Rejoinder to Secretary to Longvibu

Rejoinder to Secretary to Longvibu

This is in rejoinder to “Secretary to Longvibu responds allegations” published in the Morung Express on 02-03-08. Wherein, he charged against me very angrily with words like money monger, opportunist, cowardice, frustration, envy, jealousy etc. but I do not feel bad upon him. Because we were once together and I knew him well, though he had very recently being in the National Service he is a smart and a good person. He did it because it becomes the habit of factional groups to throw allegations against one another in that way. However, for two points of his allegations I felt, I need to give a clarification for the better understanding of all.
1. For the point he charged me of indulging in unfair practices while at Town Command in Senapati and constructed a palatial building worth more than Rs. 20 lakhs, it is true and really a shame for me. Though my house including the plot is worth a little more than Rs. 10 lakhs and not more than Rs. 20 lakhs, I cannot justify with it because big or small corruption is the same. In the present NSCN (IM) government system, if a person is in charge of town command or the taxation department even for a year or two he becomes rich. I was the Commander, Senapati Town Command cum in-charge of the Naga Army taxation Deptt. in Senapati for five and half years, as Commander of Dimapur Town Command for six months and as in-charge of Southern Zone, Naga Army Finance Department for about two years. During those years, I failed myself to ward off temptation and stumbled over the pleasures of money since it was the way of the life of NSCN (IM) men. However, the authority who kept me in such assignments knew why they kept me there for such a long time. If we are not careful, anybody can become a millionaire with such assignment for a long time in the present NSCN (IM) government system.
In my previous statement, I never claimed myself as righteous. I always said ‘we’ such as “we are all unworthy to be called as National Workers”, “we had done more harm than good for the people” etc. Therefore, it was not an allegation against anybody, I said “we” including me. Before I left NSCN (IM), I talked those same words openly with all for the betterment of the government. In my statement, in some cases I mentioned ‘They’, which I meant the persons who are in higher position. When I said, the leaders are busy amassing wealth, S. Kapai got angry and countered me that I was a money monger and indulged in unfair practices. Yes, what he said is very much true, and I can say that the NSCN (IM) is corrupted from top to bottom. I especially got angry and mentioned the name of the leaders because it is in their power to enforce the ‘ahzas’ and reform the organisation but they did not do that. Otherwise, everybody knows a tax collector is richer than a tatar within the GPRN (IM).
Therefore, we are all corrupted and I agreed that I am the worst but the point that I differ with you is: In spite of this much worse the NSCN (IM) remains stubborn and keep on judging others. With the principle of stubbornness and self-righteousness, the NSCN (IM) refuses to listen to the people and value the lives of fellow Nagas. We are not Israelites that God commanded them to destroy all idol worshipers who were living in the land where they are going to posses. We are all Nagas, we are all Christians and if we blame others for some faults, we too have our own share. It is
better that we humble ourselves and reconcile with all while the people wait to forgive us.
2. S. Kapai alleged that I ran away from NSCN (IM) because of being denied to be posted in the taxation department. If you really want to know, I will clearly explain the reasons why I ran away. Actually, I had not immediate plan to run away though I lost all interest in the NSCN (IM) as clearly explained in my last statement. I believed and waited that public’s voice would become louder and its pressures become greater and finally put us all (all factions) into one. However, it was late for me; I had no time to delay for the following two reasons.
(i) Late James Prou S/O Yule Prou of Kodom Khabvii village, a student of St. Joseph College, Jakhama was murdered by NSCN (IM) of Kohima Town Command in the year 2003. His father along with his village’s leaders ran helplessly from an NSCN (IM) authority to another demanding charge sheet and justice, but paid no heed. When at last, Poumai Masou Me (PMM) the apex body of the Poumais got involved and put up its case in the higher level of the NSCN (IM) but they (authorities) did not paid the least regard for the voice of the Poumais. They chose to defend a person (culprit) rather than to listen to the voice of the just cause of Poumai. It was a case felt hurt not only by the public but also by all Poumai NSCN (IM) cadres too.
Therefore, in the last part of 2006, the PMM served an ultimatum to the NSCN (IM) along with other three points to resolve the issues giving a definite period, failing of which the Poumais will launch a non-co-operation agitation against the NSCN (IM). Instead of taking it as urgent and serious, they got angry and put up discussion in the “Tatar Hoho” to arrest the leaders of PMM. They regarded the Poumais as a conquered people and when Poumai voice, “Yes” and “No” of their own rights, they took it as a rebel against them. To teach the Poumai a lesson the NSCN (IM) chose Mr. D. D. Thaisii a Poumai leader and awarded ‘capital punishment’ to him. (He is the present Minister of Tribal Development and Animal Husbandry Departments, Govt. of Manipur). They gave the reason that Mr. D. D. Thaisii defied the directive of the NSCN (IM) not to contest on a Congress ticket during the last 2007 Manipur State Assembly elections, and continued on working against the interest of the NSCN (IM). It was only an excuse; the real reason behind it was the “Ultimatum.” It all happened while the Poumais were waiting justice for the murder of late James Prou. Should we Nagas allow ourselves to suppress a tribe in this manner?
They underestimated me and shamelessly gave the order to assassinate Mr. D.D. Thaisii. When I refused, they called me back from Senapati to GHQ and sent me again to Dimapur Town Command. As the NSCN (IM) was determined to eliminate him, it was sure that another group was in place of me for the mission again. Therefore, to save D. D. Thaisii and boldly stand up to fight against the suppressive policy of the NSCN (IM), I had no other choice than to leave NSCN (IM) and leak it out (the sinister plan of the NSCN (IM)). After leaving it, I immediately informed to all Poumai public leaders and as well as to the leaders of Shepoumaramth region, NSCN (IM). Please don’t try to deny or counter me back, if you do I will write in detail who assigned me, when, how and everything. I also will call the PMM to clarify on my behalf.
(ii) During my 17 years of service in the NSCN (IM), I lived and spent with almost all tribes of our people. Wherever we went even small children, old men and women knew us as their soldiers. Though we were young and knew nothing the village’s chairmen, G. B’s and public leaders came to talk to us and treated us respectfully. And we were the heroes among the youths. Wherever we went, we feasted with the best that were available in the village. We spoke harshly, used them as coolies and sometimes beat them up. Still they took care of us well both in fooding and security and because of this they suffered tortured at the hands of Indian Security Forces. Yet then, they praised us and said, you suffered and sacrificed for the Nation. There were many unforgettable moments that we had with the villagers both in happiness and in suffering. Every Naga Army loves the Sumi’s Axone and the Tangkhul’s roti (tan). The Zeliangrong and Shepoumaramth piglets and the Dimasa’s dogs were some of the Naga Army favourites that we still remember.
Today, what is there that we are working to bring for the people in return for all those sufferings we made them to bear? There is nothing that we do can be taken as for the people instead it is we that become a cause of suffering for them. Fighting itself for dominance and targeting those who disagreed are its main policy not much difference from that of Mafia gang. Let us not deny the fact that after the unification of NSCNs came into being, the NSCN (IM) side was quite alarm and became desperate. From its fight of dominance at last became a fight for survival. They mainly relied on the Tenyime tribes whom they once thought had totally crushed, and even went to the extent of instigating them to prepare for a possible civil war.
How can I get to involve in a mad war, which is supposedly to be against our own people. I am ready to be a soldier where I will stand to act as a neutral force in between two warring groups among our Nagas but not in a duty to fight the Sumis our own Naga brothers. Yesterday, we walked through out the length and breadth of our country as warriors of the Nagas and let the villagers fed us. Today, it stoops so low to play mischievous game of instigating Nagas against Nagas for war, it shows us that NSCN IM’s interest is detrimental to the Naga Nation. Therefore, it was clear and the reason of my running away was clear. It was not that I ran away from such a possible war to fear to die but it is impossible for me to kill others in such a war. Because as for me to live or to die it depends on how I live with God but I fear the sin of killing others in such a war.

Maj. Z. D. Akho, Naga Army
(Published in the Morung Express on 06-03-2008)

Eastern Naga People’s Voice, the Sweetest

Eastern Naga People’s Voice, the Sweetest

When I joined NSCN (IM) i.e. in the year 1991, I joined against the wishes of many people especially people who were living close by me, including neighbours, friends and relatives. Because, they loved me and did not want me to be separated from them and allow me to live a life of hardship and risky. As it was every a human heart does, they wanted me to be together in all good and bad times, in happiness and in sorrow until death do us part. Yet then, I firmly believed that I was born as a man in the midst of situation like this in our country to fight and liberate our people. So, with a painful heart I left my home and loved ones behind, fixing my eyes on what is unseen but eternal.
Now, after serving 17 years, I left the NSCN (IM) on the night of 24th December, 2007 as my conscience no longer permit me to continue as a soldier under the present style of NSCN (IM) government. I don’t want to go in detail what I felt and experienced in the NSCN (IM). I mean the ugly side, but would like to share some words that I thought were a rightful free expression of my views and a useful sharing for all of us. Because, I still hope and would labour that, good or bad all national workers irrespective of which faction we may belong should realize each one of our own fault and come together under one umbrella to unitedly fight for our freedom.
In today’s situation, whom do we call reactionaries and who are we to claim as revolutionaries. Defection between factions is rampant, today’s IM bahadur fighters will be tomorrow K bahadur fighters and vice versa. The leaders stick to their so called ‘National Principle’ but their government is running like a joker. The kilonsers, steering committee members and army commanders are busy amassing wealth. The kilonsers, steering committee members, tatars, secretaries and regional authorities are increasing year after year, month after month as if the underground government is solving unemployment problem and giving them jobs. There are beautiful laws, army rules & regulation, party discipline etc. within it and more and above that, latest new directives were issued from time to time but no person in authority have the mind or the courage to enforce it. They are timid and powerless when it comes in the matter of enforcing ahzas for the strengthening and betterment of the organization and the government, but powerful and stubborn in indulging corruption and partialities.
Drinkers, heroine users, drug abusers and even persons with HIV positive are abound among the cadres of the NSCN (IM). Partialities, isms and distrust within the organisation are beyond tolerable but who care for that. An army cadre may become a drug addict, may be fallen to serious illness, may get injure in fighting or may be defected to other factions, nobody bother about that. The junior cadres, the lower ranks are not being cared, loved and kept under the control of the leaders. There is complete chaos, some may go and some may come. Some may remain because their tribe is in dominant of that faction; some may defect to other faction because he found no justice. Some opportunists may always remain or join in the faction which they think is most powerful and controlled maximum areas of Nagaland or important places like Dimapur, Kohima and National Highways.
The greatest factor that hinder in enforcement of the ahzas within the army is that, most of the over smart army personnel who are responsible for loosening of discipline and breaching of Ahza/ NARR are the very men and confidants of unit commanders, thereby blocking the way to implement the rules. Again, most of the incompetent army authorities are
the men and confidants of the highest leaders of NSCN (IM). Though, at present, they may be called incompetent or may indulge in anti-people activities, in the history of the NSCN (IM) ups and downs, they were the backbone and had contributed their best. So, as it is unfair to victimize them, the ahzas ought to be remained in name without implementation. All ahzas
remained in name. Repentance and reformation within the organisation, and strict rules to be adhered by all NSCN (IM) members were time and again announced in the Newspapers but no authority mind about it. May be, it was announced in the newspapers to let the public read and make the NSCN (IM) look alike as a white-washed tomb. When public uproar in any part of Nagaland because of the underground cadres’ excessiveness or because of its authorities interfering in public affairs, the voice of the people were suppressed instead of dealing our own cadres and mending our own ways. Those persons who are brave in suppressing the voice of the people and those who hated the other factions bitterly are regarded as staunch men of the organisation.
So, if this is the situation, where is the question of ‘National Principle?’ We cannot blame the Indian government, S.C. Jamir, RAW or any other outside forces responsible for these. Many of our young men born with high patriotism spirit came to join to fight for the precious cause of “Nagaland for Christ”, but instead of getting encouragement and guidance, they faced lot of intolerable things contrary to the life of a revolutionary. So, many of our comrades hoping to find a little better in the other group used to go and come. And because of this, our leaders call them reactionaries, traitors and anti-nationalists and hunt them down to kill, and many were killed without having the slightest scruple. Please do not destroy them, they have not taken a single pie from the Indian govt., RAW etc., it is purely because of the lack of guidance of the leadership that our friends and our young men are in confusion. As for me, I fear God; I will not be part of the present day style of NSCN (IM) government anymore. Out of love for my country and my people, I joined the organisation, why should I agree to be employed in destroying our own people.
To be frank, it is not today that I have these things in my mind. Though, I was in the NSCN (IM), it’s some years back that I began to realize ‘Unity first, Solution next’ is the right thing. Please don’t misunderstand me, it is not that I never have faith in the NSCN (IM) and its leadership. It’s NSCN alone that rejected and totally condemned the Infamous Shillong Accord, it alone fought the occupational forces of India and Myanmar for all those years through until India admitted that ‘ Naga problem cannot be solved militarily’. Thus, the Naga freedom struggle movement continue to keep burning, and not only that, NSCN alone was the source of inspiration and encouragement for all the other revolutionary groups in the South East Himalayan Region. That was how many of our Nagas’ youth who were born with patriotism spirit and fighting spirit got attracted to join the NSCN, and I was one of them. The admission of Naga Nation into the fold of UNPO and various progresses made for the furtherance of Naga cause in the international arena were all achievements of NSCN (IM). The wisdom and capability of our leaders of how they dealt with the Indian government and the way of how Ceasefire was brought about in the highest level between as two entities were all praiseworthy. The recognition of unique history of the Nagas and its situation in Nagaland by the Indian government is one of the biggest achievements for the Nagas.
However, in spite of all these, the more important thing is, as lovers of our country and its people our priority should be for the safety and welfare of every citizen. We owe to show them love, teach them love and show them our oneness. Though, India is a multi- nationalities and multi religions country, during their freedom struggle movement they stood as one. They broke the barrier of religion and caste, they shouted slogan like ‘Hindu-Mausalman ki jai’ and drink water from the home of a muslin by a hindu and vice versa. Mahatma Gandhi, the father of Indian Nation took most care for the harijans (untouchables) and worked hard for the upliftment of them in the society. There was not a noise about him or because of the Gujaratis. He loved all citizens equally and all citizens across the country look up him equally. Whereas, this is not among us.
So, why are we in a hurry for a solution when there is sharp division among the Naga society. Nagaland is too small to be divided as that of the Chinese between the communist and the nationalist. Which party will be driven out to form a Naga Taipei in Nagaland? Nagaland is not a small world that one should dream to create a history of one’s own tribe. It is that we stand as a Nation because of our faith that Nagaland is God’s purpose and with the proudness of our heart as a brave people. Apart from God and without the unity of our family there is no hope to see a new Nagaland. But, some want to claim victory and some opportunists want to reap together with them. That is why some section of people both underground and over ground are in a hurry for a solution before unity, knowingly the solution which is in sight for them would never be a type of solution which we can call an ‘Honourable Solution’ for the Nagas. Seeking solution excluding some section of people and seeking to exclude some section of people from among the Nagas are both unacceptable. In today’s Naga underground politics some tribes are no doubt pursuing a policy of domination over others. This is very dangerous and has to be corrected at all cost among us before we seek solution with India and Myanmar. There are some people and tribes who do not have their stand at all, whichever group is a little stronger or is under control in their area, they work together with them for their safety or in the other way for their own benefit, this is more dangerous. Still, there are many among us who in the guise of ‘Freedom Fighters’ take advantage of everything and keep on destroying us. But, knowingly we all fail to fight it back and put it right, this is our greatest failure. When Nagas were once called naked and had nothing, we chose freedom and dare to fight the mighty India and Myanmar. Today, when we become more advance, educated and can be more aware of our rights, we become more coward and live in confusion….. .this is ridiculous. How can we go on hurry for the solution when our house is in disorder and our people are heading for a Civil War. Who is to be called blameless among us? We are all unworthy to be called as national workers, we had done more harm than good for the people.
Therefore, if we are for the Nation, unity is a must before anything. And in this regard, I would like to appreciate the stand of the Eastern Naga People which they always voice and stand for “Unity first, Solution second’. I always take the voice of Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO), the Konyak Union, the Eastern Naga Students Association (ENSA) etc. and as well as the words of the leaders of National Workers from the Eastern Nagas as sincere and sweet, a real concern and an effort to unify us and rebuild our Naga Nation. For me, if the task of unification of all factions is accomplished and the whole Naga people become as one, the national workers really begin to work for the people and fight for its freedom and the people look up and take us as their ‘Freedom Fighters’, that much is sufficient. I will be always happy to stand in the war front to fight for my people and for the cause of “Nagaland for Christ”.

Major Z. D. Akho
(Published in the Nagaland Post on 18th February, 2008)

Who are the Pharisees of the Nagas?

Who are the Pharisees of the Nagas?

Lt. Col. Z. D. Akho, Naga Army
5 May. 2012
Since, it is the desire of all Nagas to live under one administrative unit, all sections of Naga people are united when it comes to the question of “Naga integration”. Throughout all times, various Public Organizations, Political parties, Social Organizations, like the Naga People Convention (NPC), Naga National Organization (NNO), Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), United Naga Integration Council (UNIC) or Naga Integration Council Committee, Manipur (NICC), Naga Students Federation (NSF), Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Naga Hoho, United Naga Council (UNC) and others have been demanding, passing resolutions and submitting memorandums to the government of India for Naga integration.
In the India side too, since from the very inception, the leaders of the Government of India (GoI) had in mind, the need to bring all Naga areas into one administrative unit. This was very clear when Pandit Nehru in his letter to Sri. B.R. Medhi, Chief Minister of Assam, dated 13th May 1956 stated that, “One of their grievances is that under our Constitution we split them up in different political areas. Whether it is possible or desirable to bring them together again is for us to consider”.
Besides that, the leaders of the GoI, and the Nagas those who signed the 16th Point Agreement and accepted the statehood of Nagaland knew themselves very well that it was not the final settlement of the Naga political issue. Deliberately, they kept the Naga integration issue pending, perhaps at the behest of the men of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) because at that time the Indian leadership and pro-India Naga leaders did everything in Nagaland to the Nagas through IB.
In the past, the India side only asked the Nagas to abandon the dream of total independence. In all other aspects, Nagas were offered free to mold their destinies as they pleased, all Nagas had to give up is control the Army, foreign affairs, and currency. “Take everything but not sovereignty” was what (we heard) Prime Minister Indira Gandhi told Prime Minister Kughato Sukhai during their last round of talks. Even before war was started in Nagaland, it’s learnt that Pandit Nehru advised A. Z. Phizo “To work within the Indian constitution and assured that the GoI would stand by the Nagas and help them to obtain their rightful place, and everything possible would be done for the Nagas”.
So, the question before us is, when India had offered to the Nagas everything i.e. including the demand for Naga integration or even more than that, who is blocking the way for the Nagas to achieve “Naga integration”, a demand put up by all Naga Public Organizations, Social Organizations and state Political Parties.
Obviously, India side kept the Naga integration issue pending, solely in exchange to solve what they called the ‘Naga insurgency problem’ i.e. to accede to “Naga Integration” when Nagas agree to accept and settle within Indian constitution. On the other hand, the Nagas, those who demanded for Naga integration were also doing so, not for as final settlement of the Indo-Naga issue because every Naga is well aware of what the Nagas are fighting for. They demanded it, as it’s also a necessity and a rightful demand of the Nagas.
So, what we understood is, if all the Nagas come overground or if we Nagas stop fighting our rights for independence, India would had long before granted us “Naga integration”, which means we don’t even, need to shed blood or sacrifice lives to achieve it. For, India was angry and worried about the Nagas because we refused to surrender our rights and be under them. But, India’s reasons were not because that they have the rights to claim Nagaland; nor for the reason of their concern for the Nagas. It was solely because of their own self-fish interest and avarice for Nagaland and more of this part of the region.
To come back at the beginning: Just at the appropriate time, the IB’s officials found some cowardly educated Naga men’s heart swept clean and put in order for them to work together. As a result, those few so called educated Naga men begun to work selfishly and chose Naga’s future to be within the union of India, disregarding and trampling under their feet the Plebiscite of 16th May 1951 where 99.9 % of Naga people had voted in favor of a free Independent Nagaland, much to the chagrin of the whole Naga nation. Dr. S.C. Jamir was an example of such pro-India Naga leader.
However, in reality, the statehood of Nagaland was gifted to those opportunist leaders purely to undermine the solidarity of the Naga people who stood as one behind their leader A. Z. Phizo and NNC. It was never an achievement of those opportunist Naga leaders.
But, the irony of the situation today is that what some Naga national leaders are demanding or some leaders even dare not to make demand to the GoI, were not supposed to be that much difficult things to be achieved long before itself by those pro-India Naga leaders who we called as betrayers of the Naga people, if the Naga people chose their path and co-operated with them since from the very inception.
Hence, the so-called Naga national leaders are the Pharisees of the Naga people, for leading many Nagas to suffer and die in the name of an independent “Nagaland for Christ”, whereas they themselves are not determined and truthful to the cause and chickened out at last, and are now bargaining a piecemeal solution within the Indian constitution.
When they’re petulant, they pretended to be quite determined to the cause of “Nagaland for Christ” and blamed others and said, “No one in whatever name or capacity has the authority to settle the Indo-Naga issue ‘Within Indian Union”. But when the GoI invites them, and take their turn for negotiation, they said, ‘Independence for the Naga Nation’ in the present context is not possible nor is the ‘Integration of Naga inhabited areas in India and Myanmar.’
No space to mention here all the deeds of their hypocrisy but one more important point is: Time and again they called and warned the Nagas, particularly their cadres to repent of their sins….Right! But the sins which the people dreaded most before God among the sins committed by the underground men are ‘factional killings and awarding of capital punishment’, the sins of the leaders of the land for Christ – Pharisees of the Naga people.

A letter to the PMM

A letter to the PMM

It was in the last week of July, 2007 while I was at Senapati for an assignment in the Naga Army Finance Department (NAFD) the then Lt. Col. Wungyip, General Accounts Officer, NAFD called up me to come to GHQ as the Longviby, Lt. Gen. H. S. Ramsan wanted to talk to me for an urgent matter. So, I reached GHQ on 26th July but met Longviby on 28th as on 26th to 27th July, 2007as there was a People’s Consultative Meeting going on at Hebron Camp called by NSCN (IM). I met him in the evening at his room, he asked me how the situation in Senapati was. I replied that there was no any such major problem or news though there were some problems in the collection of taxes. Then, without any further word he looked at me and said, you must eliminate Mr. D. D. Thaisii (who is represented from the 47th Karong Assembly Constituency in the Manipur Legislative Assembly and presently Minister in the Tribal Development, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Departments, Govt. of Manipur). He told me to finish him by blowing bomb using T.N.T explosives and also advised me to carry out the mission in between Senapati and Kangpokpi so that others might suspect it to be done by Kuki underground groups. Further, he warned me not to leak out this to anybody and even warned me not to tell to any of the kilonsers and leaders of Shepoumaramth region. He said this mission should be known only by him and me. He even didn’t tell me why D. D. Thaisii should eliminated or say it’s the decision of the government/NSCN or anything like that. Hearing this I was surprise, angry and sad but in front of the Army Chief I had no option, I said, ‘Yes Sir’. Next he told me to stay at Demolition Camp for some days in order to learn to handle bomb skilfully and take along with me an expert person in bomb from among the Demolition Group whom I can trust. I said, ‘Yes Sir’ and asked his permission to go to Dimapur once since that day was Saturday and the next would be Sunday, and so I was allowed to come on Monday.
So, that day I came back to Dimapur and lodged at Hotel Yak. The next day i, e on Sunday I fasted and prayed in the hotel room for this particular problem. I especially prayed to Almighty God to guide my life and strengthen my heart so that I would be brave and righteous always, going the way and doing the thing that is acceptable in the sight of the
Almighty God because I firmly believe, ‘ Nagaland is God’s purpose’ and for this very reason we are in the National service. In the duty of the Nation wherever we go and whatever we do should be for God and for the Nation. I prayed Almighty God so earnestly to inspire me and help me to come to a right decision. At last it came to my decision that this kind of assassination plot is never a right thing, it’s sin against God, against the Nation and purely a suppression of my tribe Poumai. I took a firm decision that I will never carry out the mission to assassinate Mr. D. D. Thaisii inspite of whatever risk may come upon me, because I am a man of my own decision in the National Service, to go and do what I think is right for the Nation in the fear of the Lord, and not that I am being in the NSCN (IM) to be utilized by others like a tool or like a hired soldier.
Yet, then as I have to take time to safely escape from this trap I went to the GHQ Demolition Camp on 30th July, 2007 as directed by Longvibu. I stayed at Demolition camp for about a week yet I didn’t touch or look at the bomb’s materials because I was angry and hated it very much. I said to the man in charge (capt. Daniel) just handover everything whatever is required to the man whom you will give to accompany me for the mission. So, Pte. Rupfo a Naga from present Arunachal Pradesh State was selected to accompany me. He handed over to us two kgs. of T. N. T explosives saying that the rest like wires, batteries etc. can be available from the town and Mr. Rupfo knows everything of it. (Rupfo is a trained man in handling bomb). But I didn’t buy anything with him instead we went straight to Senapati with the T. N. T explosives because I am not going to do it and Mr. Rupfo is just a junior he has nothing to say about it. Both capt Daniel and Pte. Rupfo didn’t know what was the real intention and what was our target for, only they knew that we were going for a mission which required bomb to blow. Pte. Alauding my personal attendant too witnessed everything though he too didn’t know what and whom the real target was for. (Pte. Alauding is a Poumai from Houmai village)
After reaching Senapati I thought hard over it. I once plan to just explode the bomb without letting touch any of the vehicle of the convoy of D. D. Thaisii and leak if out to all so that he would be safe. But then I know for sure the public would come to know that it was done by me and they won’t know my real intention and I would just unnecessarily earn the wrath of the public. So, after thinking hard over it I at last decided to meet the Army Chief once and tell him that I will not do it and examine what his reaction would be. I went to GHQ in the last week of October and met him but I didn’t say the real reason why I shouldn’t do, I just said, since I am from the same tribe and locality it would be more risky and unsafe for me even for all times to come. He said what about Col. Pukeho will he leak it out to others, I said, I can’t say about him. Then he told me that he would discuss the matter with others and inform me after sometime and so I went back to Senapati.
Again in the 1st week of December, 2007 I reported the matter to the new Army Chief Maj. Gen. Ng. Markson that former Army Chief Lt. Gen. H. S. Ramsan directed me to assassinate D. D. Thaisii, then he too told me to do as order but I told him Sir I had very clearly explained him the reason of my unwillingness to do it and I won’t do it. He again said, so wait I will talk the matter and inform you. But after some days without informing anything about this he summoned me to come to GHQ the next day. On 12th Dec. 2007 I reached at GHQ and met him, but then regarding the confidential mission for which I was sent he didn’t say anything. Instead after four days stay at GHQ I was sent to Dimapur town for duty. I was surprised how this much a confidential matter ended up in this manner and that shows that they’re not happy upon me. I also doubted very much that as I refused some others might have been entrusted for the mission and if that happens and in case any harm befallen upon D. D. Thaisii I would be solely responsible because among the whole of Poumai community from top to bottom I alone know about this sinister plan from within our government that is to come upon one of our Poumai leaders. I am a man, I said, I am a freedom fighter then how come that I should be allowed to be intimidated by others. I am not a boy working under the leader of a mafia gang. I came to join the National service according to my own will after fully realising our Nagas’ rights. From Zhaimai village representing as a Poumai to the Naga Nation I am in the National service together with all the tribes of the Nagas to unitedly fight for our Nagas’ Independence. Then, how come that some are attempting to use us in suppression and destroying against our own people. I couldn’t breathe in anymore within the NSCN (IM) and so I left it on the night of 24th December, 2007.
A few words I wish to share with my Poumai brethren
O. K fine once I was alone living under the threat of the plotters of this ‘Assassination Plot’ but when I broke the shackles of this threat and come forward myself before all, all are with me and I believe all the rest of Nagas too are with Poumai in this matter. When I broke the news all Poumais particularly those who are holding high post within the NSCN (IM) and public leaders of Poumai whoever have heard were shocked and felt betrayed, yes we are one in body, mind and soul. Now the question lies how strong and effective the Poumais would stand and fight for our rights. Let us ask ourselves how and why the whole community of poumai not even a single poumai knows the reason why D. D. Thaisii should be eliminated from the Naga society and how is it that other alone know the fault of ours and when we will die? Let us also ask the reason how they plot to assassinate him with the name of NSCN(IM) where in fact I believe no kilonser, steering committee Member, tatar, secretary, regional authority etc. from poumai tribe have been consulted and consented to this plot. I also believe no poumai within NSCN(IM) from top to bottom would ever think and agree that D. D. Thaisii deserved to be eliminated. Then who on earth has the right and power to threaten us? Or are we just living under the tyranny of someone? I said this because I know for sure that even Mr. Azheto Chophy the then Kilo Kilonser of that time and almost all the kilonsers, steering committee members of the NSCN(IM) would not know about this assassination plot. Then who are the real plotters? We must find out this group who exercise power and act like mafia (gang) within the NSCNIM) in the guise of being as freedom fighters.
But I still doubt how our poumai who are holding high post within NSCN(IM) will react and fight for our rights this time too, because every time and for every problem they were made to stand with the decision of those people whether right or wrong as ‘national decision’ or in the name of maintaining and upholding of their so called ‘national principle’ or for the sake of ongoing peace process for they have been so long trained, tamed and brought up in that way. Next to the Tangkhuls and Sumis the Poumais are the largest component of NSCN(IM) set up and we have well representation in the government. We too have our own Shepoumaramth region formed and set up since from the very inception of the NSCN formation. More and above the NSCN(IM) survived and grew up to this height and size because of the help and mercies of the Shepoumaramth people. Then how come today the Poumais are the most victimised people under NSCN(IM)’s rule. Are we Poumais joining NSCN(IM) just because we are too weak a people to stand and survive among others as a tribe, that others are forcing and recruiting us to join them to serve their interest or are we in the NSCN(IM) as those of the French Labour Corps that were taken to Europe? Though we Nagas were once called naked and had nothing, we chose freedom and dare to fight the mighty India and Myanmar. Yes, though we were once poor, backward, uncivilized and lived in headhunting we become a proud and blessed people with the light coming of the light of the Gospel of Christ into our land. With our faith as Christian and with the proudness of our heart as a brave people we Nagas never feel small and weak. We fought together for our rights and thousands lives have been unsparingly laid down for the just cause of ‘Nagaland for Christ’ and we Poumais are very much a part of the Nagas in all the fights and sufferings from the very beginning up till now. Then how today some people are trying to teach us a new method of their own in the Naga freedom struggle. Nagaland is too small to play politics of domination among ourselves like that of European nations in the past. Should we stop fighting against India and Myanmar who are under occupation of our country and started to fight first among ourselves for domination as some people are pursuing its policy. Our freedom spirit and our bravery are being exploited to achieve their own selfish policy of its domination over others, and our patience are being taken for otherwise. Today, before we seek solution with India and Myanmar we need to correct it first among ourselves. To me the voice of the Eastern Naga People are the most sincere and sweet, their voice is loud and clear, “Unity first Solution next”.
Remember, today, I am wandering and hiding in unknown places unable to live in my own place with my own people. Have I done any criminal act that I deserve to be living in this way or is there anyone among the Poumais that I did was an act of traitor, betrayal and cowardice. Come if anybody think that way I will come and die before all so that our nation will be purged of evils. If what I did was right and if it was a sacrifice please do not seek compromise between me and the NSCN(IM) as some body have suggested. This is an issue between NSCN(IM) and all of us and not mine own or that of D. D. Thaisii only. I risked my life and come forward to fight together with all of you to put an end to all dangers and injustice.

Maj. Z. D. Akho

A Response to the UNC’s “Alternative Arrangement outside the GoM; pending solution of the Indo-Naga Issue”

A Response to the UNC’s “Alternative Arrangement outside the GoM; pending solution of the Indo-Naga Issue”

United Naga Council (UNC) is the apex body of the Nagas of Manipur. Therefore, it has every responsibility to lead and fight for the rights of the Nagas of Manipur in consultation with other apex bodies like the NWUM, ANSAM and its constituent unit members. VI Schedule, Empowerment of ADC Act, “Alternative arrangement” or any other issues that are for the interest of their people, UNC can take up and fight for, after considering what is best for the Nagas of Manipur for the time being i.e. before the settlement of the Indo-Myanmar-Naga issue.
Therefore, at the moment, UNC is vehemently fighting for an ‘Alternative Arrangement’ outside the government of Manipur, from the government of India, a demand which is very much within the Indian constitution, and also purely for the Nagas of Manipur. But very recently the UNC has come up with the slogan “Alternative arrangement outside the government of Manipur, pending solution of the Indo-Naga issue”, where the sacred Cause of “Nagaland for Christ” is messed up with their demand for ‘Alternative Arrangement’. Before that too, in a statement of the UNC published in some newspapers on 15th July, 2010, they cited page 12 of the Manipur constitution to justify their demand to secede from Manipur state, that provide for the “…right of any section of the Hill People to secede at the end of the five year period, should conditions within the constitution not be satisfactory”. The 13th Clause of the 16th Point Agreement of 1960 and the United Naga Integration Council (UNIC) signed an MoU with the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) in the year 1972 were cited to justify their demand for Naga integration.
My dear leaders, those articles, constitution, Mou or documents have nothing to do with the historical and political rights of the Nagas. Don’t you know that on account of such sell-out agreements or documents, Nagas were divided into Nagas and pro-India Nagas and killing amongst the Nagas was started where thousands of Nagas had lost their lives. You fight your demand basing on such so called rights and called your demand as pending solution of the Indo-Naga issue. That is too much my dear leaders of UNC. Will it not be appropriate to call your demand as pending solution of the 12 page of Manipur constitution because in it, the right to secede from Manipur state was mentioned and so fighting with that rights, ‘Alternative Arrangement’ is attainable (if what the UNC claimed to have in the page 12 of Manipur constitution was true). The demand for Alternative Arrangement is not even a pending solution of the 13 Clause of the 16th Point Agreement of 1960 or the MoU signed between the UNIC and AICC, MPPC of 1972, for the two agreements mentioned the rights of the Nagas to be integrated all their areas into a single administrative unit that is far greater than the demand of the ‘Alternative Arrangement’ which is only for the Nagas of Manipur.
Yes, UNC is right for citing the 13th Clause of 16th Point Agreement of 1960 and the MoU of the AICC, MPCC and UNIC of 1972 as the legitimate rights of their demand for Integration of all Naga areas into a single administrative unit within the Indian constitution, only it is wrong if they say, it is the pending solution of the Indo-Naga issue. And if anybody likes any type of solution like the ‘Supra state Body’, it is possible through the 3rd Clause of Shillong Accord of 1975. The 3rd Clause stated as: “It was agreed that the representatives of the underground organizations should have reasonable time to formulate other issues for discussion for final settlement” So, final settlement is pending and anything what we desire within the Indian constitution can be negotiated through this 3rd clause. Therefore, a solution like the type of ‘Supra state Body’ is the fulfillment of the 3rd Clause of Shillong Accord of 1975.
What I meant here is not against the UNC’s demand nor for their demand (if they did not mess up the sacred cause of “Nagaland for Christ” with their demand) because it is none of my business to involve in a business that is within the India constitution. I just think, what the UNC struggles for, are all for the upliftment and betterment of the people, a necessity for the time being to lessen the burdens and sufferings of the people especially the commoners, before the fulfillment of God’s purpose for “Nagaland for Christ” is arrived. But, it is not right if they say; the demand for a particular area development as the pending solution of the Indo-Naga Issue. There are the Zeliangrong’s demand for “Union Territory”, the ENPO’s “Frontier Nagaland”, the ATSUM’s demand for “Union Territory” and the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) demand for Ukhrul as the “Summer Capital of Manipur”. But none of them say that theirs is the pending solution of the Indo-Naga issue because it is not right for any region of Naga people, whether east or west, north or south to take advantage and bargain for their own selfish interest out of the Indo-Myanmar-Naga Issue.
Yes, it is a fact that the Nagas of Manipur suffered a step-motherly treatment from Manipur government, the majority Meiteis. Nagas of Manipur would have been fortunate if they were included in the state of Nagaland when it was formed because at that time if the NPC leaders were serious and wanted, it could had been done without much problem. But as unfortunate as they were, they now lagged far behind the Naga brethren of Nagaland state, and also they are today looked as ‘outsiders’ by their own fellow brethren of Nagaland state (not by all). (Except the Nagas of Manipur have one advantage over the others i.e. as they are in dominant of the present biggest Naga underground group, they have the might to accumulate wealth through unjust means, and somehow with those wealth they (the UG men) manage to keep their life standard almost on par with the Meiteis and the Nagas of Nagaland state).
Therefore, today, many Nagas of Manipur think that, neither can they trust anymore the Manipur government, the majority Meiteis nor can they expect much from the state of Nagaland. So, with such thoughts in mind, forgetting that such are only a temporary situation, they are desperate to go for any type of solution bargaining for their own taking the name of the Naga Issue with the Government of India, caring neither for the rights of the Nagas nor the price the Nagas had sacrificed for. They are after only a solution for Naga issue what is possible.
First the slogan was ‘Solution not Elections’. At that time, many Nagas thought that, a solution means ‘Naga Independence’. When the leaders realized that they could not negotiate a solution outside the Indian constitution, they demanded again ‘Integration of all Naga areas’ with the slogan ‘No Integration, No Solution’. Now, the leaders as well as many Nagas begun to realize that at the present situation (with only one faction), Naga Integration is not possible. So, there is no more ‘Integration Rally’ in any part of Nagaland except the noises of ‘Alternative arrangement’ in Manipur by the Nagas of Manipur.
Therefore, now, ‘Alternative arrangement’ is what many Nagas hope for a possible solution for the Nagas. But still I have doubt for you because there are many Naga villages under the dominance of other communities of Manipur though all of those villages and their land belong to us. For example: the Sadar Hills area, the Nagas under Churachandpur district, Bishnupur district, Jiribam sub-division and other places. What if other communities of Manipur stiffly oppose those Naga areas to be included into the map of your ‘Alternative Arrangement’, and if it becomes impossible, will you again opt for a smaller possible solution leaving those Naga areas to the rule of other communities. You may mark my above words, if you are possible to achieve your ‘Alternative Arrangement’ outside the government of Manipur, and do not leave even a single Naga village living in our own Naga land to the rule of other communities. I am not challenging you my dear leaders but as I, myself am a Naga national worker I have concern for my people where you will lead them to, because you won’t bother for the rights of the Nagas, you are only after a solution.
By comparing the Meiteis and other advanced Naga tribes, let us not curse ourselves. Let us be thankful to the Almighty God for what we are today. Simply jealous and trying to become equal with other advanced tribes alone is not right. Making loud noises in our own place and demanding our own share in the name of Indo-Naga issue is a shame. The important thing is, let us have concern for our Naga brethren who are more backward than us, work to uplift them before we try to become equal with the most advanced tribes. Let us travel far and near to the four corners of Nagaland and take our political stand. Let us reach to the Nagas of Eastern Naga tribes in the present country of Myanmar, to the Nagas in the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and share our political vision with them.
Let me share with you an example: That, nonetheless, the prevailing not so pleasant relationship between us and our neighbors is out of the result of the unnecessarily created misunderstanding and will be just temporary, but then, the recent statement of Mr. Ibobi Singh Chief Minister of Manipur that “there are neither Naga nor Kuki in Manipur state but only Manipuris”, and the statement of the Assam government spokesman and Minister Hemanta Biswa Sama that “there are only some Zeme Nagas in North Cachar Hills district who were only encroachers”, are somewhat a challenge to us. The NSCN IM and UNC promptly reacted and in their separate press statements condemned the statement of Ibobi Singh and other languages of various political parties of Manipur when they spoke up with threatening words against the Nagas while reacting to the so called ‘Supra state Body”.But then, both the NSCN IM and the UNC failed to condemn the statement of the Assam government and defend our brethren Zeme’s cause. It might be as they were too preoccupied with the alternative arrangement issue, and so it was not intentionally done, I believe it.
Even then, this is what I have been worrying and saying where will you lead our people to. May not be intentional but it was a sign of having less concern for the other Naga area especially the backward areas or a proof that the much talk about the ongoing peace-talks or the demand to solve the so called pending solution is not being aware by all Naga areas, if not at present the Naga issue is being taken up separately for some particular areas only. We can do or go for anything what is best for the Nagas, whether phase-wise or whatever it is, if it is in consultation with all areas of Naga people and for the interest of the whole Naga Nation. But, what if you go to the Nagas of Assam, to the Nagas of Arunachal Pradesh and to the Nagas of Eastern Naga tribes in Myanmar and ask what they understand about the latest Naga issue (the so called pending solution) being taken up in our area, and if they answer in the negative. Today, if we ask to the leaders of some major tribes like the Angami, Sumi, Konyak etc. about the detail of the points put forward by the NSCN IM in the ongoing peace-talks with the GoI, will they be able to tell you? I don’t believe. The Naga masses: some expect Naga integration, some expect alternative arrangement i.e. a separate state for the Nagas of Manipur, some even expect full Naga sovereignty and some work to harvest together the economic packages. They are confused of which one is right and what is Naga’s right. You misled and made them confused in this way; even then this is what you think right and are adamant.
We had learnt from the history or have seeing enough of that are happening around the world, where a single party or a group of people were allowed to establish their rule in any place were all proved disastrous for the people. In such a type of establishment, suppression, oppression, killings, division and hatred will go on unending until those dictatorship rulers were overthrown and justice is done.
Let no party, group or tribe from among the Nagas become too ambitious and mischievous and try such despotic rule on the Nagas. The best for the Nagas is to take the example of the America war of Independence, where thirteen colonies of America met and took decision together, fought together and won their Independence. Let no some leaders whether underground or overground take decision and impose their decision on the Nagas, we have to first free ourselves from such dangers at all cost. Let all Naga tribes take decision together what is best for the Nagas. Decide now, therefore, which is better for us. Shall we choose “unity first” for the love of the Nagas or shall we again be stubborn and stick to “Solution first” and ruin ourselves.
My suggestion: First we must work to bring all Nagas together in a way where all Nagas can fight together to achieve our common goal. So that the victory is of all the Nagas, for all the Nagas and by all the Nagas – that should be the formula and the foundation for the building of our Naga nation.

Lt. Colonel Z D Akho
(Published in Nagaland Post on 12-12-2011)

The Question Behind the Tangkhul Naga Long Demand for Ukhrul to be the summer capital of Manipur

The Question Behind the Tangkhul Naga Long Demand for Ukhrul to be the summer capital of Manipur

The Tangkhuls have a separate underground group of their own, calling with different names in different times. Formed Naga National Liberation Army (NNLA) in 2005, and then came up with another name as United Naga People’s Council (UNPC) in 2008. And now it is again called as Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF). As per their declaration flashed in the local papers of Manipur, the main purpose of formation of such Tangkhul underground group/groups is to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur and to maintain peace and harmony between the hills and valley people of Manipur.
True to their stand, it is the MNRF who successfully played the role to prevent the near communal clash between the Tangkhuls and the Meiteis when Dr. Thingnam Kisan, SDO of Kasom Khullen and his two staff were abducted and brutally murdered by some Tangkhul NSCN(IM) cadres. The MNRF immediately denounced the act of the NSCN(IM) as inhuman and beastly. It also alleged that several untoward activities have been committed under the guidance/instruction of the NSCN(IM) in the past and blame the NSCN(IM) that such was the reason that the people of Manipur are unable to repose faith in each other even as it is said that all the people of Manipur are brothers and sisters. The MNRF calls upon all to join hands in hunting down the culprits and punish them accordingly, but said that it would not be correct to harm innocent persons belonging to any community.
All the Meitei underground groups and the Meitei public listened to the MNRF because all of them including the MNRF work for the safeguard of the territorial integrity of Manipur. The Tangkhul NSCN(IM) and the Tangkhul public may say about the MNRF “good or bad” but the existing of the MNRF is a blessing in disguise for them. Again, in case, clashes occurred between the majority Meiteis and the Naga people in Manipur because of the issue of the integration of all Naga areas, the Tangkhuls are still safer than other Naga tribes in Manipur because of the MNRF. Who knows – those Tangkhuls who are residing in the Imphal valley and the vulnerable villages that are situated in the foot-hills may say that they support the MNRF and the territorial integrity of Manipur.
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It is said that the combined forces of the MNRF and the Meitei underground groups are more active than the NSCN(IM) in most of the villages in Tangkhul region but the top NSCN(IM) policy makers never
adopt step to clash with them. May be because of the above stated reasons. When in other Naga areas 2/3 underground groups cannot stay together without clashing though their goal are the same. It is not understandable how two underground groups with completely different ideologies (if what they have declared are true) stay together in Ukhrul district of Manipur: The MNRF is for the safeguard of the territorial integrity of Manipur and the NSCN(IM) is for the integration of all Naga areas.
Therefore, because of the above mentioned reasons and the confusions arising out of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) demand for Ukhrul to be the summer capital of Manipur, I would like to put here three questions before all Nagas to ponder:
1. Are the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) with the MNRF for the safeguard of the territorial integrity of Manipur?
2. Or are they with the NSCN(IM) for the integration of all Naga areas?
3. If not, are all the Tangkhuls: the TNL, the MNRF and the Tangkhul NSCN(IM) working together in understanding with an aim to bring about development/benefits especially for the Tangkhuls, the people of Ukhrul district at the expense of the sacrifices of thousands of Naga lives?

(The above view expressed here represents only the view of my personal.
Readers can send their feedback to email: kssolomon2@gmail.com )

K. S. Solomon Naamai
Member, Core-Committee,
Naga National Workers People Support Group
(Published in the Morung Express on 9th September, 2009)