New Delhi
India's cosmopolitan national capital with pockets of Muslim-strongholds faced communal riots in early 2020 as well when the then US President Donald Trump was to make a visit to India.
Incidentally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be traveling to his home state in Gujarat on Monday.
He will also host British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and later in Delhi for bilateral talks on April 21 and 22.
In 2020, US President Donald Trump had his own reasons and aptitude to reflect faith in PM Modi's words of assurances on "religious freedom" in India.
Trump had said: “I will say the Prime Minister (Modi) was incredible on what he said (about religious freedom)... He wants people to have religious freedom very strongly.”
Notably, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders had not wasted time in attacking Donald Trump and tweeted: "Over 200 million Muslims call India home. Widespread anti-Muslim mob violence has killed at least 27 and injured many more (Delhi mayhem). Trump responds by saying, "That's up to India." This is a failure of leadership on human rights."
There is no let up in communal frenzy in India. In the latest round of major riots between Hindus
and Muslims, scores were injured as clashes broke out in the national capital between two communities
during a Hanuman Jayanti procession on Saturday, April 16.
Incidences of stone-pelting and vehicles being set on fire were reported.
At least eight police personnel and one civilian were injured in the clashes, police said.
Till Sunday evening, 23 arrests have been made so far and two of them have been sent to
police custody while the rest have been sent to judicial custody.
On Sunday evening reports of stone-pelting and clashes surfaced from two southern states of
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and also BJP-ruled Uttarakhand in the north.
Violent mobs moved on brandishing weapons and clashed, hurled stones and fired shots, said residents of
Jahangirpuri's C-block.
“Adequate number of police officials are present at the location. So far, 21 accused are arrested and
2 juveniles are apprehended. Delhi Police is on the top level of alertness," Deependra Pathak, Special Commissioner
of Delhi Police, Law & Order, told journalists.
Delhi has two administrations - the federal government under BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
also a city government under Aam Admi Party (Common people's party) led by Arvind Kejriwal.
Policing is a federal subject nevertheless.
Delhi Congress President Chaudhary Anil Kumar on Sunday alleged that the clash in Jahangirpuri was the
result of intelligence failure.
Two Muslims Ansar and Aslam have been arrested too and sent to police custody.
Sources said Ansar was supposed to be the ‘mastermind’ while Aslam opened fire with his pistol
during the melee.
According to the police, Ansar was previously arrested in two cases of assault.
Opposition leaders including Sonia Gandhi of Congress, Sharad Pawar of NCP,
and chief ministers of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee, (Tamil Nadu) M K Stalin and (Jharkhand)
Hemant Soren issued joint appeals to people to maintain peace and harmony and demanded stringent
punishment for perpetrators of communal violence
"We are extremely concerned with the growing incidents of hate speech in the country by people,
who appear to have official patronage and against whom no meaningful and strong action is
being taken," the joint appeal said, castigating pro-Hindu BJP's role.
They were particularly critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alleged 'eloquent silence'.
"We are shocked at the silence of the Prime Minister, who has failed to speak against the words and
actions of those who propagate bigotry and those who, by their words and actions, incite and
provoke our society. This silence is an eloquent testimony to the fact that such private armed mobs
enjoy the luxury of official patronage," the statement said.
Modi's trusted lieutenant and federal Home Minister Amit Shah, who is responsible for law and order
in the national capital, has instructed top Delhi cops to take appropriate actions.
Delhi Police’s Commissioner Rakesh Asthana put out a statement saying that the situation was under control
and that additional forces had been deployed.
ends
Did BJP's 'own coalition Govt' in Nagaland fail central leadership ?
(NagalandPage Link)
New era Naga political hunting: Contest between 'status quo' and 'transition'
New Delhi
What ails Nagaland today ? Why do the peace talks appear to be on the verge of getting derailed?
Essentially, there is a possibility of a contest between 'status quo' and 'transition'.
It is anybody's guess in Nagaland that a final peace accord would render a set of existing politicians jobless or irrelevant.
Of course a new set of players would come in and therein lies the beauty of any peace pact related to insurgency-afflicted states.
This was the case in Mizoram.
Incumbent Chief Minister Zoramthanga was a staunch lieutenant of Late rebel leader Laldenga and is today a proud 'citizen of India' and also proud of the public office he holds.
As a result, Mizoram is continuing its developmental journey amid other challenges of course. Insurgency is a matter of the past there.
Nagas are a proud community.
In the past many Naga leaders and observers have taken offence to try to judge the 'Naga freedom movement' or insurgency with Mizoram prism.
Swaraj Kaushal faced this problem right from the beginning when he was named as negotiator by the Vajpayee government. Kaushal was a personal friend of Late Mizo rebel leader Laldenga and later became state Governor too.
In Nagaland things are obviously always more complex if not messy. But one thing was certain that the peace accord would possibly bring in a new set of movers and shakers replacing the old and some existing ones.
So there was always a chance of a contest between 'status quo' and 'transition'.
The peace accord is the first step to change and obviously it did not suit a few.
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| Snap: Facebook, H C Vanlalruata |
Did the BJP central leadership not realise this ?
When 'Election for Solution' was promised in 2018, the BJP central leadership trusted all its
elected legislators, state ministers and coalition partner NDPP. It believed that everyone would
work sincerely to bring all stakeholders on table and convince them about the futility of
confrontation.
Almost a free hand was given to the state government and state politicians for the initial two years.
At one point, BJP central leadership sensed a 'trouble area' in Mr Ram Madhav and so when J P Nadda became new party president, Madhav no longer found a berth as general secretary in-charge of north east.
Between 2014 and till his exit, Ram Madhav too almost enjoyed free hand. And this irrespective of media speculation that the Modi government is too much centralised.
From the then Governor R N Ravi it was claimed that talks were over by October 31, 2019.
He made the statement on the floor of the assembly and thus it cannot be disowned by the NDPP-BJP regime.
The elected Nagaland legislators irrespective of party affiliations are also aware that the Governor's speech in state legislatures are endorsed by the cabinet decision.
So they know the state government and Chief Minister cannot deny or disown the statement. Thus, the issue was raised in the April 9 meeting at Kohima.
Another regional party NPF is a late comer in the game - now also supporting the Rio-led dispensation.
So far the NPF has not added much to the merit of the case. In fact, many NDPP leaders including its president Chingwang Konyak told party colleagues that the NPF was almost given a second lease of life by Rio and his advisors.
Top of that, NPF wants to have the best of both worlds. It made a gesture for a merger with NDPP but gave it up mid-way at least for the time being after BJP recorded landslide victories in Uttar Pradesh and also Manipur.
Its party chief Shurhozelie wanted to oppose the candidature of woman BJP leader Phangnon Konyak to Rajya Sabha but developed cold feet as he could not muster enough number of MLAs. Any NDPP stalwart had supported Shurhozelie move or not remains a mystery till now.
From New Delhi's point of view, may be 'trust' was reposed more on the state leadership and it was assumed that even the tough negotiators and 'uncompromising' NSCN (IM) would be also 'convinced'.
But nothing much happened except a few rounds of meetings here and there.
A section of BJP leaders are unhappy over the manner things have been handled since 2019 when almost everything was agreed for signing of a peace pact.
Of course Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh with a delegation of Meitei leaders had convinced Amit Shah that no territorial integrity of Manipur will be impacted due to Naga peace accord.
Last year, even Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was roped in to meet Naga militant leaders.
But now in retrospect, the centre thinks enough time was given to the state government and state political leaders. By deputing Himanta, did the concerned players try to raise some questions on the sanctity of Aug 3, 2015 Framework Agreement and PM Narendra Modi's own statement ?
Therefore in the April 12 evening meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, the Naga leaders including CM Rio and Deputy CM Y Patton (of BJP) were told, "bring everyone on board and there will be an announcement of peace pact".
Some eyebrows have been raised.
Does it reflect some sort of no confidence in the state leadership ? Will the ceasefire end abruptly and will Nagaland re-enter into unfortunate phases of violence ?
The developments related to Naga peace talks are now being monitored regularly at the PMO level.
Naga leaders were also advised reportedly to meet the Prime Minister.
The high-profile meeting did take place. CM Rio tweeted to say there were "fruitful deliberations".
Things are truly at a critical stage in more ways than one. Nagaland legislators are already sensing a 'tougher situation' than was presumed by "resourceful parties and politicians".
They have lately mounted pressure on Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to deliver a peace pact before 2023 elections.
The issues related to ED summons to five individuals - said to be close to Chief Minister Rio - are curious. They do not augur well at all for those who are keen to see things move smoothly and effectively towards desired results.
In the meantime, a question has surfaced: Did BJP's 'own coalition Govt' fail the central leadership ?
ends
LokmatTimes-IANS piece
Religion is back in business in India's Nagaland state : Hindu-Christian row mars rise of Naga woman to parliament
UCAN report
UCAN Link
Religion is back in business. The strongly perceived Christian identity of the indigenous Nagas is making headlines.
Nagaland is a Christian and tribal-dominated province in the northeast where guerrillas are still seeking independence.
S. Phangnon Konyak, a Naga Christian woman who heads the local women’s wing of the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was recently elected to the Rajya Sabha or upper house of parliament by her party.
As expected, BJP leaders called it revolutionary and empowering for women, especially in the context of a state that has so far not elected a single woman legislator to the local legislature.
Phangnon is only the second woman parliamentarian from the state and the first female among Nagas to be elected to the Rajya Sabha.
However, the episode has gradually become a Hindu-versus-Christianity issue, at least for some individuals and political players. Curiously, one church leader has jumped on the bandwagon.
“In the context where the majority are Christians, if Christians do not involve themselves in politics, there is a 100 percent chance that we are giving an opportunity to a non-Christian government in a Christian-dominated state,” said Villo Naleo, dean of Shalom Bible Seminary and committee convener of the Clean Election Movement under the Nagaland Baptist Church Council.
His remark at a pastors seminar last week could have been possibly dismissed as an exceptional statement. But the developments suggest there is a thought process that does not feel comfortable with the growth trajectory of the BJP in Christian-dominated Nagaland even as the saffron party has sought to promote women.
"The people's government with Christian votes has shamed and destroyed the image of every Christian and that of the Christian state," said Nagaland Congress chief Kewekhape Therie.
He was perhaps more displeased as no individual or party among the 60 Naga elected members of the Legislative Assembly opposed the “Delhi move,” resulting in the uncontested election of Phangnon Konyak.
Her candidacy was supported by two provincial outfits, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party and the Naga People's Front.
“All the 60 legislature members did not hesitate to vote for the BJP, thus they have converted Nagaland into a Hindutva state government," said Therie, a former state minister.
Therie's statement could be attributed to political motives and efforts to gain mileage when his party — once a dominant outfit — is now a marginalized entity in the state.
But Nagas have always been sensitive about their Christian credentials and in the past, even expressed suspicions about communist influence in Naga life and politics.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Naga militant groups were compelled to use the slogan “Nagaland for Christ” after the guerrillas received support from China. In fact, even underground militant groups often make references to the Bible when issuing press statements.
One such statement came in March 2001. It was related to a Naga group's efforts to justify levying taxes on civilians, quoting Matthew 22:22: "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's.”
Of course, from the government’s point of view, these were plain extortion demands and have been deemed illegal.
In the 1990s, Naga militant groups also issued statements saying the “good of communism” need not be discarded. One such statement was: "Mad dogmatism should be discarded. Marxism, Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought are scientific socialism."
The Clean Election Movement was formed by Baptist leaders to clean up Nagaland’s notoriously corrupt and sleazy political system.
Church leader Naleo also lamented that rampant corruption and unfair electoral practices in Nagaland are “sacrilegious to Christian ethos and principles.” Naga Christians have “failed miserably in upholding Christian values” in the political arena, he said.
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| Phangnon: In Parliament |
Corruption and the influence of money are well-known menaces to the election system in Nagaland, as in other parts of India.
"Corruption is eating into the inherent virtues of simple Naga people," Father John Kavas of Kohima Diocese and principal of Don Bosco School in state capital Kohima, said in 2018.
Earlier that year, the BJP had fielded 20 candidates in alliance with a regional partner for assembly polls and was able to win as many as 12 seats.
The BJP — often dubbed one of the most resourceful parties — now shares power in the state and also has a deputy chief minister and its ministers holding key portfolios including home and health.
The impact of Hindu influence on Naga politics remains to be seen. Nagaland is getting ready for yet another round of elections in early 2023. And the BJP — notwithstanding its Hindu chauvinism image — is here to stay in the state.
Phangnon Konyak for her part has dismissed linking Hindutva to the BJP's work in Nagaland. "Instead my party is doing politics of development and empowerment of women. I am a devout Christian and my family elders were reverends and pastors. Hindutva has nothing to do with politics. Religion is personal," she told UCA News.
Naga Peace pact must be win-win deal, respect rule of law: NNPG chief Kitovi
Nirendra Dev (reported on Feb 24, 2022)
New Delhi/Dimapur
At a critical stage of Naga peace talks and optimistic of a final pact soon, NNPG leader N Kitovi Zhimomi told a group of youngsters that the new Accord should offer win-win situation for all and that "the rule of law" must be upheld.
"We ought to have the rule of law. People have to have rules that apply equally to everyone. One cannot dream of Nagaland as a state where we pursue - my way or the highway," Kitovi told a group of youngsters during a virtual video conference.
A video discussion was organised recently by a group of Naga youths in the South Asian region to debate on the theme 'The Conquest and Morality of Nagaism'.
mangalorean.com
The 64-year-old former rebel leader Zhimomi, a noted Sema Naga and Convener of Naga National Political Groups (NNPG), was the chief speaker fielding questions from Nagas in Nagaland and also outside, sources said.
"The NNPG. and former Nagaland Governor R.N.Ravi negotiated on the principle that politics is an art of possibilities, and so the focus was to resolve the Indo-Naga political problems we should aim for a win-win situation for both sides in the first place," he told the questioners.
Among a few queries, he was also asked, "What makes you hopeful? Who do you see as the main gainers from the Peace process?"
Kitovi's response was candid, "I think everyone should gain. That's the whole purpose of the peace process. The Nagas should be happy to live in peace, harmony and in development. Let Prime Minister of India (Narendra Modi) also be happy that a major conflict has ended in his tenure. This is a new era for Nagas and the world community, we must show vision and statesmanship.
Everyone in the society and in the Naga region and beyond must be a beneficiary of our peace process and the Final Agreement".
From NNPG's side, he said some issues were very emotive and sensitive. "But to resolve the problems, we have to respect the rule of law and constitutional limitations. We told Mr Ravi initially, we will cooperate with you when it comes to your legal and constitutional positions, but the Government of India should respect the uniqueness of our case and be ready to be flexible".
In the end, he told the younger gathering (virtually), "I think things went on in good spirits and we will have positive outcome".
To a question on Ravi's role as the negotiator, Kitovi said, "I agreed to participate in today's discussions with you all when I came to know about the theme - the Morality of Nagaism. As Christians, the issue of Nagaism and the morality is very important. Communism and Christianity cannot go together for long. Many Indian officials could not differentiate between the two."
"But Mr R N Ravi was a real exception. He is close to the Naga values as an individual. He is genuine and honest. Corruption left him disturbed. So, I was not surprised when as Governor of Nagaland, he spoke against extortion. This menace of extortion is an extreme form of corruption".
Asked how would the Peace pact also cater to the welfare and wishes of thousands of Nagas outside 'Nagaland state', he said, "Of course, emotional Naga integrity is part of our life. I can tell you there is sufficient room for them as well. Our status paper already mentions some of these
issues. One will know better what the NNPG is trying to give to our brothers and sisters outside Nagaland state".
However, he said as a negotiating player one had to understand the problems and hurdles Indian government or Indian Parliament would face. "If we want Naga sentiment should be respected, we have to respect their emotion too. The constitutional obligation the Indian parliament has. We cannot create problems. Then you cannot resolve the problem.... That was a big difference in our approach".
To another question, he said, "R N Ravi had the understanding and right perception about the
Naga issue essentially because he tried to understand Nagas by the prism of Naga values. Let me tell you,
Ravi was negotiating with us as a representative of the Government of India, but he did not plan to cheat us.
I think sincerity was his biggest strength when we took up the negotiations. This made my job easier".
Kitovi further said, "Ravi was sincere and so even when I had strong argument with him on certain issues,
personally I never felt bad about him. Now that he is a Governor of a bigger state in Tamil Nadu, I wish
him good luck. I knew R S Pandey also and now we are talking to Mr Mishra".
One participant asked him, "What's the difference between your (NNPG) moral and
political vision for Nagas and what existed with other Naga leaders and groups?
Kitovi tried to answer the question too, saying: "I am happy you linked political vision with morality.
The Nagaism as I understand is based on Naga values and so the issue of Morality is important.
The moral vision we in the NNPG pursued was to help one and all.
In the west people talk abut crony capitalism. Any society can suffer from crony capitalism. In Nagaland,
we promoted certain bad things like tribalism. Where is Nagaism when you indulge in tribalism?"
Another questioner asked, "I am a Naga student now in Bengaluru in Karnataka. What about some personal
things, your likes. Who is favourite writer, what's your favorite food ?"
Kitovi responded with a sense of humour. "Food....of course my Sema food. Rice and good meat. Now I
cannot take so much of meat. Once a professor from Bengaluru advised me to read books on famous people
Martin Luther King to Mahatma Gandhi. But my favourite book is 'Conquest of Happiness' by Bertrand Russell.
You read five books by Russel and in the next six months, you will be a changed person".
ends
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