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BREAKING NEWS
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STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY FOR THE INDO-NAGA PEACE PROCESS

The second symposium organized by the Thai Friends of the Nagas held in Bangkok on 22 August 2000 brought together Nagas, Indians and Thai people concerned over the danger of the Indo-Naga peace talks breaking down because of the continued detention of Mr. Th. Muivah in the Bangkok jail. The participants, after several hours of deliberations, expressed both concern and anxiety about the lack of transparency in the entire peace process. The apathy on the part of the Government of India to approach the Thai Government for Mr. Th. Muivah’s release despite the fact that the Naga leader has had talks with three successive Prime Ministers reflected a lack of commitment to the peace process. Mr. Muivah has been chosen by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) as the Chief Negotiator. The participants appreciated the fact that the NSCN has shown restraint so far and appealed to them not to be provoked. They also appealed to the Government of India to bring greater transparency into the peace talks by issuing joint communiques signed by both the parties, publish the record of the talks and appoint a Chairman of the Cease-fire Monitoring Group who is an impartial person. The participants resolved to encourage wider discussions of the meaning of peace and democracy in order to make the peace talks meaningful for both the Indian and the Naga people in their quest to a just and honorable solution. Therefore, the symposium resolves that:

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  1. Prof. B.K. Roy Burman, Convenor, Forum for Initiative on Northeast India
  2. Justice Debi Singh Tewatia, Ex-Chief Justice, Calcutta High Court, India
  3. Ms. Nandita Haksar, Supreme Court Advocate, India
  4. Mr. Harish Chandola, Journalist, India
  5. Mr. Tapan Bose, Secretary General, South Asia Forum for Human Rights
  6. Ms. Chalida Tajardensuk, Forum Asia, Thailand
  7. Mr. Justin Nyberg, Forum Asia, Thailand
  8. Ms. Rungtip Imrungruang, Justice and Peace Commission of Thailand
  9. Ms. Meredith Preston, Independent, Canada
  10. Mr. Luingam Luithui, Secretary General, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact
  11. Mr. Nepuni Piku, International Alliance of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples of the Tropical Forests, South Asia
  12. Mr. G. Gaingam, Vice President, Naga Hoho
  13. Mr. Vehuto Yepthomi, General Secretary, Naga Hoho
  14. Mr. Hekhevi Achumi, Finance Secretary, Naga Hoho
  15. Mr. Neingulo Krome, Secretary General, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights
  16. Ms. Aram Pamei, Co-Convenor, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights
  17. Ms. Peingamla Luithui, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights
  18. Dr. Gina Shangkham, President, Naga Women’s Union, Manipur
  19. Ms. Neiduno Angami, President, Naga Mothers’ Association
  20. Ms. Kesheli Chishi, General Secretary, Naga Mothers’ Association
  21. Mr. K.S. Paul Leo, President, United Naga Council, Manipur
  22. Mr. S. Kho John, President, All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur
  23. Mr. Patrick, President, Zeliangrong Union, Assam, Manipur & Nagaland
  24. Dr. Wati Aier (a Naga social activist)

AN APPEAL FROM FRIENDS OF THE NAGAS

23 July 2000 Bangkok

A consultation organized by the Thai Friends of the Nagas brought together a spectrum of bipartisan participants from Thailand, India, Naga areas, and various international groups, to discuss the Naga conflict and the impending expiration of the 1997 cease-fire agreement. The symposium resolved that it support the Indo-Naga peace process, which is essential in the maintenance of security of both the Indian and the Naga people, as well as for the entire region. It called for the immediate resumption of negotiations in good faith between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN). It resolved that this process be Amended to make it more participatory, transparent, an accountable to all those with a vital stake in its conclusion.

The Naga people have resolved that Mr. Th. Muivah best reflects their aspirations and should represent them in these negotiations. He embodies a long history of commitment to the Naga people and their cause and, having the mandate of the Naga people, he has the authority to negotiate a substantive and lasting settlement.

The meeting appealed to the Indian and Thai Governments to ensure that Mr. Muivah is set at liberty in order that he may resume his essential role in the peace negotiations.

Thus, it is resolved:

On behalf of the 25 participants of this symposium, we hereby affirm the above resolutions, and submit them in good faith to the Thai and Indian authorities involved with these issues.

  1. Mr. Rajindar Sachar – Former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court
  2. Mr. Surendar Mohan – Former Member of Indian Parliament (M.P)
  3. Swami Agnivesh – Bonded Labor Liberation Front (BLLF)
  4. K.S. Paul Leo – President of the United Naga Council (UNC)
  5. N.S.N Lotha – President of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF)
  6. S. Kho John – President of all Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM)
  7. Ms. Nandita Haksar – Human Rights Advocate
  8. Akum Lonchari – Member Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR)
  9. Vikheho Swu – Member Naga people’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR)

Representatives from the following International organizations:

  1. Somchai Hamlaor – Secretary General Forum Asia
  2. Menelaos G. Tzelios – General Secretary International for the Protection of the Rights of Ethnic, Religious, Linguistic and other Minorities. (United State of America)
  3. Luingam Luithui - Secretary General Asia Indigenous People’s Pact (AIPP)
  4. Christian Erni – International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA)
  5. Frans Welman – Indigenous Council, The Netherlands
  6. Valentino Dolara – Documentation Center for Threaten People (Italy)
  7. Representative - Burma Lawyers’ Council

Oking Publicity and Information Service
GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM

Dated Oking: 14 July 2000

PRESS STATEMENT

This is to inform to all the international community that the Indian government has broken the cease-fire by attacking and killing the personnel of the Naga Army in the Naga areas of NC Hills on 11 July 2000. All the persons and organizations that have profound concern for the peace process between the Government of India (GOI) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) should know that the 17 Para Field Regiment of the Indian armed forces surrounded the outpost of the NP Battalion of the Naga Army during the wee hours and when the Naga Army personnel reminded them that there exist a cease-fire, the Indian troops asserted that there is no ceasefire, and mercilessly gunned down 12 NSCN cadres and snatched away all their arms.

It is very unfortunate that the Indian government has broken the cease-fire in this manner.

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(Lt. R. NSARANGBE)

THE NATION
Saturday, July 8, 2000

Indian rebel in Thai courtroom

Associated Press

ASIAN human rights activists appealed for the freedom of a Nagaland insurgent leader who appeared in a Thai court yesterday on charges of using a false passport. Thuingaleng Muivah is key to peace talks between Naga-land separatists and the Indian government, they said.

Nagaland is a northeastern Indian province near Burma and is home to about 3 million people from at least 36 dif-ferent tribes. Muivah led rebels in talks that led to a 1997 cease-fire after 20 years of fighting with government forces.

Muivah. 66, leader of the National Socialist Council of Naga-land, has repeatedly been denied bail and is unlikely to be released by July 31 when the cease-fire agreement ends.

‘Thailand should look into this as the case of a freedom fight-er. Releasing this man, the chief peace negotiator, will help prevent an escalation into violence,” said Basil Fernando, direc-tor of the Asian Human Rights Commission.

Muivah was arrested upon arrival in Bangkok on January 19 for travelling with a fake South Korean passport He jumped bail, but was recaptured on January 29, trying to flee to Malaysia with a false Singaporean passport.

Speaking from his cell, Muivah said the Indian government was not sincere in seeking peace and was behind his arrest.

His supporters say he was travelling to meet with Thai-based Naga leaders before peace talks with the Indian gov-ernment resumed in the Netherlands. The talks were post-poned indefinitely after Muivah’s arrest.

GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information and Publicity

PRESS STATEMENT

Dated: July 1, 2000. Oking.

The National Socialist Council of Nagalim has taken into account the seriousness of the existing ground realities of the present on going peace process. The term of this Cease-fire will expire by 31st July 2000. To the NSCN having Cease-fire and not having cease-fire has become almost the same. We have lost more arms and men during the Cease-fire than before the Cease-fire. The Government of India (GOI) did not take seriously though often repeatedly discussed in meetings at all level. We have found that the Indian representatives are more concern in protecting the Khaplang group than discussing issue of importance; and this has often been make very clear to the NSCN representatives whenever meetings were held in Delhi or in Dimapur.

The current cease-fire and the peace process:

The NSCN wishes to tell the Indian and the Naga people once and for all why the extension of this present Cease-fire has become meaning less. Seeing the insincerity on the part of the Government of India, the NSCN sees no reason why this Cease-fire should be extended. Just seeking time for the extension of the Cease-fire without political talks is pointless.

  1. The Indian government representatives involved in the peace process are never that serious except trying to do dictate behind their show of force and never implementing what was agreed upon. We do not wish to go back to cite examples but the very recent happening will put things very clearly. After NSCN repeated request to the government of India for a meeting, because NSCN was deeply concern about the peace process, meeting was held at Delhi on 25 and 26 May 2000. and in the meeting certain points were mutually agreed upon and these were released to the press for general information. However, they went back on what had been agreed upon. GOI was just trying to buy time again.
    • It was agreed that there should be a Cease-fire Monitoring Group meeting in the month of June at Dimapur. This meeting had to be postponed because the so-called Nagaland government had said that there was no Cease-fire in Nagaland State; therefore, they would not allow the meeting to be held in Nagaland.
    • It was agreed that NSCN is free to open its office for monitoring the Cease-fire ground rules. Now under one pretext or the other GOI refused to accept it. One simple reason was because of the so-called Nagaland government.
    • After the meeting the raiding of houses and frisking of people and vehicles on the roadside have increased. People are unable to raise their voice in protest for fear of being arrested at the slightest question asked.
    • Right after the meeting the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) rudelessly gunned down one of our cadre Lt.Athisii and arrested four innocent boys. These boys were mercilessly beaten and had to be hospitalized.

    For the continuation of the present peace process by both the parties, the GOI must take serious note:

    1. The Indian government should make an official declaration, at the earliest time possible, that the cease-fire coverage encompasses all the Naga areas. Because it is the agreement between NSCN and the Government of India.
    2. The cease-fire is to facilitate the political dialogue for finding a lasting solution and, therefore, there is no point in having a cease-fire if there cannot be political talks. Since Mr. Th. Muivah has been mandated by the NSCN and the Tatar Hoho to hold talks with the Indian government, (this has been strongly reiterated by the Steering Committee and the council of kilonser at the joint session on June 20, 2000.), there cannot be meaningful political talks in the absence of our chief negotiator Mr. Th. Muivah
    3. The government of India should immediately withdraw:

    • All the warrant of arrest issued by the so-called Nagaland State against NSCN members;
    • Non-bailable warrant of arrest issued against Th. Muivah, by the Dy. Commissioner (Judicial) Dimapur under case No. 0031/99:
    • The arrest warrant with the cash award of Rs. 10 lacs against the Chief of Naga Army;
    • Release all NSCN political prisoners kidnapped during the cease-fire and kept in Indian jail.
    • Withdraw the declaration of Naga areas in the so-called Manipur as a ‘disturbed area’.
    • The government of India must immediately stop raiding the homes of NSCN leaders and the Naga people in general by the Assam rifles and the IRB. This wanton arrest of NSCN cadres must be stopped immediately.

    To every problem there is a solution. NSCN sees no reason why the current peace process cannot be fruitful if the GOI shows real sincerity. The succeeding Indian Prime ministers have assured us that peaceful political solution would be sought to resolve the half-a-century-old Indo-Naga conflict. We praise them for their wisdom. However, we are pained to see the Indian armed forces increasing in number and using pressure tactic thinking that the NSCN would fall in line to their dictate. Don’t ever think for a moment NSCN cannot strike back, we will and this time we will strike hard if the Indian government think that we cannot. We have held our peace, though we have often times been provoked, because our leaders have said that, ‘we would leave no stone unturned in exploring ways and means for finding a lasting political solution’, since they took the word of the Indian Prime ministers very seriously.

    The NSCN will strike back at the IRB and the Assam rifles if this constant house raids, frisking, random arrest and killing is not stopped immediately. The GOI must be held responsible for any eventuality that should follow after this. All NSCN members should leave for there own places, any incident here after shall be at their own risk. NSCN cannot be a victim of GOI’s indifference. When the so-called state government and the Ministry of Home Affair agency like Assam Rifles can defy the commitments given from the PMO or for that the Government of India, how can there be peaceful negotiation? Don’t blame the system. For India knows the reason behind the existence of Naga resistance movement. NSCN stands committed to the Naga cause. Naga Army is to be on red alert henceforth.

    ISSUED BY:
    Ministry of Publicity & Information, NSCN.

    _____________________________________________________

    YARUIWO (PRESIDENT)
    GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM

    Dated Oking: 21 June 2000

    PRESS STATEMENT

    NSCN'S STAND ON EXTENSION OF CEASE-FIRE

    If the current peace process and the cease-fire are to be continued, both the contending parties must effectively implement the following points in absolute honesty:

    1. In total consonance with the mutually accepted agreement that the cease-fire coverage encompasses all the Naga areas, the Indian government should make an official declaration to this end at the earliest time possible. Because it is the agreement between NSCN and the Government of India.
    2. The cease-fire is to facilitate the political dialogue for finding a lasting solution and, therefore, there is no point in having a cease-fire if there cannot be political talks. Since Mr. Th. Muivah has been mandated by the NSCN and the Tatar Hoho to hold talks with the Indian government, there cannot be meaningful political talks in the absence of our chief negotiator Mr. Th. Muivah.
    3. Atrocities and killings deliberately perpetrated by the armed forces of India and the so-called Nagaland and Manipur states, raiding the homes of NSCN leaders and wanton arrest of NSCN cadres, declaration of Naga areas in the so-called Manipur as a "disturbed area," and warrant of arrest issued against Th. Muivah are clear violations of the cease-fire ground rules. Hence, there is no conducive atmosphere for talks if such wanton violations of the cease-fire ground rules are not stopped.
    4. The NSCN has neither arrested nor killed any personnel of the Indian armed forces in Nagalim since the current cease-fire came into being. This is so because the NSCN is totally committed to the peace process. If India is prepared to understand our rights, we are prepared to come to her as close as possible.

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    ( ISAK CHISHI SWU )

    _______________________________________________________

    NATIONAL SOCIALIST COUNCIL OF NAGALIM

    Dated Oking: 13 June 2000

    CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

    Respected Mrs. Rama Pilot:

    The Lord decides His own timing and it has come upon the Indian nation. Gloom hovers and it shall continue to hover but the truth, that the Nagas and the Indian people owe the foundation of their current historic cease-fire and the peace process to Rajesh Pilot, shall remain behind forever. Truly, had he not been there in his given time, the history of the Indo-Naga relationship might have been altogether miserable, perhaps, even otherwise. Indeed, generations shall talk no end of Pilot.

    Rajesh Pilot was a man of integrity. He was a man of principle, a lover of truth, and a committed advocate of peace. In his death the Nagas have lost a great and sincere friend, and India has lost a great son who unceasingly worked for the poor and the downtrodden. We shall forever admire him.

    May his soul rest in eternal peace in the sweet arms of God.

    Sd/-

    ISAK CHISHI SWU
    Chairman

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    Th. MUIVAH
    General Secretary

    NATIONAL SOCIALIST COUNCIL OF NAGALIM

    CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

    The National Socialist Council of Nagalim takes this silent moment of sorrow to express deep feeling of hurt and a sense of loss on hearing the sudden demise of Mr. Rajesh Pilot in a car accident on 11 June 2000.

    Mr. Rajesh Pilot was one among many Indian politicians who really understood the Indo-Naga political problem. He was out spoken and honest .He was a friend among many Nagas. We are really going to miss him. He was the first emissary of the Indian Prime minister to have initiated officially the present peace process in order to find a lasting solution to the long and vexed Indo-Naga political issue. It will be hard to find a man of his caliber and personality to replace the vacuum he has left behind.

    Please accept our heart-felt condolence, though physically unable to be present, we are today with you and your family in spirit and in prayer in this moment of pain and sorrow.

    Sd-

    Rev. Puni Mao.
    Convenor Steering Committee. NSCN.

    PRESS RELEASE --- FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

    Bangkok, 25 May 2000

    On behalf of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), an international organization based in the Hague, The Netherlands, and the International Federation for the Protection of the Rights of Ethnic, Religious, Linguistic and other Minorities in New York.

    The trial in Bangkok of the Naga leader, Mr. Th. Muivah, opened today in a packed court house, in the presence of prominent international observers from Europe and the U.S. Senator John Nimrod from Illinois attended the trial on behalf of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), an international organization based in the Hague, The Netherlands. The UNPO has fifty-two member nations and peoples representing over 100 million people worldwide. Mr. Menelaos Tzelios, General Secretary of the International Federation for the Protection of Ethnic, Religious, Linguistic and other Minorities, arrived from New York to observe the trial on behalf of his organization, which works closely with the United Nations. The Transnational Radical Party (TRP), a European based political party and NGO, with consultative status at the UN, sent Ms. M. Soltjer to observe the trial. Its General Secretary, Mr. Olivier Dupuis, who is a member of the European Parliament, said the TRP has followed the peace process between the Government of India and the Naga movement headed by Mr. Isak Chishi Swu and Mr. Th. Muivah and is concerned that the detention of the latter may jeopardize the fragile peace negotiations. Mr. Muivah is the principal negotiator in the talks, which have been held at the Prime Minister’s level.

    The court case is a technical one concerning the use of improper travel documents, but the political ramifications are considerable. A failure to resolve the issue quickly could result in a breakdown of the cease-fire in Nagaland, which would be tragic for the people of that region as well as for India.

    Mr. Muivah was represented at the trial by a high profile team of lawyers consisting of Khun Vasant Panich and Khun Thawatchai Sujaridworakul, and coordinated by Khun Somchai Homlaor, the Secretary General of the Forum Asia. Mr. Santi Isrowuthakul acted as an interpreter.

    Mr. Muivah pleaded guilty to using the false travel documents, but said he was compelled to do so to travel to Europe where he engaged in negotiations with representatives of the Prime Minister of India. He said he had no alternative, since he does not possess any other passport or travel document. After the hearing, Senator Nimrod told the press that he and the other international observers are very concerned about the possible consequences of Mr. Muivah’s detention. “We are talking here about the lives of thousands of people and the stability of an entire region which could be jeopardized as a result of an issue which is, in principle, a minor offence, not intended to hurt Thailand in any way.” Mr. Tzelios emphasized the importance of Mr. Muivah’s leadership in bringing peace to Nagaland.

    High-level talks between the Government of India and the leaders of Nagaland started three years ago, leading to a cease-fire which ended more than 50 years of bloody warfare. The Nagas have claimed the right to recover their independence from India, which sent troops to the region.

    There will be an opportunity to meet the observers at 1 pm at the Radisson Hotel, Bangkok.

    For more information, please contact:

    01-8233794

    Or

    Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development Union for Civil Liberty 109 Suthisarnwinichai Rd., Samsennok, Huaykwang, Bangkok 1034940 Thailand Tel: +66-2-2769846-7, 6934940 Fax: +66-2-6934939 Email: chalida@mozart.inet.co.th

    THE NATION

    Thursday, 25 May 2000

    Supporters following Naga leaderí's case

    SUPPORTERS of a peace agreement between India and an armed separatist group in the countryís northeast will be monitoring the court hearing of the groupís leader who has been arrested by Thai authorities for travelling on a false passport, an informed source said yesterday. Thuingaleng Muivah, 66, the secretary general of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), was arrested in January this year.

    The source said a number of international sympathisers, including representatives of the United States Congress, concerned that the peace process may be at risk, will observe the hearings which begin today. Muivah who has been leading Naga guerrillas for 50 years against Indian forces to carve out a homeland for his people, was mandated by the NSCN cabinet ministers to lead the peace talks.

    Apam Muivah, nephew of the NSCN leader, said a number of international supporters of the peace process, including US lawmakers, have urged the Thai government to release Muivah soon.

    Benjamin Gilman, chairman of the US Congress committee on international relations, sent a letter in March to Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai calling for Muivahís speedy release.

    In the letter, Gilman said the Congress was worried that the peace process which has developed between India and the Naga people was at risk due to the inability of Muivah to participate in the highlevel talks.

    Apam said the Society for Threatened Peoples based in Germany sent a letter to Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan in February and in subsequent months other groups, including some in Japan, and professors from Jawaharlal Nehru University in India, also urged Thailand to release Muivah.

    Muivah was arrested on Jan 19 for using a false passport to travel from Karachi to Bangkok. He went before a Thai court and was granted bail for a bond of about Bt200,000. He jumped bail and was rearrested on Jan 29 at Hat Yai airport as he was about to board a flight for Malaysia using a false passport.

    India and the NSCN have held several rounds of talks in ìneutralî territory over the past few years. After a series of peace talks in foreign cities, the Indian government entered into a ceasefire agreement with the NSCN, headed by Muivah and Isak Swu, the groupís chairman, in August 1997.

    The last round was held in Amsterdam in November last year, with Muivah leading the rebel contingent. Muivah belongs to the warrior tribe of Thangkul Naga from the hilly northeastern state of Manipur. He has led Naga guerrillas for 50 years against Indian forces to carve out a homeland for his people, referred to as Greater Nagaland. He broke away from the mainstream freedomfighting forces of the Government of the Peopleís Republic of Nagalim in 1978 to form his own faction.

    The Nation

    THE ASSAM TRIBUNE

    Guwahati, Friday, May 26, 2000

    Appeal for release of Muivah from Thai prison

    BANGKOK, May 25 — The nephew of Naga insurgent leader Thingaleng Muivah today appealed for his release from jail in Thailand, saying the future of peace between the Indian Government and rebels in Nagaland was at stake, reports AP.

    Thai human-rights activists also appealed for the release of Muivah, 66, saying he was suffering from poor health in overcrowded, unsanitary jail conditions. Muivah is serving a one-year prison term for possessing a false passport and is currently being tried for illegal entry. The trial, held only a few days a month, was postponed today when a witness failed to appear.

    Apam Muivah, 36, told reporters his uncle’s liberty was vital to push forward with peace in Nagaland. The elder Muivah is general secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (I-M), a Maoist-inspired separatist movement that negotiated a cease-fire to its 17-year rebellion with the Indian Government in 1997. “People in Nagaland have already made the decision not to continue the peace talks if Muivah is not there,” Apam told reporters. “We want him to help us extend the cease-fire. We do not want to see any killing again.” The cease-fire is due to expire July, 31, the nephew said, but chances look dim that Muivah will be free by then. The Thai criminal court has set July 7 and July 24 for the trial sessions to resume. Thai human-rights activists said Muivah’s offences were minor and paled in comparison to his importance for peace in Nagaland. They have provided a lawyer and will make an application for bail next week. Muivah was arrested on arrival at Bangkok airport January 19 when immigration officers discovered his South Korean passport was false. He jumped bail and was recaptured January 29, trying to flee to Malaysia on a false Singaporean passport.

    He was tried in the southern town of Songkhla on the second passport incident and was sentenced to a year. He is now being tried in Bangkok on the original illegal entry violation. Muivah appeared in good spirits in court today, but his nephew and the activists both said his health had deteriorated in custody. Apam said Muivah suffers from low blood pressure and has had an appendectomy and gall bladder surgery in the past.

    BANGKOK POST

    Saturday, 27 May 2000

    INDIA/NAGA CONFLICT

    Delayed trial could shatter fragile peace

    International observers at the trial in Bangkok of Thingaleng Muivah, an Indian insurgent leader, have expressed concern that delays could affect the fragile peace between the Indian government and the rebels in Nagaland.

    Muivah is serving a one-year prison sentence for possessing a false passport and is currently being tried for illegal entry.

    His trial opened on Thursday in the presence of prominent international observers from Europe and the US. These included delegates from the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation, an international organisation based in The Hague, the International Federation for the Protection of the Rights of Ethnic, Linguistic and other Minorities in New York, and the Transnational Radical Party (TRP), a Europe-based political party and NGO.

    Olivier Dupuis, general secretary of TRP said his organisation had followed the peace process between the Indian government and the Naga movement, and is concerned that the detention of Muivah may jeopardise the fragile negotiations since he is the principal negotiator in the talks, which have been held at prime ministerial level.

    The court case is a technical one concerning the use of improper travel documents, but the political ramifications are considerable, Mr Dupuis said. Muivah was represented at the trial by a high profile team of Thai lawyers co-ordinated by Somchai Homla-or, secretary-general of Forum Asia.

    The Naga leader pleaded guilty to using false travel documents, but said he was compelled to do so to travel to Europe where he engaged in negotiations with representatives of the prime minister of India.

    He said he had no alternative, since he did not possess a passport or other travel documents. High-level talks between the Indian government and Nagaland started three years ago, leading to a ceasefire which ended more than 50 years of bloody warfare.

    THE NATION

    Saturday, 27 May 2000

    False passport threatens Naga's 50-year dream

    NAGALAND's bloody 50-year struggle for a homeland could hinge on a court case in Bangkok, writes Rita Patiyasevi.

    FRAGILE peace talks between the Indian government and representatives of the indigenous people in the troubled northeastern state of Nagaland are being threatened by Thailand's slow legal process. The key to the talks is separatist leader Thuingaleng Muivah, who is on trial in Thailand for travelling on a false passport. His trial, which began on Thursday, was delayed until July after two principal prosecution witnesses failed to show up in court in Bangkok. Muivah, 66, the secretary-general of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) faction, has been in a Thai jail since his arrest in January for using a false passport to travel from Karachi to Bangkok.

    His trial has draw supporters of the peace talks, including US Senator John Nimrod from Illinois, who is monitoring it on behalf of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (Unpo), which is based in The Hague.

    Nimrod stressed the political implications of the delay, saying the cease-fire agreement between New Delhi and the group could be in jeopardy as the one year deadline ends in July. "The court case is a technical one concerning the use of improper travel documents, but the political ramifications are considerable," he said.

    Failure to resolve the issue quickly, he insisted, could result in a breakdown of the cease-fire in Nagaland, which would be tragic for the people of that region as well as for India.

    Anthony Shimray, NSCN foreign-affairs advisor, said the Nagas were committed to the peace talks but India had yet to demonstrate its sincerity. "India is in the position to show sincerity towards finding a solution to the long-running problem. What the Indian government could do is to urge Thailand to expedite the legal process," he said.

    Two Thai government officials who visited Muivah in jail had told the NSCN leader that they could not interfere, but with a little nudge from the Indian Embassy, Thai authorities "could make things less complicated for Muivah".

    The irony is that while the Indian Embassy has said it will help if asked, Muivah's position as the NSCN chief in leading the peace talks with India makes it awkward. "India can show its political will to support the peace talks by informing the Thai government of Muivah's position and the importance of him in leading the talks," Shimray said, adding that other minorities were observing the proceedings.

    Menelaos Tzelios, general secretary of the International Federation for the Protection of Ethnic, Religious, Linguistic and other Minorities in New York, said the situation would be reported to the United Nations.

    Muivah pleaded guilty to using the false travel documents but said he had been compelled to do so to travel to Europe, where he engaged in negotiations with representatives of the Indian prime minister. He said he had no alternative, since he did not possess any other passport or travel document.

    "We are talking here about the lives of thousands of people and the stability of an entire region which could be jeopardised as a result of an issue which is principally a minor offence, not intended to hurt Thailand in any way," Tzelios said.

    High-level talks, which began three years ago, have led to a cease-fire ending more than 50 years of bloody warfare. More than 250,000 people have been killed on the Indian side with unrecorded numbers on the Na ga side in the conflict on theBurmese border.

    Luingam Luithui, secretary-general of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact, said the problem of the Nagas had been misunderstood in India as the government and the mainstream media had presented the problem as merely an act of hostility by a handful of Nagas, misguided by missionaries, who want to secede with the support from neighbours, namely China and more recently Pakistan and Bangladesh.

    The Nagas, of Mongoloid origin, had little contact with the outside world until the 19th century.

    The Nation

Email: pmuinao@hotmail.com