infrastructure, especially at the airport, as well as roads and venues, were being spruced up and preparation was underway to give the delegates a grand welcome. (ANI)

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Exit polls predict big win for BJP in Tripura, Nagaland

An aggregate of exit polls showed the NDA will come to power in Nagaland, Meghalaya. Its performance in Tripura may be lacklustre compared to 2018…reports Asian Lite News

The ruling NDPP-BJP alliance would retain power in Nagaland, while BJP has a clear edge over its rivals in Tripura, exit polls predicted on Monday as they forecast a close race in Meghalaya.

The outcome of exit polls was telecast by news channels after the conclusion of polling in Meghalaya and Tripura on Monday. Tripura had gone to the polls on February 16. In Tripura where the BJP created history in 2018 by wresting the state from Left parties, the exit polls predicted that the BJP will be ahead of its rivals or get majority.

India Today-Axis My India exit poll predicted that BJP would get 36-45 seats and the Left-Congress will get 6-11 seats. The exit poll gave 9-16 seats to Tipra Motha.

The ZeeNews-Matrize exit poll predicted that BJP-IPFT will get 29-36 seats in the 60-member House. It said Left-Congress combine is poised to get 13-21 seats and Tipra Motha 11-16.

The ETG-Times Now poll predicted BJP would get 24 seats, Left-Congress would get 21 seats and Tipra Motha 14 seats. The BJP had won 36 seats in the 2018 assembly election.

For the 60-member Nagaland assembly, India Today-Axis My India exit poll predicted that the NDPP-BJP alliance would get 38 to 48 seats.

It said Congress is likely to win 1-2 seats, NPF may win 3-8 seats and other parties could get 5-15 seats.

According to Zee-Matriz exit poll, NDPP-BJP alliance could get 35-43 seats.

ETG-Times Now poll gave 27-33 seats to NDPP, 12-16 seats to BJP and 4-8 seats to NPF.

In the 60-member Meghalaya assembly, Zee-Matrize exit poll predicted NPP will get 21-26 seats, Trinamool Congress 8-13 seats, BJP 6-11 seats and Congress 3-6 seats.

India Today-Axis My India exit poll for the state predicted NPP getting 18-24 seats, Congress (6-12), BJP (4-8), UDP (8-12 seats) and TMC (5-9) seats.

Times Now ETG exit poll predicted that NPP will get 18-26 seats, AITMC 8-14 seats, UDP 8-14 seats and BJP 3-6 seats.

The counting of votes in all three states will take place on March 2.

All options open, says Meghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma is likely to form a post-poll alliance, indicated exit polls conducted by a number of media houses.

The exit polls further pointed out that the northeastern state would have a hung house, with Sangma’s National People’s Party (NPP) emerging as the single-largest party. Following this, Conrad Sangma said that he would keep all options to form a stable government.

“We will keep all our options open to form a stable government. We are happy to see the trend is in line as we expected to get more seats than we received last time,” said Sangma.

To form a stable government, Sangma said, decision would taken considering the best interest of the state.

“When it comes to forming a stable government as and when the situation arrives we will move forward considering the best interest of the state,” he said.

The ruling NDPP-BJP alliance would retain power in Nagaland, while BJP has a clear edge over its rivals in Tripura, exit polls predicted as they forecast a close race in Meghalaya.

EC to hold peace meetings

The Election Commission said that it will hold peace meetings on Monday and Tuesday to avert any law and order problem in the state after election results are declared on March 2.

The Chief Election Officer, Kiran Gitte said that they had meetings with all political parties in this regard. “After poll results, a law and order situation can occur. Peace meetings to be held on February 27 and 28,” the Chief Election officer said, adding, “People will be requested to pass a resolution to maintain peace”.

The development comes after a person allegedly sustained a leg injury after clashes had broken out between supporters of the ruling BJP and Opposition CPI during the polling for Tripura assembly elections outside a polling booth earlier in the month.

The alleged incident had taken place outside the Kalacherra polling station in Shantirbazaar Assembly constituency in the south Tripura district.

On Thursday, Tripura Chief Electoral Officer Kiran Gitte conducted review meetings in South Tripura, Gomati and Sepahijala districts ahead of the counting of votes of recently held Tripura Assembly polls.

The review meeting was conducted in the presence of state Chief Secretary JK Sinha and Director General of Police (DGP) Amitabh Ranjan and Additional DGP Saurabh Tripathi.

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‘UK govt assessing priorities to engage in Nagaland’

However, he asserted that he will be here at least until next monsoon and would try his best visit the remaining areas…reports Asian Lite News

“We never do things to people, we do things with people,” emphasised Nick Low, British Deputy High Commissioner (Counsel General) Kolkata, during his recent visit to Nagaland, while implying that the United Kingdom is keen and assessing priorities to work with authorities of the State.

‘I would never arrive and say this is what we’re going to do for you in health or education or infrastructure etc. Such a scenario would be completely improper and very scary to do,’ he asserted, when queried on whether any areas have been identified for possible intervention.

Instead, what really needs discussing are particular priority areas of the concerned State, said Low, who heads the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata, representing the UK Government in 12 States and 1 Union Territory in East India as well as Bhutan.

Low, who assumed charge of the Kolkata Commission in October 2019, admitted that due to the onset of COVID-19 from 2020-21 and a situation that was ‘not business as usual’ even during the first 3-4 months of 2022, he could visit only 8 out of the 13 areas under Kolkata jurisdiction till now.

However, he asserted that he will be here at least until next monsoon and would try his best visit the remaining areas.

“I am really delighted to be here and has heard lot about Nagaland,” Low said, while noting that he wanted to the visit to coincide with a ‘very special day’ -11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month or Remembrance Day.

Accordingly, he laid a wreath at the Kohima War Cemetery for the ‘Fallen,’ honouring the pledge to a group of former servicemen (Invictus) –who fought at the Battle of Kohima 75 years ago, and could not come to its anniversary through the Royal British Legion, due to the COVID-19.

However, Low stressed that it was not the sole reason.  ‘Obviously, I want to find out what makes Nagaland tick and what areas we could work on.’

As noted, Low said that ‘we do things with people’ by discussing particular priority areas of the concerned State. However, he was keen on health care.

‘We can assess particular priorities at the moment and ascertain if that’s an area where we’ve got the necessary expertise to assist and that’s been a very productive area,’ Low stated, citing success stories in West Bengal and Jharkhand.

The intervention can range from specific clinical illnesses, communicable and non-communicable disease, structure of healthcare delivery, medical education and so on, he added.

“We will try and source peers from the UK and get it done on an expert-to-expert level so that healthcare professionals in Nagaland talking to professionals in the UK. We can replicate that as well in other sectors,” he added.

Meanwhile, Low stated that scope for boosting the visitor economy or what economists term as ‘tourism’ is immense.

This is a place of unimaginable beauties, he noted, adding that Nagaland and the North-East should be able to see larger numbers of foreign visitors “without spoiling the character” of the region.

Tourism is a big industry employing millions of people in my own country. We reckon the tourism will account for around about 10% of the UK’s GDP by 2025, Low opined.

“Just as education breeds understanding between people in different countries, colours, ethnicities and faith, tourism does the same thing,” he added.

On being queried whether Nagaland now is conducive for investment from outside particularly the UK given the State’s chequered political history, Low was affirmative.

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AFSPA extended in 9 Nagaland districts

The Centre took the step following a further review of the law and order situation in Nagaland, reports Asian Lite News

The Central government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in nine districts of Nagaland including Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren and Zunheboto from Saturday (October 1) to March 30 next year, according to a notification issued by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

In addition, the Government of India has also extended AFSPA in the areas falling within the jurisdiction of 16 police stations in four districts of Nagaland including five police stations in Kohima district; six police stations in Mokokchung district; Yanglok police station in Longleng district; and four police stations in Wokha district.

These 16 police stations comprise Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in the Kohima district; Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-l, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki ‘C’ police stations in Mokokchung district; Yanglok police station in Longleng district; and Bhandari, Champang, Ralan and Sungro police stations in Wokha district.

“Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak. Phek, Peren and Zunheboto districts in Nagaland and the areas in Nagaland falling within the jurisdiction of i) Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District; ii) Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-l, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki °C’ police stations in Mokokchung District; iii) Yanglok police station in Longleng District; and iv) Bhandari, Champang. Ralan and Sungro police stations in Wokha District are declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with effect from October 1, 2022, unless withdrawn earlier,” reads a notification issued by the MHA on Friday.

The Centre took the step following a further review of the law and order situation in Nagaland.

Earlier, the Central Government in the exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (28 of 1958) had declared nine districts and 16 Police Stations in four other districts of Nagaland as ‘disturbed area’ for a period of six months with effect from April 1 to September 30, 2022.

The AFSPA empowers security forces to arrest a person without a warrant, enter or search premises without a warrant, and perform other actions. (ANI)

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‘Naga issue can’t be resolved without separate flag, Constitution’

“We have come across the stand of the Government of India on the core issues of Naga national flag, Constitution and integration and echoed by some Naga leaders,” he said in his strongly-worded speech…reports Asian Lite News

NSCN-IM Chairman Eno Q. Tuccu on Tuesday questioned as to how can Naga political issues be resolved without a separate flag and Constitution.

Addressing the ‘Emergency National Assembly’ of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), the dominant Naga group, he said: “How can we forfeit the Naga national flag and Naga Constitution in the name of Naga political solution? What belongs to us… that defines our political identity can never be compromised for the sweet morsel in the name of Naga political settlement. We cannot be made a laughing stock before the world by tamely succumbing to pressure or temptation.”

Centre’s then interlocutor and then Nagaland Governor, R.N. Ravi had, on a number of occasions, rejected these demands.

Noting that on August 3, 2015, the historic ‘Framework Agreement’ was signed with deep political insight taking into consideration the Naga people’s sovereign rights and dignity, Tuccu said: “Unfortunately, there are forces at work who are trying to undermine the political significance of Framework Agreement by giving wrongful interpretations with bewildering comments to suit their selfish agenda in collusion with the Government of India… maliciously propagated by few political leaders that the Naga flag and constitution, including integration (of the Naga-dominated areas) are not mentioned in Framework Agreement.

“The bitter irony is that every attempt is being made to confuse the Naga people on the political significance of the Framework Agreement where the future of Naga political journey is laid out.”

“We have come across the stand of the Government of India on the core issues of Naga national flag, Constitution and integration and echoed by some Naga leaders,” he said in his strongly-worded speech.

He said that hundreds of thousands have given their lives for the Nagas’ freedom and the responsibility is heaped upon the shoulder of the NSCN to fulfill their prayers and dreams for the honourable Naga political settlement with the Naga flag flying high.

“We have to prove ourselves before God and before the Naga people and the whole world that we, the NSCN members, the frontline torch bearers of the Naga political movement, shall stand the ground till the last man standing in defence of our God’s given rights,” he stated.

The NSCN-IM, in a separate statement, said on Tuesday said that the Emergency National Assembly was held amidst tense moments and spontaneous upsurge of emotion as the issue of the Naga people’s political struggle of seven decades is yet to be decided with the ongoing political dialogue in deadlock on the core issue of flag and constitution.

After signing a formal ceasefire agreement with NSCN-IM in 1997, the Central government has held more than 85 rounds of negotiations with the NSCN-IM and other Naga groups. However, the NSCN-IM’s repeated insistence on a separate Naga flag and Constitution have become a big hurdle in the way of resolving the Naga issue.

In the editorial of its latest news bulletin ‘Nagalim Voice’, the outfit said it is unthinkable for NSCN-IM to accept the Naga national flag as a cultural symbol as hinted by the Centre.

ALSO READ-Panel formed to decide withdrawal of AFSPA from Nagaland

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‘The Eastern Gate’ on the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Nagaland

Alongside immense hope and aspiration, it is also home to immense ethnic and communal horrors – and a decades-old Naga conflict – and the high-profile peace process that involves four gateway states — Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam — and several million people…reports Asian Lite News

The recent killings of civilians in Nagaland in an army operation gone awry has led to renewed debate over the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

The Naga Peace Accord is in a state of uncertainty and the political situation in Northeast India is in the news again. But what is the story behind the headlines?

Award-winning author, media consultant and regional risk analyst Sudeep Chakravarti’s extensively researched “The Eastern Gate – War and Peace in Nagaland, Manipur and India’s Far East” (Simon & Schuster India) reveals the backdrop to the ongoing conflict, making the book critical to understanding the politics behind it.

Occupying nearly a seventh of India’s landmass and home to almost 50 million people, the region is a pivot for India’s Act East policy, and a gateway to a future of immense possibilities — from hydrocarbons to regional trade, the very harbinger of prosperity with threads over land and water, with the help of Myanmar and a surging Bangladesh, that could create a Silk Route for this century and beyond.

A bulwark of India’s security in the shadow of China, the region is a cradle of worrying climate change dynamics and migration and the crucible of India’s efforts at inclusive democracy.

Northeast India, the appellation often applied to India’s far east, is all this and more.

Alongside immense hope and aspiration, it is also home to immense ethnic and communal horrors – and a decades-old Naga conflict – and the high-profile peace process that involves four gateway states — Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam — and several million people.

A series of callous and unthinking governments and enduring suspicion against the all-knowing ‘Mainland’ have together made it a touch-point of brutalized aspiration, identity, conflict and tragedy. It’s among the most militarized zones in the world, with laws applied across vast geographies that offer the army and police both immunity and impunity. It’s a playground of numbing corruption and engineered violence.

This includes the cauldron that has been the Naga rebellion and the makings of peace, and the myriad rebellions that feed neighbouring Manipur’s political realities: an often-incendiary ethnic cocktail of Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Zomi. Only real peace as opposed to uneasy absence of conflict, and calm in both Myanmar and Bangladesh, will unlock this Eastern gate.

To this end, the book offers:

Inside stories and a ringside view of the tortuous, unsuccessful attempts at resolving the many enduring conflicts in the region.

Exclusive insights and interviews with rebel leaders, politicians, bureaucrats, policy-makers, army and police personnel, intelligence operatives, analysts, gunrunners, those in the narcotics trade, those privy to peace negotiations, and community leaders.

A clear and comprehensive examination of the present situation.

An up-close view of the Naga peace process.

A keen observer and frequent chronicler of the region, Chakravarti has for several years offered exclusive insights into the Machiavellian — indeed Chanakyan — world of the Naga and other conflicts and various attempts to resolve these. He now melds the skills of a journalist, analyst, historian, and ethnographer to offer a framework within which these conflicts — and the very aspiration of the people of India’s most diverse, dynamic and desperately hopeful region — needs to be seen.

Employing a ‘dispatches’ style of storytelling, Chakravarti’s narrative provides immediacy to, and understanding of, ongoing attempts to transition from war to peace, even as he keeps a firm gaze on the future. If Northeast India is a force of unstoppable nature and the nature of man, then “The Eastern Gate” is a tour de force that captures this story of our times.

Chakravarti is an award-winning author of several best-selling works of history, ethnography, politics and conflict resolution, including “Plassey: The Battle that Changed the Course of Indian History”, “The Bengalis: A Portrait of a Community”, and “Highway 39: Journeys through a Fractured Land”.

His other notable non-fiction works are “Red Sun: Travels through Naxalite Country”, and “Clear. Hold. Build: Hard Lessons of Business and Human Rights in India”, which won the Award for Excellence at the Asian Publishing Awards. He has written three critically acclaimed novels, and several short stories. His work has been translated into several Indian and European languages.

Chakravarti read history at St Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. Away from history, research, and writing, his other passion remains marine conservation.

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Panel formed to decide withdrawal of AFSPA from Nagaland

The Nagaland Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (Nagaland) and a senior official of the CRPF are other members of the committee…reports Asian Lite News.

A committee has been formed to look into the demand of withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) from Nagaland and the panel would submit its report to the government within 45 days, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said here on Sunday.

The committee was formed after Union Home Minister Amit Shah on December 23 in New Delhi chaired a meeting which was attended by Nagaland Chief Minister, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton and Naga People’s Front (NPF) legislature Party leader T.R. Zeliang. The meeting also discussed the present scenario in Nagaland and the decision about formation of the committee was taken in that meeting.

The committee, headed by Additional Secretary of the Union Home Ministry, North East, would submit its report within 45 days and withdrawal of Disturbed Area and AFSPA from Nagaland would be based on the recommendations of the committee. The Nagaland Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (Nagaland) and a senior official of the CRPF are other members of the committee.

The committee was formed following the vociferous demand to repeal the AFSPA from the entire northeastern region after the killing of 14 civilians by armed forces personnel due to “mistaken identity” at Oting in Mon district of Nagaland on December 4 and 5.

According to the Nagaland Chief Minister, a Court of Enquiry would initiate disciplinary proceedings against the army unit and army personnel, who are directly involved in the Oting incident and action would be taken immediately on the basis of fair enquiry.

The identified persons who would face the enquiry will be placed under suspension with immediate effect. The December 23 meeting also decided that the state government would provide government jobs to the next of kin of the slain people.

“To initiate this process, the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police of Mon district, would carry out necessary procedures in consultation with the concerned village councils and government jobs would be given on compassionate grounds on the basis of eligibility. A Nagaland delegation led by the Chief Minister impressed upon the Union Home Minister to replace the Assam Rifles unit in Mon district with immediate effect,” an official statement said.

It said that the state government appeals to all sections to remain calm and to continue to maintain peace. The democratic and peaceful nature of the civil society groups, ‘tribal hohos’ and mass based organisations in our collective quest for justice and truth has been well received and has created a positive image of the Naga people to the rest of the global community, the statement added.

Nagaland Chief Minister thanking the Union Home Minister on Sunday tweeted: “Grateful to Amit Shah ji for taking up the matter with utmost seriousness. The state govt appeals to all sections to continue to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.”

The Nagaland Assembly, in its special session on December 20 unanimously passed a resolution demanding the Centre to repeal the AFSPA from the entire northeast region, and specifically from Nagaland, so as to strengthen the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful political settlement to the Naga political issue.

All major political parties including Congress, CPI-M, CPI, Trinamool Congress, Naga People’s Front (NPF), influential Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), National People’s Party (NPP) head by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and almost all local and regional parties have been demanding to repeal the AFSPA.

The AFSPA, which allows the Army and other central para-military forces to conduct raids, operations, arrest anyone anywhere without prior notice or arrest warrant, is in force in Nagaland, Assam, Manipur barring the Imphal municipal council area and certain districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

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Key meeting on Naga peace talks to take place

Both Sarma and Rio had already held separate talks with Shah about the Naga peace talks while the Centre is holding meetings with the leaders of the various Naga outfits…reports Asian Lite News.

The all-important meeting of the Core Committee on the Naga political issue will be held here on Thursday, sources in the know of things said on Wednesday, adding Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will attend the meeting.

A senior official of the Nagaland government said that the Core Committee on the Naga political issue would discuss the peace talks between the Central government and the various Naga outfits including Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM).

The core committee with Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is the convener, Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton and former Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang are co-conveners while Planning and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Neiba Kronu is the member-secretary.

All the 60 MLAs of the state are members of the committee, formed on June 10 to pursue the Naga political issue (Naga peace talk).

“The Core Committee is likely to urge the Centre to expedite the Naga peace talks at the earliest,” the official said on condition of anonymity, refusing to provide details on the other issues likely to be discussed in the crucial meeting.

Thursday’s meeting of the Core Committee on the Naga political issue assumes significance after the December 4 firing by the security forces that left 14 civilians dead and 30 others injured.

The meeting would also be held in the backdrop of Nagaland government demanding withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958 (AFSPA) from the state.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier said he and his Nagaland counterpart (Neiphiu Rio) would soon meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the Naga political issue and the opposition-less United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government in Nagaland.

Both Sarma and Rio had already held separate talks with Shah about the Naga peace talks while the Centre is holding meetings with the leaders of the various Naga outfits.

Sarma, who is the convener of the BJP-led alliance of regional parties — North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), is already involved in the peace talks and attended meetings with the Central government’s representative A.K. Mishra in September in Dimapur.

Media reports said that the Framework Agreement has become a roadblock to the “final settlement” of the Naga political issue.

To take forward the Naga peace process, the ruling and opposition parties in Nagaland few months back agreed to form an all-party government named the UDA headed by Rio.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, which is now an ally of the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), and the opposition Naga People’s Front (NPF) and two Independent MLAs are the partners in the government.

The Central government has been separately holding peace talks with the NSCN-IM and eight other Naga outfits, which came together a few years ago under the banner of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs).

The NSCN-IM and the other outfits entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Centre in 1997. Since August 1997, the NSCN-IM has held over 85 rounds of negotiations with the Centre.

The Naga outfit and intelligence sources said that while many of the 31 demands of the Naga groups have been almost resolved during the talks with the Centre, differences remained over a separate flag and a separate constitution.

The NSCN-IM’s demand for integration of the Naga-dominated areas of the neighbouring states — Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh — was also strongly opposed by all the three states.

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Hornbill festival kicks off in Nagaland

The Hornbill Festival ‘fever’ has gripped the entire northeastern region for the past many days…reports Asian Lite News.

Showcasing traditional life and culture, the 10-day-long 22nd edition of Hornbill Festival began at the Naga Heritage Village Kisama on Wednesday.

The Hornbill Festival, named after a colourful forest bird, coincides with the 59th Nagaland statehood day celebrations. President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J.P. Nadda and many other leaders greeted the people of Nagaland on the occasion.

While hundreds of artists, singers and performers of 17 tribes performed their traditional dance, songs and customary skills, elderly Naga leaders delivered their blessings.

Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, his council of ministers and senior envoys of several countries including the US, Germany, Israel were present in the colourful inaugural functions.

The Hornbill Festival ‘fever’ has gripped the entire northeastern region for the past many days.

The event’s epicentre – the Naga Heritage Village Kisama, 12 km away from Kohima, was quiet last year with the celebrations turned online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the original traditional zeal, gaiety and fervour re-emerged this year.

However, due to the outbreak of the new variant of Covid-19 named ‘Omicron’ and Union Health Ministry guidelines, the visit of foreign tourists to the Festival seems difficult.

The Hornbill Festival, which has been organised for the past over two decades, is the major platform to promote Nagaland tourism and related business and offers entrepreneurs opportunities to grow.

State tourism advisor Khehovi Yepthomi said that the annual festival has not only highlighted Nagaland on the world tourism map but facilitated Nagas to build up their bonding with culture and heritage and promote inter-tribal relations.

He said that in 2019, over 2.82 lakh tourists, including 3,015 foreign visitors and guests, came to Nagaland during the Hornbill festival against 1.12 lakh travellers who visited the state to witness the festival in 2016.

Contending that the economic aspects of the annual festival is also enormous, Yepthomi said that against government spending of Rs 7 crore in 2018, the Hornbill Festival accumulated a total revenue and earnings of Rs 45 crore in that year. He said that in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic, the earnings and revenue generated from transport, food, lodging and sale of local products were over Rs 100 crore against government expenditure of Rs 11.52 crore, signifying the impact of the festival, the biggest in the northeast region.

Since 2000, the Naga Heritage Village has witnessed hundreds and thousands of tourists coming every year to witness the rich and diverse culture of most tribes of Nagas, vividly and colourfully displayed in the form of folk music and traditional dance, and availability of exotic food, crafts, and art.

The Hornbill International Rock Contest drew thousands of young music enthusiasts from across the country in 2019 with five countries participating in it.

“All 17 major tribes of the state every year have been taking part in the mega festival and displaying their cultural and traditional extravaganza. A large number of stalls of exotic and indigenous foods, crafts, clothing, traditional local items and products were set up in festival areas,” a Tourism Department official said.

Expecting a record gathering, the Nagaland government enforced a revised standard operating procedure from November 11, setting up eight testing centres including in airport and railway stations for screening of outside travellers.

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