-Dr. R.B.Thohe Pou

"A good leader is good as your good parent but the bad leader is bad as your unconcern parent"

Should we request the Naga National workers (NNW) to give warning to the allege anti-Naga person before the death penalty is given or should we continue to snub their present system and live a happy life? The dead man has no more voice to give his own statements; the public start to question and lose the trust. But should we blame the flawed system or the inefficiency of the individual leader? The Naga National Workers regardless of any factional group may need to gain more support from the Naga public but it can be done only if their present system is changed and improve the efficiency of their leaders' work.

In this transitional stage of struggling to get the Rights to Self-determination (RSD), we need to build a good rapport between the Naga National Workers and the Naga public. It is frequently alleged by the relatives of the victims that the NNW did not serve any warning before his or her death penalty and the NNW also to use to allege of warning be given before the death penalty; so it comes two different versions and whom to trust now as it is a game of secrecy only. The NNW were not formed illegally; as they are legally working for the Naga people, they may have the right to serve notice or warn any individual publicly without playing the game of secrecy. The game of secrecy and ambiguity brings only suspicion in the mind of the people.

The NNW leaders may have the right to serve notice or warning to any allege person who is working against the national interest. But it would be a great shame to serve a death sentence when so called rich or businessmen failed to pay extortion money or whatever you named it. It may be important to note that the Naga people have different factional groups and we can't deny that the people support only one factional group. It may be impossible to survive different factional groups without fratricidal or bloody feud without the people support and intelligent work given by the public. So it is clearly shows that the Naga publics are also divided into different groups according to the different factional groups.

The recent killing of late Khathing by NSCN-IM and charge sheet given to Khathing's son and the question rise by Khathing's son regarding the charge sheet clearly shows the misunderstanding between the victim's kin and the NSCN-IM, which also gives mystification in the mind of the public. In this particular case, if the warning would have been given publicly ' the victim might have changed his attitude or the victim's kin might have not rise any question against the NSCN. But now the consequences in the mind of the public may not be the same as they unconsciously assume to be as many Nagas might have different opinions about their system prevailing now. In every society or nation ' different opinion or misunderstanding means more disunity only. There would be many other similar cases in Naga history commencing from Sakhrie killing to present stage of Naga struggles for sovereignty, when the victim's kin alleged that they did not get any warning from the NNW before the death penalty is given to the victim but some of the victim's kin silently suffered without raising any question against them or seeking any justification. In a very mystery case in 2008, the death penalty was given by so called the NNW to one person without giving any warning but due to God's grace the death penalty was revoked mystically by the highest authority of the national workers as he was found to be an unblemished person. Oh! What a mystery it is. Anybody who is working against the interest of the Naga people may deserve the severe punishment but warning should be served before any death penalty is carry out so as to bring better relationship between the public and NNW.

Do the Naga national workers need to warn the allege anti-Naga publicly? Why the NNW need to warn in public or openly (local dailies) to the allege anti-Naga person before the death penalty is given? The national workers may have the right to serve the notice secretly to the allege person involved in any anti-Naga activities but it will definitely have better rapport and unity among the public and the leaders if the warning is given publicly. Some of the important aspects that need to warn publicly can be highlighted briefly as:

Firstly, to stop anti-national work: In the name of NNW, the warning may be issued to any allege anti-Naga person. But the main purpose of warning should be to stop the work of any kind of anti-national interest and to work for the nation together. We don't have to give any warning if we want to kill him or her secretly out of jealousy or trivial crime. So the warning may need to be given to him or her also to the family; at the same time it may require to be warned publicly in local dailies.

Secondly, allege person to repent: The allege person who is working against the national interest will understand the seriousness and change automatically for our life is more than anything else in this world. In case of any differences can be brought before the national leaders; the public leaders can also study the fact and judge or give support to the national workers or to the allege anti-Naga person. However many times the victim's relatives alleged that not a single warning was given to him or her, which gives a doubt in the mind of the public on national workers till NNW clarify with some evidences. We know that it is always better to have trust and good rapport than rebuilding the good rapport after losing trust.

Thirdly, to accept death penalty: The victim's kin may accept the death penalty if the warning is served to the family members before the death penalty is awarded to him or her. However in some cases, the victim's alleged that there is not any warning given to him or her. If the national workers give warning to any alleged person, it may require having the acknowledgement note from the alleged person so that there will be not any accusation from the victim's kin after death penalty and bring doubt to the mind of the public.

Fourthly, public are the witness: Advantage in warning the alleged person in public is that the public may become the witness of the warning given to the alleged person working against the national interest. When there is witness ' nobody can claim and send out any erroneous propaganda against the national workers.

Fifthly, good rapport between NNW and the Public: It would definitely bring better rapport between the national workers and the Naga public in the process of struggling to get the Rights to Self Determination. Unless there is transparency in the system ' anybody can take advantage of the defective system and bring more disunity among the Naga people.

It is not only the Naga insurgent but any insurgent group claiming to work for their nation may need to warn the alleged person in public so as to bring better rapport between the insurgent and the public. Let the people trust and give you support for whatever you are doing and sacrificing for the nation as you show the transparency and sincerity in your works.

 

            `

 

 

In response to: Why charge sheet after killing? by NISC

A Naga International Support Center, NISC, www.nagalim.nl A human rights organization Amsterdam, May 29 2009

 The Naga International Support Center, NISC, deplores Hopeson's
(NSCN) murder of Meitei officials and Khathing's execution for being a warned
traitor  

Specializing in the rights of the Naga Peoples the Naga International Support Center is a human rights organization. NISC, founded

to defend and highlight the rights of the Nagas internationally, supports the
Naga Peoples in their just quest for self determination. As they know them well,
Naga organizations are expected to live by them.

Considering the many threats to their long struggle, not only against

oppressors who deny them their rights but also against opportunists who do not
stop at killing innocent people as well as leaders, the Nagas who defend the
nation and the rights of the Naga People are pushed to their limits. While the
National Socialist Council of Nagalim, NSCN, negotiates with the Government of
India an honorable settlement to this overdue conflict, they have to take the
pressure and the tactics to split the Nagas. Taking this into account NISC
understands the strain, the bitterness the NSCN leaders experience. Still, when
at peril and the going gets really tough, the defender of the people's rights,
the NSCN as the representative body, should set the example. But, the NSCN's
execution of Khathing fails that as the NSCN fails to live up to its own
standards. Unfortunately it shows it can act like the Government of India does
with the dreaded Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Understandably the people of a nation, under siege for six

decades and on ceasefire for over twelve years, feel cornered when money talks
and weapons speak. And, extended ceasefire, with soldiers training in camps but
with nothing much else to do, make discipline fade away. When opportunists then
quickly profit from the cracks forged by Naga adversaries, who grow in numbers,
it is a a formidable, almost insurmountable task  to keep the ranks closed.

 Considering that process, does this mean the Naga

customary rights system of justice collapsed?

No, because it is laudable that Hopeson of the NSCN, responsible for

murdering officials in Manipur, was taken into the custody of the NSCN. After
confession the NSCN investigated to collect evidence for a court of justice
which on the basis sentenced him.

 But why was Mr. Khathing not awarded the same
treatment? Why was he awarded the death penalty without public prosecution
instead? Were accusations of Khathing being a traitor and murderer enough to
warrant capital punishment?

 Yes, because according to the NSCN Mr. Khathing was a

treacherous person. The people and the NSCN were never against him even though
he was given many times many clues to correct his ways, his behavior and to
understand the desire of his people. Years ago, a decade, before he defected he
worked all out for his people and the NSCN trusted him to deal with the Indian
leaders. But after this he changed and began to speak and act against the NSCN
and openly stated he was against the organization who seeks solution outside
Indian constitution. His motives with evil intentions did not end there. If he
had just spoken what he believed in, the NSCN would have left him alone. But, he
went further and collaborated with the enemy and other traitors and went as far
as attacking and killing his own people. The NSCN questioned him: "Who is
Khathing to judge his people and decide for them as he shouts from the military
camp of the enemy and in the process betrays his own wife, children and the
Nagas. Are we to be dependent on his mercy? Khathing is responsible for killing
his own people; in the hands of the enemy his own relative among them, they were
treated worse than animals. Khathing betrayed and killed his own people and we
question;  is that not against the human rights? Who is to judge that killing a
traitor is against human rights? Khathing violated the human rights of the
Nagas!  The NSCN is bitter about those who don't mind betraying their own, those
who have no regard for sacrifice of life. The NSCN, now or in the future, will
not allow people like Khathing to mislead or misguide our own people. The NSCN
with our people stands and fight for our just cause, till the end!

No because according to NISC Mr. Khathing may have been

guilty on all accounts put forward by the NSCN, accounts like
siding with forces of the Government of India, standing with the
Meiteis for the integrity of the state of Manipur, or worse for purchasing
weapons to fight against the sovereignty of the Naga People, but just like
Hopeson should have been arrested, charged and brought before a court of
justice, a Naga Customary Rights Court. Why?

Because, apart from raising suspicion that the NSCN took the law into its own
hands and hands down capital punishment at will, killing him outright,
apprehending to publicly prosecute him would expose not only himself but also
all concerned who collaborated with him; those who were involved. Handing
Khathing over to the Ministry of Justice of the Government of Nagalim
consequently the NSCN would have achieved clarity and credibility. The majority
of Nagas are Christian and capital punishment is the opposite of turning 'the
other cheek'. Thou shall not kill!

Any government acts on behalf of its people and is accountable to the people.
Justice for all is the foundation of a true nation and the Government of Nagalim
is no exception to that. Consequently severe punishment for selling out
the rights of the Nagas and violently turning against his own
yes,

Capital punishment no.

 The Naga International Support Center in recognizing the immense and
growing difficulties the NSCN is facing and has to deal with, calls on the
wisdom of the leaders to be the example of the Naga People, to live by what it
professes and to show the world that in the heat of pressure it does not deter
it from its just cause.

 For more information visit our website www.nagalim.nl or email nisc@nagalim.nl

NSCN (I-M) convicts 'Lt. Col' Hopeson
(NPn)

DIMAPUR,   "General Court Martial" (GCM) of the NSCN (I-M) after thorough
hearing of the murder case of Dr.Kishan and his driver Aribam Rajen and an
official Y.Token, who were killed February 17 near Senapati, has convicted
'Lt.Colonel' Hopeson Ningshen, the then "Commanding officer" of Kiusumong
Battalion Naga Army posted in Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR).

The NSCN (I-M) through a statement issued by its MIP Thursday said that as
per Naga Army Act of Rules and Regulation (NAARR) 2002 "Lt.Colonel" Hopeson
Ningshen bearing Army No. ST-28014, was convicted guilty of abduction, illegal
detention and ultimate murder of Dr.Kishan and his two associate Aribam Rajen
and Y.Token under Article 70 Clause 3, Sub Clause V Article 76 Clause ii of
NAARR. The MIP release further said that GCM was satisfied to terminate
"Lt.Colonel" Hopeson Ningshen with immediate effect from the service of the Naga
Army.

The GCM has also dismissed all his services rendered to the Nation, including
all military decoration and ranks awarded to him has been stripped off, it
stated.Further, the MIP informed that he would undergo rigorous imprisonment
for seven years starting from the day he was arrested.

Beside he would also have to pay a fine of Rs. 50,000 to the GPRN. In default
of which he shall undergo simple imprisonment for another one year six months,
MIP/GPRN added.

 

Why issue charge sheet after killing?

A charge sheet dated 9/4/09 against my father, late J. Khating had been
delivered to the family members by a messenger of GPRN after 15 days of
execution. In true sense and correct definition, a charge sheet is to be issued
for a trial, to a person who is alive, so that he can defend himself against the
allegations either false or true, to surrender or to plead, to persecute or to
forgive in the final judgment.. However, being the son of the deceased, I am
compelled to give my views on my father's political thoughts and activities. My
father's personal versions in response will be different if he had been given a
chance to survive.

Had my father taken the course against the national interest, security and
political rights of the Nagas, why the soldiers of Nagalim for Christ had masked
their faces, chosen a dark night for awarding punishment? A nation's heroes
should be vice-versa. To kill an aged man, 72 years old, with masked face and in
the dark night is not digestive and impressed created and blurred. And why the
hand of the eliminator could not write the words charge sheet before execution
to keep away the family members and public from confusions? Was it an intention
or a strategy to shroud the murder of my father? When I enquired many high
ranking officials and seniors of NSCN-IM about its responsibility of the
incident, I got negative response from every quarter. But, why today, the GPRN
(IM) has taken responsibility for the killing? Doesn't it mean that every
NSCN-IM is empowered arbitrarily or given license to kill according to his own
wish? Or else, is GPRN a government without a system of governing body? It
indicates that someone with hidden agenda, vested interest and personal grudges
against my father did mastermind and conspire the killing.

My father is also alleged to have leaked very secret and confidential matters
of NSCN to the enemy. Who are your enemies? I would like to know the details of
leakage by my father.

Every individual has the right to have his own political ideology, principle
and convictions and my father too had. No doubt, my father was a very outspoken
person. He believed that participation in Indian election during cease fire
(peace process) by NSCN is a political suicide for the Nagas as Indian Govt. is
always trying to lay traps and hypnotize the Nagas with temporal power and
wealth. He also did not believe the principle of Non-Stop Cease Fire notion
(NSCN). He felt that Indian Govt. is taking advantage of 'longer period,
lesser security, more talks more mistakes'. But all his convictions,
sacrifices and contributions towards the Naga movement had fallen into pits of
adversities because he had no gun power and money power in his hand. He always
disagree the NSCN's principle of refusing to accept the Constitution of India,
but contradictorily, participating in the Indian Govt. elections which are held
within the Constitution of India. He took it as a contradiction of political
ideology and principle of NSCN-IM.. It shows losing of revolutionary spirit and
the concept of sovereignty. So, he openly opposed the NSCN-sponsored candidates
in every election. Here cropped up a question of my father's killing just on the
eve of MP Election. He is wrong and fit to be awarded with befitting penalty, if
all these concepts of my father are anti-Naga and anti-revolutionary for the
Naga people.

None of the family members were aware of the repeated warnings served to my
father as claimed by the GPRN. Even at his last juncture of life, he pleaded
even to his killers ' "What wrong have I done? Let us reason together" but he
was given no time to do so.

Let us know the truth from any organization if my father had any
collaboration with any outfit, i.e. anti-Naga and anti-NSCN. Let the whole world
know the truth about the capital punishment awarded to my father if any
organization can justify his collaboration with anti-Naga and anti-NSCN.

I wish the blood of my father will bring everlasting peace and permanent
solution to the Indo-Naga problem. Every drop of his blood has the right to
claim for the peace he had sacrificed and contributed. He died fighting for his
political ideology and conviction and they killed him for a nation's goal. God
is always with us to answer the right judgment and every Naga has the right to
have their own conclusion in their hearts and mind.

J.P. Temper

S/o Late J. Kathing

Phalee Village

Ukhrul Dist. Manipur

A charge sheet dated 9/4/09 against my father, late J. Khating had been delivered to the family members by a messenger of GPRN after 15 days of execution. In true sense and correct definition, a charge sheet is to be issued for a trial, to a person who is alive, so that he can defend himself against the allegations either false or true, to surrender or to plead, to persecute or to forgive in the final judgment. However, being the son of the deceased, I am compelled to give my views on my father's political thoughts and activities. My father's personal versions in response will be different if he had been given a chance to survive.

Had my father taken the course against the national interest, security and political rights of the Nagas, why the soldiers of Nagalim for Christ had masked their faces, chosen a dark night for awarding punishment? A nation's heroes should be vice-versa. To kill an aged man, 72 years old, with masked face and in the dark night is not digestive and impressed created and blurred. And why the hand of the eliminator could not write the words charge sheet before execution to keep away the family members and public from confusions? Was it an intention or a strategy to shroud the murder of my father? When I enquired many high ranking officials and seniors of NSCN-IM about its responsibility of the incident, I got negative response from every quarter. But, why today, the GPRN (IM) has taken responsibility for the killing? Doesn't it mean that every NSCN-IM is empowered arbitrarily or given license to kill according to his own wish? Or else, is GPRN a government without a system of governing body? It indicates that someone with hidden agenda, vested interest and personal grudges against my father did mastermind and conspire the killing.

My father is also alleged to have leaked very secret and confidential matters of NSCN to the enemy. Who are your enemies? I would like to know the details of leakage by my father.

Every individual has the right to have his own political ideology, principle and convictions and my father too had. No doubt, my father was a very outspoken person. He believed that participation in Indian election during cease fire (peace process) by NSCN is a political suicide for the Nagas as Indian Govt. is always trying to lay traps and hypnotize the Nagas with temporal power and wealth. He also did not believe the principle of Non-Stop Cease Fire notion (NSCN). He felt that Indian Govt. is taking advantage of 'longer period, lesser security, more talks more mistakes'. But all his convictions, sacrifices and contributions towards the Naga movement had fallen into pits of adversities because he had no gun power and money power in his hand. He always disagree the NSCN's principle of refusing to accept the Constitution of India, but contradictorily, participating in the Indian Govt. elections which are held within the Constitution of India. He took it as a contradiction of political ideology and principle of NSCN-IM. It shows losing of revolutionary spirit and the concept of sovereignty. So, he openly opposed the NSCN-sponsored candidates in every election. Here cropped up a question of my father's killing just on the eve of MP Election. He is wrong and fit to be awarded with befitting penalty, if all these concepts of my father are anti-Naga and anti-revolutionary for the Naga people.

None of the family members were aware of the repeated warnings served to my father as claimed by the GPRN. Even at his last juncture of life, he pleaded even to his killers ' "What wrong have I done? Let us reason together" but he was given no time to do so.

Let us know the truth from any organization if my father had any collaboration with any outfit, i.e. anti-Naga and anti-NSCN. Let the whole world know the truth about the capital punishment awarded to my father if any organization can justify his collaboration with anti-Naga and anti-NSCN.

I wish the blood of my father will bring everlasting peace and permanent solution to the Indo-Naga problem. Every drop of his blood has the right to claim for the peace he had sacrificed and contributed. He died fighting for his political ideology and conviction and they killed him for a nation's goal. God is always with us to answer the right judgment and every Naga has the right to have their own conclusion in their hearts and mind.

J.P. Temper
S/o Late J. Kathing
Phalee Village
Ukhrul Dist. Manipur

source:http://nagalim.co.uk/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=5759

 

- Dr. R.B. Thohe Pou

Some people believe that politics is a 'dirty game' but they continue to involve in politics. Some people believe that developments can be brought through politicians only forgetting the work of the NGOs. Personally I believe that politics is not a 'dirty game' but many politicians and the people involved in politics play the dirty game. How many politicians and the people who involves in politics are honest, respectable and work for unity and development of the people?

In 1952 under the leadership of Phizo ' the Naga (NNC) boycotted the Indian election, which was quite successfully. The general election in 1952 was totally boycotted in Naga areas; not a single nomination was filled in the Naga areas; not a single vote was cast. The Nagas also stayed away from the District Councils. The school teachers and other govt. employers resigned their jobs and the people refused to pay taxes. Let's also try to examine the cooperation, unity and capability to convince and mobilize of the present Naga leaders who boycotted the Indian election and commenced to involve in so called Indian election.

In last 13^th Lok Sabha election ' the NSCN-IM again boycotted Indian election in Nagalim as they don't want to come under the constitution of India. In this election ' the Outer Manipur seat was won by Kim Gangte (a non Naga candidate) as the Naga people boycotted the Lok Sabha election and other communities selected her unanimously.

The strategy and the policy of the Naga underground changed in 14^th Lok Sabha election; the Naga underground wanted to have their own candidate who will represent in Indian parliament for the Naga people in Delhi. In this election ' Mani Cheranamei (an Independent MP candidate) was chosen by the NSCN-IM faction for the Naga people and he was elected in last election. However many villagers and leaders said that NSCN-IM compelled them to vote for Mani only. When we studied the Naga political history it is observed that the Naga underground did not want the Naga people to involve so called in Indian election and boycotted twice. However the Indian politicians (leaders) want the Naga to be the part of the India and participate in every Indian election. Now the policy of the underground is just reversed and the thinkers and the people who are interested on Naga issue may be abstruse to comprehend this reversal policy.

In this 15^th Lok Sabha election ' the Naga underground wants MP Mani Cheranamei to represent again for the Naga people in Delhi. However they did not stopped any other Naga candidate to nominate and it is strange that after nomination ' the people were not allowed to cast their votes for other candidates except for Mani. Why don't they make understand and stop the aspiring MP candidates before their nomination is done? There were some round of talks between the village leaders and other leaders with the NSCN-IM leaders in Senapati and its periphery areas. However the NSCN-IM could not convinced and mobilized the public leaders and ultimately the voting day arrived. In Poumai Naga areas ' the NSCN-IM once again commenced to threaten the village leaders to vote for Mani Cheranamei only. On the day of election ' most of the underground went to their own villages and started to woo the villagers to vote for their candidate but the villagers were not convinced without any muscle power.

Many villagers were forcefully voted for Mani and this news spread like the wild fire in all the villages and in the periphery of Senapati areas as they have now better communication due to cell phone revolution. Learning the news about the booth capturing by the underground ' the public or mass of the people got irritated and started to gather around Karong and Senapati areas and the annoyed mass of the people commenced to pelt stones to the vehicles coming from Mao and Poumai areas polling stations. Unfortunately, one of the NSCN-IM Kilonser's Bolero (vehicle) was coming from Poumai area side and the aggravated mass of the people stoned the vehicle and almost crushed into piece but the NSCN-IM Kilonser and the others travelling in that Bolero were safe with some injuries in their bodies. On 22^nd April, the alleged two leaders of the people who were involved in pelting stone to NSCNN-IM Kilonser's Bolero were taken into Hebron, Dimapur ' the NSCN-IM head quarter for further interrogation. There was meeting between the Naga leaders from Senapati District and the NSCN-IM leaders in Hebron camp on 23^rd April till late evening. On 24^th April the two alleged were bailed out by the Naga leaders from Senapati. Kudos goes to the NSCN-IM for releasing the two alleged leaders who were alleged to lead the group in stoning the Bolero.

It is also difficult to understand why the underground could not convince and mobilize the gullible villagers to vote for their candidate? Why they made the public irritated and brought such kind of consequences? It is also interesting to note that there was not news report in Manipur or Nagaland news paper about the pelting of stone and injury of the NSCN-IM Kilonser near Senapati H. Quarter. But one of the simple reasons may be that there is not a single local news reporter available in Senapati and the freelancers may be afraid or unworthy to get the price of reporting for such kind of report as it may bring heavy price on them for reporting such kind of ground reality and fact report to the newspaper.

With this kind of consequences through election problems in Nagalim may bring more bitter relationship between the public and the Naga underground. Not only the relationship between the underground and the public but the relationship among the people also will be affected enormously. The Naga leaders and everyone from Senapati would definitely appreciate the NSCN-IM for solving the problems amicably with prayers and mutual understanding. Disunity and bitter relationship may be the sadness to one community but it may be happiness to other communities and the leaders of every community may need to understand and bring good relationship and unity amongst their community.

-           Dr. R.B. Thohe Pou

 

Whether it is the MLA or M.P. election ' the Naga people are always in dilemma in recent years in choosing their right candidate till the election is over. This precisely shows that we in transition and confusing stage where both the leaders and public have different perceptions and understanding. You have the freedom to live but do you have the right and freedom to vote for the candidate that you want? Do you know who will be the best candidate in this M.P. election? Are you going to choose the candidate based on his or her capability or due to the compulsion from "so called leaders" of your community? Till late 1980s, the M.P. elections were hardly known in the village. But today the situation had tremendously changed; the village leaders are now actively involved in M.P. election campaigning. It shows the people have awareness and their rights to choose and vote according to their intuition. However when the people commenced to know their own rights to vote for their own candidates; so called "the leaders of the people" commenced to pressurize the public to vote only for a particular candidate.

 

Do you think that the Nagas are still incapable to rationalize and choose their own candidate? When will the Naga come to know how to choose their own candidate? Do you think that the Naga leaders compel the public to vote 'so called the leaders' choice candidate'? Does the Naga public have the right to choose their own candidate without the compulsion from 'so called their leaders'? In every election ' the Naga people are in dilemma whom to vote because the public are not convinced to vote for the candidate, so called the Naga leaders' chosen candidate. Do you think that the leaders are incapable to convince and mobilize the public to support their chosen leader? Or the public does not want to listen to their advice? Here the only problem may be the leaders are careless or incapable to convince and mobilize the public to vote the candidate whom they are supporting.  Today, we are in the age of reasoning and conviction and the leaders should be capable to convince the public to vote for their chosen leaders. If the leaders are incapable to convince the public ' they are just another leader by "name" that exists in their organization. Our present leaders represent for the public but they should also be capable to convince and mobilize the common people to vote for any particular candidate otherwise it may bring more misunderstanding and divisions in the society instead of working together with them.

 

If the present MP has done something beneficial for the public and capable to continue ' I wish that he should get another chance to serve for the people. However he should give in details to the public what he has done for the public in last 5 years and the public should be convinced to vote again for him otherwise it may be unwise to vote again for him. If there is any new candidate who is more capable to work for the public ' let us also give him or her chance to work for the public. Regardless of the candidate from different village or community, we need to support the candidate who will work and represent for the public so that we may enjoy the fruits of our present excellent decision in next 5 years.

 

Today the Nagas are in the stage of transition and we need the leader who has the vision to lead the people in the right way and stand for the public in the parliament. You and I can represent; anybody can represent in the parliament or stay in Delhi if we give him or her a chance. But an incapable leader who has not vision and courage to stand for us will bring only disgrace to us instead of bringing glory for his her people. There may be some people who are running after money and want to vote for the candidate who will pay the highest for them but today most of people want to vote for the candidate who is capable to represent in the parliament and work for the public. In this age of reasoning and conviction ' the fancy political promises cannot convince the public without any feasible promise. We want unity and development in our villages and towns and the candidate should be chosen by the public to represent in the parliament for the public. Today we need to be more circumspective in choosing the right candidate with our free mind and heart without any external force. Let us take a deep breath now and take the right decision to choose the best candidate who will represent and work for the public.

 

 

-          Dr. Thohe Pou

NSCN Late SK Livingstone a retired Brigadier and Steering committee member (GPRN) passed away on 13^th Sept. 2007 after 10 years and 2 months of Assam Rifles Camp, Oinam attacked. He was from Kaichai Tikhor village in the western part of Ukhrul district, Manipur. He was born on 4^th April 1951 and joined in NSCN in 1974, and was in the service for 33 years and 6 months. According to one news report in Sept. 2007, 'he considered one of the most outstanding<script type=”text/javascript”></script> 'tiger hearts' who believed in a 'no retreat, no surrender' philosophy in conducting the guerilla war for the Naga cause, earning him the nickname, 'Ngalunkui' meaning Stone in Tangkhul' His name is among the Naga underground fighters who had the highest reward on their heads and were in the 'most wanted' by the Indian government'. I don't know if the NSCN is observing his birth day on 4/4 every year.

Personally I have never met or seen him but the news spreading in the village about him became my motivator and inspiration during my teenage. Indeed he became the 'living corner stone' after the famous Assam Rifles camp, Oinam attacked on 9^th July 1987. His strategy and deadly plan to attack the Indian Armies was very well-known in early 1980s even to the grass-root level of the school boys. I don't know even his rank until he was passed away but his brave story as a Naga Army was told like the story of Jesus in the village. Today he has completed his mission as a brave Naga Army and left for his heavenly abode but his brave story will remain immortal.

Late Livingstone, the 'corner stone' during my teenage period was one of the main Naga Armies who inspired and motivated me to be a good Naga nationalist through his 'living examples'. I don't know how I became a Naga Nationalist till I reminiscence my childhood days and the ambience I was brought up. I do believe that it is because of the hero in my time inspired and motivated me to be what I am today. I firmly believe that today the young boys and girls in our villages, towns and cities will have the same or similar inspiration and motivation from our present NSCN depending on their 'Present Living Examples'.<script type=”text/javascript”></script> So we can easily anticipate what will be the future generation in our nation, society or community. Our parents, elders and leaders are the main source of inspiration and motivation and we will always up our heads on them and live according to their living examples shown to us.

Not one is perfect in this world and as a human being, he might have his own weaknesses but I learnt only his good deeds. I was told that he (Livingstone) used to go on fasting and pray days after days before any ambush or attack is carried out. I came to learn only recently about his philosophy of 'no treat, no surrender' in guerilla war. But I knew earlier that one of this best strategy and tactics in ambushing the Indian armies was 'Fasting and Prayer'. Once I also thought why they have to fast and pray to kill someone? But I believe that they are using the tactics of the Israelites from the living Bible. During my teenage, I also learnt that he possess the spirit of God to feel the present of the Indian armies, thus he could always avoided and escaped from them. He became the hero of my generation and every party (group) in my village longed to christen the name of their group after Late Livingstone name. However ultimately only those strongest party (gang) would take the name of their gang after Livingstone. During my time, we used to play in the jungle like the monkeys; impersonating to be the NSCN taking physical training in the jungle. Under the leadership of the group leader, we went for physical training by climbing on the tree, swimming, shooting birds, and did lots of hide and see games. It was indeed a great fun impersonating to be the NSCN and patrolled in the jungle. Every boy in the village would join in their own group and enjoyed the patrolling in the jungle.

<script type=”text/javascript”></script>In fact that was the favorite game the village boys used to play in the jungle impersonating to be the NSCN in early 1980s. But today the whole thing seem changed from village boys to NSCN. Every parent in the village longs their child to be well educated and there is no time for the boys to impersonate to be the NSCN and play in the jungle like in olden days. Secondly I think today there is also not a single NSCN like Late Livingstone who became their (village boys) motivator to impersonate to be the NSCN. Today the village boys also have different perception and projection on NSCN; the perception on NSCN might have changed tremendously due to their 'Present Living Examples' and many others unseen reasons. It is our parents and leaders or someone influential person who influences us in our lives subconsciously during our childhood and teenage, and later it become our philosophy in life. Today how many teenage boys and girls in the villages and towns are inspired and motivated by the NSCN? Who is the present hero of the NSCN giving inspiration, hope and unity for the village boys and girls? Let's pray and hope that we may have another Livingstone who will motivate, inspire, courageously and neutrally lead all the Naga tribes or people in the right direction.