Seen here in this undated file photo is a group of ‘eastern’ Naga women adorned in colorful appendages of heritage, and performing a cultural item at a cultural event in Nagaland. (Morung File Photo)
Perceived to be a subsequent rally to the May 20 New Delhi meeting with Myanmar’s Ambassador to India U-Kyi Thein, the chief minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio is likely to visit the Junta’s authorities either by the fall or winter.
Neiphiu Rio had met with U-Kyi Thein in New Delhi May 20 and interactions, over the issue of Nagas in Myanmar, were exchanged. The Myanmar Ambassador had then invited the Naga politician to visit Yangoon’s authorities to deliberate on the matter of ‘recognizing’ Myanmar’s minority Nagas with a “status” – within either the political or administrative framework of the country. Thein had assured that the matter would be communicated to the Myanmar government at the earliest. Latest independent confirmation, whether or not Thein has communicated with his government on the matter, could not be had for now.
Highly-placed sources in the state government said Rio would visit Yangoon probably autumn or early winter. The Chief Minister’s Office could not be contacted for independent confirmation but knowledgeable sources in the government said the tentative schedule is winter. The source also informed that no agenda specific to Rio’s Myanmar diplomacy has been officially discussed yet by the government. It was nonetheless understood after his return from Delhi that either by October or late November, Rio would be in Yangoon.
Another minister when contacted said, the date is being “talked out” winter. On the query who in the NPF-DAN Cabinet is being seen as members of Rio’s team for Yangoon, the minister said “he can choose whoever he wants to but no list or date has been finalized.”
Rio also issued a message addressed to Ambassador Thein today expressing gratitude for “inviting me to visit Myanmar and hold talks with representatives of your government and leaders of civil society in Myanmar.” Not mentioning when, the chief minister stated in his message to be looking forward to the Yangoon visit “at a convenient date soon.”
Making further assurances to Thein, Rio said to pursue “financial grant” for developmental initiatives in the Naga-inhabited territories, with the Government of India. “I am confident that with your initiative and support, the Government of India will do something positive to alleviate the problems and sufferings of the Naga people in erstwhile Burma. Thein’s suggestion to undertake cultural exchange efforts between the two peoples is appreciated by Rio
The Myanmar Nagas
Lack of from-the-spot data continues to be a blind-spot to making actual assessment of the plight of Myanmar Nagas. Nonetheless, information garnered from various news and internet sources estimate the minority to be a population of between 150, 000 to 200,000. The Nagas in Burma are said to be concentrated mainly in a number of townships such as Lahe, Namyun, Homemalin, Khamthi and Leshi and Pangsau of Sagaing regions and Shing Bwe Yang in the Kachin provinces.
Their socio-economic conditions are some of the worst in the military-administered provinces. The Nagas in Burma are widely said to be one of the most poverty-stricken and deprived communities in the police state. On the religious front, they are said to be persecuted on two sides: Buddhists who want the predominantly Christian Nagas to be converted to Buddhism, and the Myanmar military that constantly engage in razing Christian establishments and persecuting Christian missionaries.
Information updates on the Indo-Burma borders say that children are also recruited forcibly into the Myanmar military. With barely any road, transport or communication facility in the border provinces where the Nagas are concentrated, children are bare without education or basic healthcare. In fact, updates say, the highest a Naga child can study is till primary – then they join their parents’ in farming.
Neiphiu Rio had met with U-Kyi Thein in New Delhi May 20 and interactions, over the issue of Nagas in Myanmar, were exchanged. The Myanmar Ambassador had then invited the Naga politician to visit Yangoon’s authorities to deliberate on the matter of ‘recognizing’ Myanmar’s minority Nagas with a “status” – within either the political or administrative framework of the country. Thein had assured that the matter would be communicated to the Myanmar government at the earliest. Latest independent confirmation, whether or not Thein has communicated with his government on the matter, could not be had for now.
Highly-placed sources in the state government said Rio would visit Yangoon probably autumn or early winter. The Chief Minister’s Office could not be contacted for independent confirmation but knowledgeable sources in the government said the tentative schedule is winter. The source also informed that no agenda specific to Rio’s Myanmar diplomacy has been officially discussed yet by the government. It was nonetheless understood after his return from Delhi that either by October or late November, Rio would be in Yangoon.
Another minister when contacted said, the date is being “talked out” winter. On the query who in the NPF-DAN Cabinet is being seen as members of Rio’s team for Yangoon, the minister said “he can choose whoever he wants to but no list or date has been finalized.”
Rio also issued a message addressed to Ambassador Thein today expressing gratitude for “inviting me to visit Myanmar and hold talks with representatives of your government and leaders of civil society in Myanmar.” Not mentioning when, the chief minister stated in his message to be looking forward to the Yangoon visit “at a convenient date soon.”
Making further assurances to Thein, Rio said to pursue “financial grant” for developmental initiatives in the Naga-inhabited territories, with the Government of India. “I am confident that with your initiative and support, the Government of India will do something positive to alleviate the problems and sufferings of the Naga people in erstwhile Burma. Thein’s suggestion to undertake cultural exchange efforts between the two peoples is appreciated by Rio
The Myanmar Nagas
Lack of from-the-spot data continues to be a blind-spot to making actual assessment of the plight of Myanmar Nagas. Nonetheless, information garnered from various news and internet sources estimate the minority to be a population of between 150, 000 to 200,000. The Nagas in Burma are said to be concentrated mainly in a number of townships such as Lahe, Namyun, Homemalin, Khamthi and Leshi and Pangsau of Sagaing regions and Shing Bwe Yang in the Kachin provinces.
Their socio-economic conditions are some of the worst in the military-administered provinces. The Nagas in Burma are widely said to be one of the most poverty-stricken and deprived communities in the police state. On the religious front, they are said to be persecuted on two sides: Buddhists who want the predominantly Christian Nagas to be converted to Buddhism, and the Myanmar military that constantly engage in razing Christian establishments and persecuting Christian missionaries.
Information updates on the Indo-Burma borders say that children are also recruited forcibly into the Myanmar military. With barely any road, transport or communication facility in the border provinces where the Nagas are concentrated, children are bare without education or basic healthcare. In fact, updates say, the highest a Naga child can study is till primary – then they join their parents’ in farming.
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