8,000 insurgents surrender in north east since 2014 yet Manipur burning

  New Delhi 

  It is one of the paradoxes of our times and the north east region, the policy makers ought to comprehend effectively.  As of April 2023, as many as 8,000 insurgents surrendered and joined 'mainstream society', says the Government of India yet none can deny the violence and multi-prnged troubles the state of Manipur has landed.

  Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Manipur coincides with the Modi government completing nine years in office and also an obvious fact that in less than a year the country will plunge into electoral mode. A question asked in 2019 -- Can India afford another five years of Modi regime - will be asked again.

  There are other statistics around on positive contributions of Modi-led dispensation.

   Let us take a glance.

   Seven airports built in the last 9 years in the northeast, 4,016 km of road projects are currently ongoing and around 2,000 projects worth Rs 22,000 crore sanctioned for the region since 2014.

 

'Nagaland Page'

 Waterways have been given a mega boost and 19 new waterways added as the lifelines of commute and trade, 8 additional airports operationalised and 100 percent Broad Gauge electrified under North East Frontier railways. 

 Some benefits too could be measured. Officials claim around one crore tourists arrived in 2022 to the region and the factors being attributed are better connectivity. 

The Northeast India has been propelled as gateway to Southeast Asia due to its unique offerings in tourism, horticulture, handloom and sports, goes another line of assertion and campaign.

 In order to respect public opinion and appreciate the native sentiments, something considered overdue was done. They were noteworthy instances of recognition of hitherto unsung heroes including Lachit Borphukan and Rani Gaidinliu. 

In terms of connectivity, the Bogeebil Rail-cum Road Bridge the longest rail cum road" project in India has been achieved.

What has definitely excited the people of Manipur, the Jiribam-Imphal rail line, the world’s tallest girder rail bridge, has also been taken up. 

Another such milestone has been the Dhola -Sadiya Bridge - which is India’s longest bridge. 

"In line with India’s ethos of ‘Swasthya ke Saptrishisi’, Assam will be developed now as South Asia’s largest cancer hospital network and the state of Sikkim attained the stature of the first state in the world to become fully organic in farming in 2018," an official source said.

 

Officials also claim of good progress in organic farming in Meghalaya and agro-based products of Nagaland including Bhoot Jhaolkiia (hot green chilly) has reached London.

 The Sangai Festival of Manipur and Hornbill Festival of Nagaland too have been encouraged. PM Modi himself inaugurated the Hornbill Fest of Nagas in 2014 within months of his taking over. 

 The sum and substance, why we are still complaining. Why people do not hesitate to burn effigies of central leaders over minor to major controversies and issues.

  Home Minister Amit Shah's effigy was burnt after Oting tragic botched up operation in 2021 and more recently Manipuri women did not hesitate to burn effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also of Amit Shah.

    Actually these contradictions are not puzzles per se. They are the real messages. Come, and try to understand our problems before you claim you have fallen in love with this region.

    

'Nagaland Page' : A Quality Newspaper and Making the Future happen

New Delhi

India today got a new Parliament Building. Tomorrow, that is May 29th, 2023, 'Nagaland Page' will complete 24 years of operation and will enter the 25th year. Credibility is often called a dream palace, a metropolis --- it is not built in a day.

Editor Monalisa Changkija and her meticulous team comprising Dilip Sharma, Moa Longkumer and Temjenrenba Anichar, non-journalists and office boys and I can name more -- all have done their part over the years to let the show run. One staffer Sumit Chakraborty lost his house in a recent fire mishap. But the show must go on.

Credibility comes much harder in print journalism and more so in a state where advertising revenue is solely dependent on government mercy. I was always fascinated by the manner the paper ran with its modest budget and other resources and the 'manly' manner the challenges were faced. "I will always lead from the front," once cricketer Kapil Dev had said so. The soliloquy can apply to the Editor of this newspaper.

Challenges have been faced in the past. Some were equivalent to life threats, and crises are far from over. There are critics and there are a good number of those who disapprove of the manner the edit/news content is decided. 

My association with the paper might have added more worries to the newspaper and the Edit team. The so-called candid writing and displaying a garb of bravery may be easy from a distance in Delhi; but to publish the news and hard-hitting and below the belt comments on ground zero is a different ball game.

There have been occasions the newspaper and the staff got caution and questioned 'kuun asey etu, (Who is

this... writing all whimsical things from Delhi?)". But the paper never allowed such things to influence the decision

on what to write the next day.

If merely surviving as a print journalist is a 'tough mission' in circa 2023; to be blessed to work for a paper

like 'Nagaland Page' is something one can always cherish. Thanks to the paper that I got back my

readers in Nagaland.

And many Naga friends - ex Babus and politicians and former student leaders - all seem to accept you yet again.

They might differ with you but they appreciate you having a different opinion. Some also express happiness and astonishment that the woman-editor is giving you so much indulgence. It's a man's world - everyone still presumes.

On the other front we know the state government and those in power have their problems. No government can allow the holes to be exposed. On the other side of the table, we also understand that the state too has its own governance and economic challenges.

Since 1999 when the paper started, the employment opportunities have not grown 'fast and good enough' to absorb the

new entrants to the labour force and the backlog of previous unemployment.

 

The overall economic development has fallen short of the aspirations of the people and every five years they have to

face elections. We - working journalists - will continue to do our job. But a moot point may be underlined that

we can continue to do so when you have a respectful platform. And we know behind all these running and

wrangling we face -- the publication will stand by you. 'Nagaland Page' can face that test.

A newspaper can grow up as a powerful institution in terms of its coverage, reach and influence in shaping public

opinion only when it banks on objectivity and the good old definition of journalism A,B, C -- accuracy, balance and

clarity.

The success is also dependent on another set of ABC -- Ability, Breaks and Courage. Fortunately, yours truly

'Nagaland Page' has all the six elements. Nagaland Governor La Ganesan recorded his appreciation

of the newspaper. One retired army general I interacted with wanted to know, ".... Does that lady still run your

paper". That's a big compliment.

Finally talking about readers-journalists bond, one will pick up a quote read somewhere --

"The love in me salutes the love in you".

 

ends

Modi's plan to 'rebuild' India's parliament drew fierce criticism from the beginning

Writing in the Guardian, the acclaimed Indian-born sculptor Anish Kapoor had earlier described the plans to rebuild the nation’s power corridor as an act of “political fanaticism” by Narendra Modi, "India’s Hindu-nationalist prime minister".

(Hindu priests and rituals at display !! 

Narendra Modi carries a royal golden sceptre to be installed near the chair of the speaker during the inaugural ceremony of the new parliament building, in New Delhi Photograph: AP/The Guardian ) on May 28, 2023 

The £100m parliament project had attracted controversy from the start, with the Modi government accused of rebuilding the corridors of power in its own image as part of a nationalistic political agenda. Launching the project in 2020, Modi had said the building would “become a witness to the creation of a self-reliant India”.

It was built at speed, taking less than three years, with an apparent unspoken deadline to have it completed before the 2024 general election when Modi will be seeking a third term in office.

The overall development, known as the Central Vista project, cost over $2.4bn and involved building a new government secretariat and a new prime minister’s residence and office. It was accused of a lack of transparency after it was awarded to architect Bimal Patel, who is from Modi’s home state of Gujarat and has been granted some of the most high-profile government projects in recent years.

But the government and the project’s architects had argued that the old building, which is almost 100 years old, was no longer fit for purpose and could not be adapted.

The new complex is three times larger than the old one and has room to seat more than 1,200 MPs, over 500 more than the original parliament. Though India now has 800 representatives across the upper and lower house, the numbers are up for review in 2026. Given the increase in India’s population to 1.4 billion people, the number of MPs could be raised.

According to the architect, materials and designs had been brought in from all over India to reflect the country’s cultural diversity and different architectural styles, including marble from Rajasthan and teak from Maharastra.

A sacred Sengol, a gold sceptre from the southern state of Tamil Nadu that is said to have been received by India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, on independence in 1947, was also placed by Modi in the new parliament chamber.  

Modi tweeted after the ceremony. “May it propel our great nation to new heights of progress.”

The new Parliament complex envisages a new triangular Parliament building next to the existing complex.

Hundreds of members of the opposition parties were conspicuous by their absence. Earlier in the week, they had come together to announce a boycott of the ceremony, arguing it should be the country’s president, who is largely a ceremonial figure, not Modi who inaugurated the parliament building, calling it a violation on the constitution and parliamentary procedure.

Since Modi was elected in 2014, he has been accused of dismantling democracy in India and overseeing an unprecedented centralisation of power. In an open letter, opposition groups described Modi’s Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) government as “authoritarian” and said Modi’s decision “to inaugurate the parliament building by himself, completely sidelining president Murmu, is not only a grave insult but a direct assault on our democracy … When the soul of democracy has been sucked out [of] parliament, we find no value in a new building.”

The BJP hit back, calling on opposition parties not to “politicise” the ceremony.

The long and grassy avenue sweeps down from the India Gate war memorial to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, or president’s residence, with the circular Parliament House building in between. It was designed by British architects Lutyens and Herbert Baker following the 1911 decision to move the capital of the British Raj from Calcutta to Delhi.

The geometric design, with wide avenues and sprawling lawns, was modelled on European capitals such as Paris but was also infused with Indian influences from the architecture of Hindu temples to the red-stoned grandeur of Mughal forts. The vista remains the only area in India designated grade 1 heritage status. 

-- The Guardian  

Everything was flawed, said opponents !!

“Everything about this project has been flawed,” said Anuj Srivastava, an architect who has been part of Lokpath, a group opposing the development. “There has been no transparency, no consultation and they are pushing forward with it so fast just so they can get it done before the next election. It’s clearly nothing but a vanity project for prime minister Modi, to build parliament in his own image, at an unaffordable cost..

Nine years of Modi Govt: North East India gets development boost, new airports and better connectivity

India climbed up six places in the World Bank's Logistic Performance Index 2023, as investments in soft and hard infrastructure as well as technology helped the country improve its port performance. India is now ranked 38 in the 139 countries index, up from 44 in 2018. 

India's target is to be among top 25 countries by 2030.

The Northeast India has been propelled as gateway to Southeast Asia due to its unique offerings in tourism, horticulture, handloom and sports, goes another line of assertion and campaign.

 In order to respect public opinion and appreciate the native sentiments, something considered overdue was done. They were noteworthy instances of recognition of hitherto unsung heroes including Lachit Borphukan and Rani Gaidinliu.

In terms of connectivity, the Bogeebil Rail-cum Road Bridge the longest rail cum road" project in India has been achieved. What has definitely excited the people of Manipur, the Jiribam-Imphal rail line, the world’s tallest girder rail bridge, has also been taken up.

Another such milestone has been the Dhola -Sadiya Bridge - which is India’s longest bridge.

"In line with India’s ethos of ‘Swasthya ke Saptrishisi’, Assam will be developed now as South Asia’s largest cancer hospital network and the state of Sikkim attained the stature of the first state in the world to become fully organic in farming in 2018," an official source said.

Officials also claim of good progress in organic farming in Meghalaya and agro-based products of Nagaland including Bhoot Jhaolkiia (hot green chilly) has reached London.

As part of its ninth-anniversary celebrations, various events planned by the ruling BJP will showcase how several welfare measures taken by the Narendra Modi government have accrued a host of direct and indirect benefits to millions of Indians, how these schemes have impacted their lives and elevated their standards of living.

While BJP’s blueprint for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha poll campaign is being drawn, it will undoubtedly revolve around several flagships schemes of the Narendra Modi government like 'The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana - that has benefited millions of Indian women and also prevented them from getting sick by providing them with smoke-free and safe fuel, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) - under which the government constructed more than 3 crore houses and provided them at an affordable price to the deprived section of the country.

Due to women-centric schemes launched by the Modi government, women, especially in rural India, need not go to faraway places to collect firewood which also saves them a lot of time that can be utilised for gainful employment. Similarly, the BJP dispensation at the Centre has built crores of toilets across the country to promote cleanliness and prevent ordinary Indian citizens from falling prey to various diseases caused by unhygienic conditions.

The presence of children in schools has also increased due to the construction of toilets or “Izzat Ghar” and the drop-out rate has declined significantly. It was PM Modi who first promoted the idea that having a toilet in the house of the poor means ensuring a dignified life to them. With initiatives like 'Nal Se Jal', the Union government ensured that millions of households get access to clean drinking water. 

As part of its policy to help the underprivileged, farmers and the poor, the Union government has announced a 10% Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (General Category), it has directly transferred Rs 22.6 lakh crore to the beneficiaries under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and accorded constitutional status to the OBC Commission.

With flagship schemes like the Swachh Bharat Mission, Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Make In India, Digital India, Skill India among others, the saffron party has been able to project itself as a ‘pro-poor' and 'pro-farmer' party. 

With special emphasis on the financial inclusion of Indian citizens, PM Modi announced the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), the biggest financial inclusion initiative in the world, on 15th August 2014 from the ramparts of the Red Fort. While launching the Yojana, PM Modi hailed the occasion as a festival to celebrate the ''liberation of the poor from a vicious cycle.'' Under PMJDY, more than 45 crore bank accounts have been opened so far. 

Guest Column: M Chuba Ao --- Boycott of the great Historic occasion was shameful, more than a blunder

Boycott of the great Historic occasion was shameful, more than a blunder

M Chuba Ao 
BJP National Vice President

History has been made and India has now got its new Parliament Building. The big picture takeaway was Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's message. "Our new Parliament is truly a beacon of our democracy. It reflects the nation's rich heritage and the vibrant aspirations for the future. #MyParliamentMyPride," Shri Modi ji has tweeted. 

Chanakya in New Parliament 

Mr Modi felicitated the workers who helped in the construction and development of the new Parliament Building displaying once again how much rooted to the ground zero leader that he is. The opposition parties also did their part on the historic day. 

They stayed away from the grand occasion which comes in a century or two. Political historians will remember the historic blunder by the opposition parties -- especially the Congress. The wise leaders of the grand old party should have applied a better sense of judgement and come out of their 'Hate Narendra Modi' agenda.

The boycott was a shameful move. The Congress party does not have a very good history of showing respect to constitutional offices and even the office of President of India.

Today they committed another mistake and many of their party leaders will be upset about the decision of the leadership. The inauguration of the New Parliament Building symbolises the emergence of a new dawn. But a sort of slavish mentality is unfortunately haunting the Indian National Congress.  

Are they unable to come out of colonial past? Why the Swadeshi spirit disturbs them is a big puzzle for me. Why do they love to hate Indian tradition and culture? The episode related to Sengol kept in Allahabad for so long demonstrates that. The Sengol, a Chola-dynasty era spectre made of silver with a coat of gold, is a symbol of transfer of power from the British in 1947. Credit goes to respected Prime Minister that it was installed near the chair of the Lok Sabha Speaker today, May 28th.

We need not track the records of old hats in the Congress party. We may come to Gyani Zail Singh at a later stage. During the time of Dr Manmohan Singh, an Ordinance signed by the President of India was dismissed as an ordinary piece of paper by a leader called Rahul Gandhi --- who is today the face of the Indian National Congress.

It is shameful that such a man had the audacity to become President of a political party like the Congress and now he shows the audacity to question the very sanctity of a solemn occasion like the dedication of the new Parliament Building. It is their internal matter but I feel many Congress veterans including in north east India and closer home in Nagaland will not approve such a move. In short, we say, everything should not be politicised.

The Congress leaders could be reminded that once a President in office and a former Congress leader had said - "If my leader had asked me to sweep her floor I would have done so...". What was that?     

In their boycott, the opposition parties have displayed a slavish mentality to continue with the British legacy. The 'New India' is not ready for that and the negative politics will be discarded. Prime Minister Modi has aptly given India a Swadeshi Parliament, and every Indian will be proud of this for generations to come.

May 28th, 2023 is thus a historic day for all Indians - rich and poor. Of course, the Prime Minister deserves congratulations for the historic steps taken by him. The opposition parties tried to stall the construction works in 2021 as well.

I will say 140 crore Indians are today with the Prime Minister.

Now I will refer to certain big and small decisions of the Modi government and these are also causes of heart burning in the opposition camp. They will be wondering why Modi is so popular? The answer is simple because our Pradhan Mantri ji delivers.

The Modi government completes nine years in office. To start with one can say India was over the decades "harmed" by the politics of low delivery and low expectations. Modi ji has changed that. The governance formula guided by 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' vision of the Prime Minister lays emphasis on irreversible empowerment of 

marginalised sections and poor. This has changed the perception about life and on the elements of governance from the poorer and deprived sections. 

People have developed a new taste for new aspirations in New India and 

people will not be happy to remain contented with the good old theory of kismat/luck.

A few days back when I spoke to a group of party Karyakartas in Meghalaya, I tried to give an example --- once a gas connection or electricity is given and toilets were constructed, people realised that none can take it away. Slowly, people developed a liking for 'more aspirations'. Slowly, people's focus shifted to education and skill development. This has been a big success area in the last nine years. And the nation salutes PM Modi for this.

 

Modi ji and his government have done the most to improve the lives and prospects of lakhs of ordinary Indians by giving them Mudra loans and Jan Dhan accounts. On foreign affairs front he has improved relations with the US and Japan and also the  ASEAN countries. Today India matters a lot in countries like Australia and there is a small country called Papua New Guinea whose Prime Minister Mr James Marape showed a unique gesture and touched Mr Modi's feet. 

This showed he trusts the friendship and knows pretty-well that Indian leadership has no self-seeking motives. I have stated in a previous piece that in terms of India-Papua New Guinea relations, we have to realise that the country is not Mauritius. The citizens of that country are 98 percent Christians and now the people are being asked whether they want the country to be officially declared "a Christian nation".  Still, they love India and its Prime Minister Modi.

For our own welfare measures and developments, let us look at some of the statistics. There were 29.75 crore people benefiting under PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, 13.53 crore people benefited under PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and 37 crore Ayushman Bharat health accounts.

As many as three crore people got houses under the Awas Yojana and Rs 25 lakh crore directly transferred to beneficiary bank accounts to poor Indians during the last nine years.

Under the Modi government's vision of inclusive development, the central government has undertaken many reforms to empower handicapped/Divyangjan, Transgender people and denotified and nomadic tribes. Under the Namaste scheme, the centre aims to eradicate unsafe sewer and septic tank cleaning practices

to help sanitation workers also lead a life of dignity. 

An integral element of PM Modi’s government has been the effort to recognize icons of social empowerment and thus November 15 (every year) was declared Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s jayanti. This kind of recognition builds pride among tribal communities by highlighting their contribution to nation-building. This also helps ensure better national and socio-economic integration.

In 2015, a grand function was addressed by the Prime Minister in New Delhi to 

mark the birth centenary of Rani Gaidinliu of Nagaland. 

We may also take note that multiple global institutions like the IMF and UNDP have recognised the Modi government's support to provide welfare measures and alleviate poverty. The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative have credited India with a reduction in ten Multidimensional Poverty Indicators.

In economic governance, Modi played a reformer at the risk of facing people's anguish in elections. In 2017, he brought the GST and the issue was used by our detractors during 2017 assembly elections in Gujarat. The prominent opposition face called it the Gabbar Singh Tax. Nowhere on the globe a reform strategy has faced this kind of description. But in the process, thanks to GST, today the central government has more revenue to spend. Modi ji and his team, and I will remember Late Arun Jaitley ji, have successfully streamlined an enormously complex system of state and central tax collection earlier.

The present Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also deserves appreciation for carrying forward the zeal since 2019. Today we have a broadened the tax base and huge amount of money lost to frauds are now a thing of the past. 

Even 'Time' magazine hailed the GST as "a historic accomplishment in a country with so many development needs". Sadly, our colleagues in the opposition will not appreciate these. They oppose Modi and they will change goal posts every time. They come out with theories about Pegasus, they raise issues concerning business tycoons. In 2019, people of India rejected their allegation against Modi on the Rafale deal. Even the Supreme Court had cautioned them. 

If the boycott of Parliament inauguration gives a further rise in bitterness today, it also shows the negativity in the approach of Opposition parties. They will have to shoulder the blame. 

ends 

New Parliament building inauguration: 'Oppn boycott shameful', says Naga BJP leader Chuba Ao

New Parliament building inauguration: 'Oppn boycott shameful', says Naga BJP leader Chuba Ao 

New Delhi, May 28 

Veteran Naga leader and former Chief Minister of Nagaland, S.C. Jamir on Sunday described the inauguration of new Parliament building in the national capital as "definitely a Red Letter Day", while BJP vice president M. Chuba Ao, who hails from Nagaland, termed the Opposition boycott "shameful".

Chanakya in new Parliament Building

 

"It was an emotional occasion for me," Jamir said, while also underlining that he disapproved the politics around it.

"The inaugural show should have been an occasion to demonstrate before the world that democracy is deeply rooted in the very life of India but sadly we have miss this golden historical occasion through partisan politics which is sad," he told this correspondent.

Chuba Ao on Sunday flayed the Congress and other opposition parties for staying away from the historic occasion of inauguration of new Parliament building and called it "shameful".

"They (20 opposition parties) stayed away from the grand occasion which comes in a century or two. Political historians will remember the historic blunder by the opposition parties -- especially the Congress," he told this correspondent.

"The wise leaders of the grand old party should have applied a better sense of judgement and come out of their 'Hate Narendra Modi' agenda," he said.

Chuba further said: "The boycott was a shameful move. The Congress itself does not have a very good history of showing respect to Constitutional offices and even the office of President of India".

Elaborating further on this, he said while Congress boycotted on the pretext that President Droupadi Murmu should have inaugurated the newly installed iconic building, the party seems to have memory lapses on its own conduct.

"During the time of (former prime minister) Manmohan Singh, an ordinance signed by the President was dismissed as an ordinary piece of paper by Rahul Gandhi -- who is today the face of the Indian National Congress," he said.

He also referred to the "unfortunate chapter" when the then President (in the eighties) had said: "If my leader had asked me to sweep her floor I would have done so."

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has aptly given India a Swadeshi Parliament, and every Indian will be proud of this for generations to come. In their boycott, the opposition parties have displayed a slavish mentality to continue with the British legacy. The 'New India' is not ready for that and the negative politics will be discarded," Chuba Ao maintained.

Referring to Modi government's completion of nine years in office, he said: "The governance formula guided by 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' vision of the Prime Minister lays emphasis on irreversible empowerment of marginalised sections and poor. This has changed the perception about life and on the elements of governance from the poorer and deprived sections."

"People have developed a new taste for new aspirations in New India and people will not be happy to remain contented with the good old theory of luck," he said.

Chuba also said: "An integral element of PM Modi's government has been the effort to recognise icons of social empowerment and thus November 15 (every year) was declared Bhagwan Birsa Munda's jayanti. This kind of recognition builds pride among the tribal communities by highlighting their contribution to nation-building. This also helps ensure better national and socio-economic integration. In 2015, a grand function was addressed by the Prime Minister in Delhi to mark the birth centenary of Rani Gaidinliu of Nagaland.

"We may also take note that global institutions the IMF and the UNDP have recognised the Modi government's contribution to provide welfare measures and alleviate poverty," he said.

The new Parliament building has a built-up area of 65,000 square metres. Its triangular shape ensures optimum space utilisation. The Lok Sabha hall has 888 seats and it is based on the peacock theme, the national bird.

The Rajya Sabha will have a capacity of 384 seats and it is based on the lotus theme, the national flower.

The Lok Sabha hall will be able to accommodate 1,272 seats for joint sessions.

The Modi government first took over on May 26, 2014 and in 2019 the swearing in took place on May 30.

The BJP had drawn elaborate outreach programmes to mark nine years of the Modi government between May 30 and June 30.

During this period, special programmes and documentary telecasts will be organised on June 25 to mark the imposition of Emergency by late former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1975.

Meanwhile, S.C. Jamir, told IANS: "It is definitely a Red Letter Day. It was an emotional occasion for me as I remember 1947 and also 1950 when we turned into Republic and later in 1960 when the Naga issue was discussed and debated in detail in Parliament."

However, he hastened to add: "Politicisation around the great occasion should have been avoided. I will firmly say everything should not be politicised and we have to keep in mind that Parliament is a national institute."

Jamir served as a Parliamentarian in both the Houses of Parliament. He was a member of Lok Sabha between March 4, 1967 to December 27, 1970. Later in 1987 he went to the Upper House of Parliament from July 2, 1987 to April 2, 1992.

Jamir also served as Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and he was a Deputy Minister under Indira Gandhi. Prior to statehood, Jamir was nominated as the first Lok Sabha Member from Nagaland in the year 1961.

Another Naga politician, NPF legislature party leader Azo Kuzholuzo Nienu congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India on the occasion

But, he said: "We are also confused whether one should be really happy or sad with regard to the fiasco around the inauguration of the new Parliament building. One would have been very happy if all political parties had come together but they could not bury their differences. So, I could say it is a rather mixed feeling.

"The differences between political parties have proven to the world that individual interest is above common interest in our country and the episode has shown to the world a divided India which is truly sad," he said.

(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist. He is also author of books, 'The Talking Guns: North East India' and 'Modi to Moditva: An Uncensored Truth'. Views are personal)

PM Modi dedicates newly constructed Parliament building to Nation

The new Parliament building has a built-up area of 65,000 square metres. Its triangular shape ensures optimum space utilization. The Lok Sabha hall has 888 seats and it is based on the peacock theme, the National Bird. 

The Rajya Sabha will have a capacity of 384 seats and it is based on lotus theme, the National Flower. The Lok Sabha hall will be able to accommodate 1,272 seats for joint sessions.

The new Parliament building is accessible for people with disabilities, divyangjans. The architectural marvel stands as a proud symbol of the nation's progress. The magnificent structure represents not only progress but also the evolving spirit of the nation. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the newly constructed Parliament building to the Nation on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Modi with Lok Sabha Speaker OM Birla installed the Sengol (Sceptre) in the Newly constructed Parliament. On the 27th of May 2023 evening, the Prime Minister met the Adheenams at his residence and took their blessings. The Adheenams handed over the Sengol to Mr Modi.

To mark the inauguration of the new Parliament building, Mr Modi will also launch a Rs 75  denomination coin and stamp on the historic occasion. 

Of the 25 parties in attendance, several are not from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). These are the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Janata Dal (Secular), Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).

The new building of Parliament symbolises the spirit of self-reliant India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The newly constructed Parliament building has been built in record time with quality construction. 

The newly constructed building will work to further enrich India's glorious democratic traditions and constitutional values is also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities which will help the Members to perform their functions in a better way. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of the new building of Parliament on 10 December 2020.

The power of the Indian democratic system manifests in our Parliament and the new Parliament building reflects aspirations of 135 crore Indians. 

The Building has offices which are secure, efficient, equipped with the latest communication technology and has sophisticated audio-visual systems. The state-of-the-art Constitutional Hall symbolically and physically puts the citizens at the heart of the democracy. The Central  Lounge will complement the open courtyard.

A platinum-rated Green Building, the new Sansad Bhawan is a symbol of India's commitment towards environment sustainability. An embodiment of Indian heritage, it reflects the vibrance and diversity of modern India, incorporating cultural and regional arts and crafts.

The new Parliament building is accessible for people with disabilities, divyangjans. The architectural marvel stands as a proud symbol of the nation's progress. The magnificent structure represents not only progress but also the evolving spirit of the nation. 

PM Modi honours workers 

PM installs sacred 'Sengol' in Lok Sabha chamber

A puja and a multi-faith prayer were held on the occasion. He also unveiled a commemorative plaque for the new building. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Adheenam seers were present at the event. The seers handed over the ‘Sengol' to PM Modi who walked into the new Parliament building and installed it. 

The 'Sengol', a Chola-era spectre made of silver with a coat of gold, is a symbol of the transfer of power from the British in 1947. Today, it was installed near the chair of the Lok Sabha Speaker.

Akhand Bharat 

Naga Insurgency and Peace : Pledge to quit by MLAs if Solution comes is "biggest hurdle" : Experts

New Delhi 

It is ironic but true. 

"The biggest hurdle to Solution could be coming from the pledge of MLAs and Ministers that they will all quit once Solution is arrived at and an agreement is signed," says one former military officer who served in Nagaland in the 1990s.

The experts are of the view that Solution to the Naga insurgency issue at this juncture will have a soothing impact in the entire north east and "also cool down the temper" in violence-hit Manipur.

'Nagaland Page'

But one of them says, "There is an inherent problem in the public announcement that they will pave the way for Solution. No one wants to give up power and position and so in many ways the pledge of resignation by Chief Minister, Ministers and MLAs is thus a negative factor".

However, another retired officer maintained, "I am myself not able to comprehend what has stopped the Government of India to go for Solution when discussions are all over. What NSCN (IM) is asking in the form of Flag and a separate Naga Constitution is just not acceptable so things should be clarified categorically".

The government interlocutors and machineries are reportedly enlisting the views of some experts and former military officers who served in Manipur and Nagaland in view of the prevailing situation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also likely to visit Manipur on a three-day visit

beginning May 29.

Along with the N Biren Singh ministry in Imphal, the centre too has come under attack for

mishandling the crisis in Manipur. Some opposition leaders have also stated that "understanding

the complex issues of north east are not in the DNA of the BJP leadership".

Mr Shah has held a series of meetings with civil society groups from both Kuki-dominated 

areas and also those representing Meities. He summoned Chief Minister Biren Singh and his ministerial colleagues 

and other BJP leaders to New Delhi and gave them an assurance that Manipur’s territorial integrity will remain intact.

However, he has categorically laid emphasis on restoring peace and normalcy and also asserted that no

wrongdoers responsible for inciting the riots will be spared.  The centre was also not quite happy with

the demand for a Separate Administration by disgruntled Kukis at this juncture.

Former military brass are of the opinion that the Naga political issue being the 'mother of all insurgencies'

in the northeast, once Solution is arrived at -- "things will fall in place in all other parts of the region".

This will help yield better results from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Act East Policy too, especially

in the context of ASEAN countries wherein northeast people can easily establish working relations. 

They also point out that from time to time various militant groups also owing allegiance to 

'non-tribal' Hindu communities like Meities, Assamese and smaller tribal groups Bodos and Karbis and those 

in Arunachal Pradesh have in the past created havoc.

"The root of all these problems is linked to Solution to the Naga political problem," one of them suggested to

the government.

Some of these officers and retired generals have taken "personal interest" and went "out of the way" to

work on a solution and thus keeping things pending "also make us frustrated".

There was a time when NSCN (Khaplang) -- then united with N Kitovi Zhimomi and also with

S S Khaplang - had to be brought into the talks process. Sincere efforts were made

by all quarters during the stint of L K Advani as the Home Minister and these included efforts of the then Chief Minister 

S C Jamir (of Congress) and even army top brass to bring the belligerent militant group to agree for a ceasefire.

Grapevine has it that the Mokokchung civil administration had passed on the 'inputs' to Kitovi

that he should meet central government mercenaries and Kitovi said, "we can come but

no one should be harmed directly or indirectly".

During hours long meeting, Kitovi once gesticulated his fingers and told the government side

(including a few top army brass) that, "We have a formula to crush thousands of Indian soldiers

deployed in Nagaland and when he was asked to share his strategy, Kitovi reportedly said 

we will agree for a ceasefire and all forces will be automatically rendered meaningless".

It was in jovial mood and in the spirit of reconciliation.

That was the beginning of a long process around 2000-2001 and things have come pretty long since then.

Experts are of the opinion that both the Framework Agreement of 2015 and the Agreed Position of 2017

were important milestones and should be taken forward at the earliest.

There is also a gradual realisation that the stance taken by the Government of India that the Naga peace

agreement will be confined to the people and within the boundary of the state of Nagaland is another

important facet.

The Nagas of Manipur may be wondering what is the 'cost-benefit' analyses from the viewpoint of a Naga

villager in Manipur as the centre has time and again also ruled out any compromise with the territorial

integrity of the state of Manipur.

One source sums up the paradox well. "Even I would be wondering what we would get if I were to be in the shoes of Nagas of Manipur".

But in the context of ongoing Meitei-Kuki conflict, the Nagas of Manipur and as socio-political groups

have shown immense maturity. 

"This mature behaviour of Nagas" ought to be emulated by Kukis and Meiteis at this juncture, they feel.

ends