Naga-Kuki differences intensify in Manipur :::: Now, Foothill Nagas ban SoO Camps of Kukis and Zomis within Naga ancestral areas

The Foothills Nagas Coordination Committee of Manipur also Bans any "Unauthorized Structures including bunkers etc in Naga-Inhabited Areas" 

A Consultative meeting of the Committee at Tarung, Imphal decided that no construction of bunkers, makeshift shelters, wooden crosses, unauthorized gates or barricades shall be permitted within Naga-inhabited areas. 

"These unauthorized activities are viewed as provocative and a violation of the customary land rights and territorial integrity of the Naga people," said a statement from the Coordination Committee Secretary B Robin.

 The statement said, as scheduled, a consultative meeting of Nagas from the foothill areas was convened on July 5, 2025 at Tarung, Imphal, under the aegis of the Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee (FNCC) to deliberate on the prevailing situation affecting the region.

"The meeting witnessed the participation of Naga leaders, elders, intellectuals and representatives from various organizations. A thorough and candid discussion was held concerning the increasing challenges and existential threats confronting the Naga people and its ancestral lands".

Following comprehensive deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the following resolutions to safeguard the rights, identity, and territorial integrity of the Nagas:

Resolution No. 1

Prohibition of SoO Camps within Naga Ancestral Territories:

The House unanimously resolved that no camps or settlements of Kuki militant groups currently under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement shall be permitted within the ancestral territories of the Nagas. Such encroachments are deemed a direct threat to the peace, security, and demographic balance of the Naga people.

Another resolution said:

No project under the guise of infrastructure development shall be undertaken in Naga territories, if it infringes upon the rights, identity, or survival of the Naga people. Any such undertaking must be preceded by transparent consultation and must obtain the prior knowledge, and informed consent of the concerned Naga communities.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the collective resolve to protect the ancestral lands, cultural heritage, and political rights of the Nagas through peaceful yet determined means, B Robin said. 

ends 

Nagas may complain that Indian Democracy is messy .... but everyone has to admit it is "NEVER an obstacle" to peace and prosperity

Collective Wounds:

#peace #NNPG #NSCN 

Some organisations are now out to destroy the peace process in Nagaland. They have started flagging off 'uncomfortable issues' such as declaration of Naga independence and even a memorandum submitted long back in 1929 to the British colonial masters.

These are unwarranted bogies in today's reality. Those who slam New Delhi by raising  such issues actually want to reap benefits. But they want to deprive simpleton people some facets of development.

Poverty and health issues are areas of deep concern for masses while for some few hundred lakhs remain like small pocket money. 

The refrain from New Delhi is well measured. Do not look back at old wounds and mistakes. The forward looking approach therefore ought to be the two preliminary pacts - the Agreed Position of 2017 and the Framework Agreement of 2015.

In fact, on the hyped occasion when the latter pact was inked by the then interlocutor R N Ravi and NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah; Prime Minister Narendra Modi had ensured that such a key development should happen in his presence.

Often a Dream Merchant : Can Namo deliver Solution ?

The August first week of 2015 was already hit with cacophony in Indian Parliament. A number of Congress MPs were suspended by the Speaker Sumitra Mahajan over some other national issues.  But the Prime Minister understood the significance of the Framework Agreement. 

Modi had faith  in his personal political instinct. He believed that a vibrant mix of ethnicities, cultures, religions and political credit seeking-blame giving approaches actually give LIFE to the Democracy. Hence in his speech on the solemn occasion, the Prime Minister has said:  

"The Naga courage and commitment are legendary. Equally, they represent the highest levels of humanism. Their system of village administration and grass-root democracy should be an inspiration for the rest of the country.

The respect for the infirm and elders, the status of women in society, sensitivity to Mother Nature, and the emphasis on social equality is a natural way of Naga life. These are values that should constitute the foundation of the society that we all seek."

These are not ordinary words. These reflect a big advantage our Bharat enjoys as a nation. It's not any rocket science. Democracy and India are inseparable.  Moreover, one BJP leader Jay Panda had said a few years back -- "What's unique about India is that has survived as a Democracy despite consistent predictions of its demise". 

  

Nagas have in the past taken help from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh (East Pakistan) and China. But today's generation of Nagas will appreciate the difference between what we offer in India and what is perhaps 'already decided' in China or even Pakistan. The Bangladeshi chaos need not be mentioned at all.  

None in India question the Naga 'aspirations' for a better tomorrow. But the past experience would tell any reasonable man/woman that had things turned otherwise in the 1950s and 1960s; what would have been the fate of things in South East Asia in the Indian neighbourhood. Look at the situation in next door Myanmar. 

Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore may be better economies today but all of them have kept Democracy under leash. The giant China monitors all kinds of social unrest and imposes heavy hands of discipline and military to quash dissent.  

There is a 'revived' debate that Nagas had declared independence on Aug 14, 1947.

The Govt of India functionaries - when contacted - do not want to speak on these in 2025. One of them proudly argued - "Nagas are as patriots as me".

Another informed personality maintained -- "I will quote what the Prime Minister Modi had said on Aug 3, 2015 ... the Naga problem is only a legacy of the British. The colonial rulers by design kept the Nagas isolated and insulated. They suppressed the reality that the Nagas were an extremely evolved society".  

Well. This also makes sense.

But what would have made a better sense and what the functionary forgets to tell us in that speech, Modi also had pointed out that - 

"The British colonial rulers propagated terrible myths about Nagas in the rest of the country". 

Blogger with an Angami Naga

The fact of the matter is even after years of negotiations, the Govt of India is not showing any desperation to abrogate the ceasefire that was announced in 1997 when India's Home Minister was a veteran communist Indrajit Gupta.  

Basically, the Modi government is giving out a message. We believe any structure of a good governance and Democracy can work better when it 'welcomes' every shades of opinion and every protagonists of identity politics in it. 

Look at the intent of those who are flagging off most controversial issues such as Plebiscite, declaration of Naga independence and Simon Commission. 

'Brighter Kashmir' newspaper

Now let us take a jaundiced view of the declaration of Naga Independence. The Govt of India will soon put forward an argument that as late as 1956, the Federal Govt of Nagaland was not established.

In fact, even before that -- around 1954 ; at the Yemishe village, "....the opinion of NNC stood divided on the issue of organisation of the Armed wing. Most of the NNC members and leaders opposed Army wing being organised in the hope of getting Naga sovereignty restored without arms". 

(Source book 'Hails and Blames - An account of Naga Independence Struggle' by Scato Swu.

He was the first Naga graduate to join the Naga national movement. Swu was FGN President (Kedahge) between 1959 and September 1967.

Hence the New Delhi's counter theory to those raising controversial issues will be - the fact that the NNC could survive along with the spirit of Naga aspiration without any armed wing -- it talks volumes about Naga struggle and also the obvious that the so-called 'government apparatus' was not established. 

This is not a drawback or a fault-line; but a fact of history. 

This chapter of history is also a tribute to Indian democracy. Of course, the violence due to clashes between Assam police and Nagas were reported from time to time. But violence occurred even in Telangana region in far off Deccan. 

We will have to draw an inference here that the Indian nationalism emerged hand in hand with a pledge to uphold democracy.  

About three decades back any new visitor to Delhi would also visit Jantar Mantar. Located not far off from Indian parliament or the busy Connaught Place, the pillars and stone curves created one of most reliable scientific instruments. It was a case of future looking.

If that can be a forward-looking avenue; in today's world too Indians and the Indian government want to 'do something ahead' of the time. The Naga issue is such a paradox.

If the problem is resolved and there is guarantee of peace; the Govt of India's Act East policy will herald an era of immense progress and prosperity for the people in northeast, Nagas and Manipur people included.  

Saying no to Solution is therefore a risky proposition for Nagas as well as for those in Delhi who want to deliver something for the legacy. 

ends 

Nagas would clamour for an early Solution

"We are not asking for tribal status. We are only asking for justice ..." - Non Nagas send SOS messages to national politicians including in Congress and BJP

 The Naga peace talks are yet to produce the most and the least expected thing - the Solution. But the Status quo club is working overtime to stall the entire process and even derail the hard-earned dialogue process that began in 1997.

Of course, I K Gujral was the Prime Minister then. But prior to that H D Deve Gowda had 'officially' met two prominent Naga insurgent leaders at Zurich in February 1997. 

Late Congress leaders P V Narasimha Rao (PM between 1991 and 1996) and Rajesh Pilot (who was Minister of State for Home Affairs catering to internal security) also slogged hard and contributed his part.  

Amid this uncertainty whether internal sabotage would prevail vis-a-vis Naga peace parleys - which the Centre says the political discussions were over by 2019 -a new and ugly chapter is being added.

The non-Naga and Naga 'differences' on certain critical areas could herald fresh rounds of troubles for Nagaland where the BJP is sharing power with the regional outfit the NDPP.

The problem may not be at the scale of Kuki-Meitei differences in Manipur but nevertheless the locals and outsiders issues are always hyper sensitive in northeast. 

In the 1990s, a number of non-Naga government officers had opted for voluntary retirement during the peak of their career under pressure.

The state government is headed by Neiphiu Rio as the Chief Minister and incumbent dispensation has a BJP deputy Chief Minister Y Patton. Notably, the latter is holding the crucial Home portfolio.

The recent developments related to enforcement of Inner Line Permit (ILP) - which for all practical purpose has failed to stop immigration of illegal Bangladeshis -  has been pushed up as a tool to create fresh hurdles for non-Nagas.

Sadly, no native Naga leaders are talking much on this because the good old menace of 'Us and They' syndrome is at work.

The non-Nagas - in minority - are panic stricken.  They are sad and frustrated and some well wishers among Non-Nagas and Nagas in Dimapur and Kohima have advised the blogger not to visit the state at least for next six months or so. 

"Let December come... there will be Hornbill Festival. The Tourism extravaganza changes the face of Naga economy for 10 days. You may come then," came in a voluntary advise. 

A few individual non-Naga public spirited leaders have shot off letters to central politicians including senior lawmakers including a few in BJP and the Congress.

The BJP is silent. It is in big dilemma vis-a-vis power sharing issues with the regional party in the state. Some saffron party leaders in Delhi realise that the controversy over ILP could create "a Jammu like situation" of the 1990s - but they too are silent.

State BJP leaders and Ministers in the Nagaland government are not much bothered as speaking anything on behalf of 'non Nagas (also condemned as Plain manu - people from plains) could sabotage their political career. 

"We are set to become refugees in India under BJP again.... Let Narendra Modi and Amit Shah save the Rio government," said one local trader.

The non-Naga business people as it is due to growing extortion demand are shifting base to Assam.

"We are not asking for tribal status. We are only asking for justice, dignity, and recognition as rightful citizens of this country," runs a letter written to some MPs. 

Essentially the non-Nagas have raised a four-point charter of demands.

"Kindly raise this ILP matter and  harrasment of genuine Indians and Hindus and Jains as urgent issues in Parliament during the Monsoon session of Parliament. There should be a national discussion on the misuse of constitutional provisions and Articles against fellow Indians," says one aggrieved citizen.

Identical letters shared with many MPs also call for "protection and recognition" of all Indian citizens who settled in Nagaland prior to 1963.

Nagaland was given statehood on Dec 1, 1963.

There are also complaints about deliberate games played at the state level (and the centre may be ignorant) to discriminate non-Nagas even for central schemes such as Ayushman Bharat.

There is a demand to ensure that Minority welfare schemes are made available to actual religious minorities and long-settled Non-Nagas in the state.

They also feel that the Modi Government at the centre should immediately enact a policy or a 'registry' granting rights and security to such non-Naga families.

There are other elements of politics at play too.

Recently a member of AICC Minority cell Rajesh Kumar Sethi - a Jain - was asked by his party in Nagaland not to raise such issues. 

In a press note (July 2, 2025) the NPCC through its communications department stated that Sethi used his designation as National Coordinator of All India Congress Committee, In-charge of Manipur, while putting forth his individual opinion in connection with the imposition of ILP in Dimapur.

The NPCC clarified that the party functionaries irrespective of the designations held were "not authorized" to speak on policy matters through individual’s perspective, especially on sensitive topics like the ILP issue. 

When contacted Sethi declined to take any  question on the controversy. 

Lately. the Nagaland Congress is embroiled in another controversy for allegedly 'going soft on the BJP-NDPP government' in Nagaland.

Several Congress leaders are either quitting the party to join Conrad Sangma-led NPP or are sending (even getting feelers) about getting Rio-led NDPP ticket for the 2028 assembly polls.

The NDPP ticket aspirants for 2028 polls also include a few prominent Congress office bearers in Nagaland. This was reportedly brought to the notice of AICC leaders including K C Venugopal about two months back. 

Veteran Rio 

 

In 2025, the ILP row has been pushed either by a design or circumstances. 

Congress leader Rajesh Sethi last month referred to the Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) issue and maintained:

"The BJP in Nagaland is doing picnic ..... Some people do not want the 

Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), that is another game. 

Will these policies help natives? I have my apprehension."  

The RIIN stands for Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland and is billed as an initiative by the Nagaland government to identify the state's indigenous residents and prevent them from obtaining fraudulent indigenous inhabitant certificates. 

The RIIN does not involve plain dwellers or non tribals. 

The vested interests are alarmed by the word RIIN in Nagaland these days. 

ends 

As Xi Jinping to give it a miss, Namo -- the BRICS star at the Brazil Summit :::: Putin to address the summit via video conferencing

Xi Jinping to miss the crucial BRICS Summit; Putin will address the summit via video conferencing.

'Brics' is a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies to create an equitable and balanced multipolar order, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said before he embarked on a five-nation tour to participate in the Brics Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The occasion is also seen as Modi's outreach attempts for a closer ties with key players in the Global South.  

The whispering about Chinese President Xi Jinping's absence have ranged from the mundane to the incredible—from being upstaged by political opponents to suffering from an ailment.

According to Chinese media, "In a reply letter to friendly personages from all walks of life in Brazil, President Xi encouraged them to continuously contribute to the China-Brazil friendship.

"Xi said that he is glad to see that the China-Brazil friendship has been passed on from generation to generation, adding that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Brazil have marched forward hand in hand, sharing weal and woe, and have forged a friendship spanning mountains and oceans," the publication says. 

At the BRICS Summit 2025, China officially said it will be represented by premier Li Qiang.

Xi’s absence is quite out of the blue because the 11-membered BRICS grouping of emerging economies that includes India, China, Russia, Iran and seven other countries, is often seen as a platform for the fast-rising China-Russia-Iran axis against the US-led West.

The summit in Brazil is expected to take a strident stand against the ‘unilateral tariff’ being imposed by the US, on grounds of it violating international laws.

All eyes will be on host Brazil, South Africa and also India. 

Not long ago, US President Donald Trump has stated: “BRICS was set up for a bad purpose… BRICS is now dead”.

The strategic position of BRICS includes a move for de-dollarisation as a counter to the dominance of the US dollar, by working towards a new currency of exchange besides the creation of a more equitable global order—with multi-polarity as its main mantra.

“We require a commitment from these (BRICS) countries that they will neither create a BRICS currency nor back any other currency to replace the mighty US dollar or they will face 100 per cent tariffs,” Trump had said.  

Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin will also not attend.

But his absence has been explained as not wanting to put the host Brazil in a delicate diplomatic spot. 

Putin will address the summit via video conferencing.

Brazil—an original member of The Hague-headquartered International Criminal Court (ICC)—would be rule-bound to detain Putin on arrival due to the arrest warrant issued against the Russian President on March 17, 2023. The ICC had issued the warrant after an investigation of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.  

The Chinese President's  public appearances have also been reduced—his last interaction with a foreign dignitary in Beijing may well have been a meeting with Singaporean PM Lawrence Wong on June 24.

On June 20, Xi met New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon. 

Political boycott by Kuki MLAs ::: Kuki-Zo legislators to stay away from Govt formation of a new popular Govt in Manipur

"Under no circumstances shall the Kuki-Zo people compromise our ancestral land, culture, identity, and political, social and economic rights," says a statement issued after a joint meeting of the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM). 

The meeting was attending by various units of Kuki Students Organisation, Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi, Kuki Christian Leaders' Forum (KCLF), Kuki Women's Union, Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, Kuki Cheifs Association-Manipur (KCA-M) including all District Units of Kuki Inpi and others/

After due deliberation at Lamka, it has been unanimously resolved that:

"No Kuki-Zo Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) shall participate or take part in any manner in the formation of a new Popular Government in the State of Manipur".

Writing on the wall : Churachandpur 

"This resolution is the collective political will and aspiration of the Kuki-Zo people and is binding upon all Kuki-Zo representatives and community organisations," it said adding all concerned people are being "advised to adhere strictly to this resolution in letter and spirit". 

Hectic political confabulations are on in Manipur by the BJP and supporting parties for formation of a popular government in the violence-hit state.

Maipur was placed under President's Rule in February this year after Chief Minister N Biren Singh tendered resignation amid murmurs of disunity in the legislative wing of the saffron party.

In May ten MLAs called on the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan in Imphal and urged him to expedite the formation of a popular government in the state. 

A press release issued from the Raj Bhavan said that the team of MLAs belonging to different political parties along with the Governor discussed the law and order and political situation in the State. 

The issues they discussed included initiating a peace process based on mutual understanding and strengthening security arrangements. 

The team also submitted a memorandum to the Governor on these issues and urged the Governor to expedite the formation of a popular government in the State, it said. 

After meeting the Governor, BJP MLA- Thokchom Radheshyam informed the media persons that forty sitting MLAs from different political parties as well as Independent legislators have prepared for the formation of new government. 

Reports say N Biren Singh, the former CM, is still trying out his luck to come back. His supporters are taking a line that while Singh tendered resignation as the Chief Minister; he is "technically still the legislative party leader of the BJP". 

Recently a large number of BJP leaders including MLAS met at the party office in Imphal. 

Former Chief Minister Biren Singh later said : 

"We discussed the frustration faced by people and the hardships endured by internally displaced persons. Our (state) party president had called this meeting of BJP legislators. She had recently met national leaders in Delhi as well".

However, the centre may be still reluctant to install a so-called popular government as nothing much has changed yet in the state in terms of confidence building measures and improving trust between Kukis and Meities.  

The ethnic violence that began in May 2023 killed at least 175 people and injured some 1100. 

About 30 people are also reported missing. The rioters burned down or vandalized some 380 religious structures including temples and churches. 

The violence between Meitei Hindus and Kukis and Zos (Christians) also left more than 70,000 people displaced.

A panel of  experts said they were especially concerned “that the violence seems to have been preceded and incited by hateful and inflammatory speech.”

  

Our Spl Series -- Good Optics : Collective Wounds --- It's the God who Divided a people ::::: 'Sooni padi hui hae Muddat se Dil ki basti ...."

Partition of India came in 1947. It is 78 long years since and the debate about two religious communities in one nation is not settled still. Instead, in 1971 we had the third nation born. Yet the blood and mutual hatred continue to flow in South Asia. 

The poetic line 'Sooni padi hui hae Muddat se Dil ki basti ....(The land of my heart is left alone ... deserted for a very long time)" -- was penned by poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, often referred to as Allama Iqbal.

In the neighbourhood, people would hail him as the Spiritual Father of Pakistan. 

Patriotism at borders - Wagah 

It was one of the tragic chapters in human history that of all the protagonists it was left to Iqbal -- by coincidence, fate and design -- that the first seed of partition of India was sown. On Dec 29, 1030 at Allahabad - he first mooted the idea of Pakistan. It may be hard to believe that the poetic genius had his DNA in a Hindu family of Kashmiri pandits and it he was who also wrote:

"Saarey jahan se achha ... Hindustan hamara".  

It is argued that Iqbal was irked when he saw the solidarity of Jews crumble under Christian Europe. He was worried that the same fate would greet Muslims in united India after the Britishers left. 

His worst fear was if Muslims sacrificed their own culture at the 'altar of Indian nationhood'; slowly they would be absorbed and made extinct.  

The same man had also written "Apno se bair rakhna Tu ne Buton se sikha; jung o jidai sikhaya waiz ko bhi Khuda ne (We learnt to be in dispute with own people from Gods...We learnt belligerence and wars also from God and religious books)". 

But what he said and what he did were different. His 1930 discourse change the course of Asian history. It is argued that Iqbal was misled by a section of Muslim intellectuals and even the Britishers to take such a line at the Allahabad meet of the Muslim League. 

However, some others say B S Moonjee - Balakrishna Shivram Moonje (12 December 1872 – 3 March 1948) was also responsible in some indirect ways. Moonjee, a leader of the Hindu Mahasabha, reportedly had gone to Italy and had met fascist leader Mussolini. In tune with what was turning out, M S Golwalkar in his book 'We of the Nationhhod defined' had actually applauded Hitler. 

"To keep up the purity of the Race and its culture, Germany shocked the world by her purging the country of the Semitic races - the Jews". 

However, there is yet another twist in the tale. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who midwifed Pakistan in 1947 - nine years after Iqbal expired - was ambiguous about the socio-political characteristic of Pakistan as a nation. Jinnah arguably did not want the new nation Pakistan to be ruled according tothe Caliphs of Islam. 

Nevertheless, in the words of Jinnah's personal aide Sarifuddin Pirzada -- "... At the same time Jinnah was very careful not to make a commitment one way or the other so that Muslims would not be alienated". 

Jinnah was a Gujarati and hailed from Mumbai (then Bombay).  At later stages, Pakistan passed onto the hands of radical Punjabi Muslim elites and - the rest is history. 

Iqbal's grandfather was an eighth cousin of Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, an important lawyer and freedom fighter. Iqbal often mentioned and commemorated his Kashmiri lineage in his writings.

Operation Sindoor: 2025 - "Hatred" prevails 

Hit thy thy neighbours : Post- May 7, 2025 

Pirzada was also firm. "Jinnah was against theocracy. This is what matters".  He also waxed eloquently -- 

"An Islamic state can be a fully modern state, unless you say it should be ruled by a theocracy".  

Soldiers of Misfortune - Collective wounds 

Pakistan’s political and economic crises in 2025 are inter connected. While the political upheaval and regime change - ouster of Imran Khan - have not directly caused the economic turmoil, they have certainly exacerbated it.

The creditors are convinced as much as rival India or neo-patron Donald Trump that Pakistan is essentially a non-serious and irresponsible polity. 

As the economy and diplomacy and its military policies teeter on the brink of collapse, Pakistan continues to hurtle toward an uncertain future.

Sadly, at such a juncture, it is governed by a Field Marshal,  who got himself promoted after loosing a war. The elites are simply not bothered or are still unable to grasp the enormity of the challenges facing the country.

People are clueless but silent with a near slavish mindset. The feudalism has survived. As so-called power politics pendulum swings; people know their governance and democratic system are inherently unstable. 

The folk wisdom prevails and it is that an India-bashing 'benevolent dictator' can lead a country to its full potential better. No wonder the present military leadership has again started courting Washington.  

This is a country where governments have ended with the loss of half the country in a genocidal civil war (1971), a mysterious plane crash killing the president (1988), midnight coups, daytime coups, and backroom deal-making among factionalized elites. 

This list connotes many things, but orderliness is not one of them, says an article in journalofdemocracy.org.

ends 

1947 - 'Naga Independence' - A theory in Incoherence ::::: 'Delay formula' to Solution is unpalatable

Someone trying to take people for a ride. But that's only a short-term scheme of things.

The ancient Greek wisdom belief that human race often walk backward into the future with their eyes closed and minds fixed on the past has a resonance for Nagaland and India as a nation too.

To push the idea of Naga insurgency - it is easily given out in the media and intellectual fora that the Nagas had declared independence on Aug 14, 1947 -- a day before India attained independence. The towering talks about Independence, National Security and related matters are ultimately a test of political mettle. 

To kick-start the debates on the complex issue, it may be relevant to reflect that  political Sovereignty alone cannot conceptualize and encompass the entire gamut of human activities and social endeavours. Sovereignty would mean numerous other things. There is a chance that the words 'Independence' and 'Sovereignty' would be like empty drums sounding the same jarring beats when there is 'no freedom' from poverty, illiteracy, inequality and disease.

Hence, there would be a few automatic questions after 'Naga independence' (after 194) was declared -- were these features of human existence also addressed by the 'independent' Naga Government. 

Mere political sovereignty can only fulfill the partial needs and sentiment of the people. A particular line was pushed and the Congress party or the Government of India did not show the required vision to counter some of these false and half-baked concepts. A perception that 'New Delhi's rule' has been the sole cause of all problems in Nagaland or other parts of northeastern states had only led to unrealistic expectations. 

The clamour for Naga independence could be respected because it talks about people's sentiment and to a large extent a vision statement. 

These had side effects. At a later stage mythical and inflated claims have been made about 'achievements' and embroidered rationalisations of failure. 

 It is not without good reason that nationalist Naga leader S C Jamir wrote:

"The simple and gullible Naga people were fed a staple diet of  Naga sovereignty, separate identity and separate homeland, without any attempts to outline or articulate the real meaning and essence of sovereignty". ('Naga People's Convention and 16 Point Agreement' by Dr S C Jamir - published 2017) 

There are a few more aspects.

If Naga Independence was declared -- who gave the recognition of the same ?

It need not be a global body like the United Nations or so -- but whether some established nations gave due recognition. 

Were foreign embassies and cultural offices of those countries established in 'Naga nation' ?

Did 'Naga nation' set up its embassies in some countries either in South Asian neighbourhoods or in the west?

Legendary Naga leader A Z Phizo had moved to London. The official records with the Government of India and as well as with he Govt of Nagaland - show the address as 'A Z Phizo --- 67, Danison House; 196 Vauxhall Road, London.

** What more should have been mentioned or could have been mentioned is left for the readers to reflect upon and analyse.

Phizo: NNC founder President

A Modern Nationhood

Geographical togetherness, shared governance and economic and education advantages in 'staying together' have become important bonding factors.  This can be examined closely in the context of people, territory and resources.  In fact, it can be argued that sovereignty along with resources, people and territory only form the minimum and 'incomplete' attributes of modern nationhood.

In the context of Naga population spread across Nagaland state and also in Myanmar and other Indian states such as Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh -- there is a need to study the symbolic connect between the society (that is the people) and the Nation (or the Government). Now comes a vital query -- were all these catered to in Naga life right from Aug 14th, 1947 ? 

It may be also argued that an individual, while drawing strength from the people around (society) and the nation (a Government) is nevertheless an entity - 'separate' from both. The refrain that an individual would need protection from both the society and the Government actually originated in Europe. 

In the context of Nagas it goes without stating that a 'western' political concept was imposed. Rather it was hurriedly imported on the Naga life and polity without trying to comprehend whether it suited Naga aspirations. 

Thus, it's a matter of fact today that Nagas are paying a price for shouldering such foreign concept which had nothing to do with the Naga way of life. 

A Z Phizo had himself said: "I have a very great respect towards our Naga traditions, our culture and our ways of administration which our forefathers have very wisely evolved and developed without a set of rules and regulations on human consideration alone".

Are Nagas in 2025 ever trying to cherish these values ? 

Phizo also wrote in a letter to S C jamir (dated Aug 31, 1963) -- 'I have always been proud that I am a Naga even while some European writers were calling us all sorts of names....".  

The Naga militants also abused power and emotion. Some arrogantly strutted around the villages and towns carrying arms with complete disregard for terms of the ceasefire and encouraged intimidation and forcible collection of money.

Extortion is now a racket in the new century.

At the same time, the Indian government and the security forces found themselves increasingly "constrained" by a well-orchestrated propaganda and media campaign. 

Forces are good in Naga perspective or in media as long as they provide medicines and help in other social works like making bridges and educating youngsters. But there is a well designed campaign to keep the forces such as Assam Rifles 'branded' as anti-Naga or anti-natives.

Politicians did worse and hence "unable to operate freely", the forces more often 'lost' interests and even the initiatives to the insurgents.

Thereby law and order issues cropped up. 

In the words of a former army commander in Eastern Command (in Kolkata), the weakening of the government apparatus and a growing lack of accountability only added to rampant corruption and legitimised unholy links between business people and the Neta-Babu combo in power in Kohima. 

The state continues to suffer. Saying no or 'delay formula' to Solution is therefore an unpalatable proposition. 

ends 

Where is Xi Jinping ? :::: Is Wang Yang reportedly being groomed as Xi’s successor ???

#WangYang #China #CCP #Beijing #XiJining #Trump

Xi Jinping, they said, exercises near absolute power in China, but the country has strongly objected to the use of the label “dictator”, including by the former US president Joe Biden. 

The UK’s recent strategic defence review highlighted Chinese military exercises around Taiwan as a driver of global instability.  

The reason that 'matters' is because President Xi has publicly set out his timetable for, as he would put it, reunifying Taiwan. 

The UK, the Europe and even others have been "incredibly bad" at reading what dictators say in public. 

Instead millions of pounds and dollars are spent on "secret intelligence" - which maybe is absolutely amazing.

Beijing had hinted about a  serious conflict in Taiwan.  

Reportedly Chinese President Xi Jinping has gone missing for "two weeks". The bizarre episode has raised questions about who is really in control in China. 

Xi’s absence between May 21 and June 5 set tongues wagging about whether there is a possible realignment of power within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). 

If Xi misses Brazil-hosted BRICS Summit... it will be first time !!

Xi is also slated to miss the upcoming BRICS Summit in Brazil, which is taking place on July 6 and 7 and is being attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  

Gen. Zhang Youxia, the First Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), may currently hold power in China.

Zhang, who is part of the powerful 24-member Politburo, is reportedly backed by senior CCP members who are loyal to ex-Chinese president Hu Jintao.  

This isn’t the first time China had sidelined its high profile leaders. 

Wang Yang is reportedly being groomed as Xi’s successor. A technocrat, in 2022 Wang was considered to be a likely contender for the top job. 

The removal of generals close to Xi, the slow doing away of ‘Xi Jinping Thought’ from the narrative and the return of technocrats like Wang are indications that Xi may slowly being shown the door.

Last month US President Donald Trump spoke to Xi Jinping over the phone. 

He said he will visit China soon. 

The US president said he had reciprocated with an invite to the White House during the "very good talk" - though such a trip has not been confirmed by either side.

This was first tele talk between the two leaders since Trump launched a trade war with China in February 2025.

Trump also wrote on social media that the hour-and-a-half conversation was primarily focused on trade and had "resulted in a very positive conclusion for both countries".

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"Centre must scrap controversial Suspension of operations pact with 25 Kuki insurgent groups" - demand from Meitei, Thadou, Naga groups

Four civil society organisations from Meitei, Thadou, Naga and other communities alleged Kuki armed groups protected by the SoO agreement "are gravely undermining safety and security of all communities in Manipur".  

The civil society organisations from different communities in Manipur have for the first time made a united call against extending what they called a "flawed and violated" tripartite agreement signed between 25 Kuki, Zomi and Hmar insurgent groups and the Centre and Manipur government.

The civil society groups' charter of demands include --- 

Establishing of an independent and neutral arbitrator in case of conflict of interest under the Constitution.

The armed militants who committed acts of violence should be prosecuted according to the law, and if any signatories or members of KNO and UPF are found to be associated directly or indirectly, they should not be protected under the SoO agreement.

The SoO agreement should be considered as a mechanism for non-violence and not as a protector of violence.

** Abrogate SoO agreements as recommended by the last Manipur state government, or establish a popular government or conduct re-election in Manipur to ensure the elected state government can recommend renewal of the SoO agreement.

** If the SoO agreement is to be renewed, then the structure and framework of the agreement should be holistically reviewed for effective and efficient implementation.

While the Meitei Alliance, a global umbrella body of civil groups of the Meitei community, and the Thadou Inpi Manipur, a body that represents the indigenous distinct Thadou tribe, have been asking the Centre to scrap the controversial suspension of operations (SoO) agreement with the 25 insurgent groups, two more top civil society organisations of the Naga tribes and other indigenous communities have come forward in demanding the same.

The four civil society organisations made a joint representation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah pointing out that the insurgent groups have been persistently violating SoO ground rules. Broadly, under this agreement, the insurgents have to stay at designated camps and keep their firearms in locked storage, to be jointly monitored with the security forces. They cannot recruit fresh insurgents too.

The four civil society organisations, however, alleged these armed groups protected by the SoO agreement "are gravely undermining safety and security of all communities in Manipur."  

The preamble of the SoO agreement state that KNO and UPF will completely abjure the path of violence and will not engage in violent or unlawful activities like killing, injuries, kidnappings, ambush, extortions, intimidations, carrying of arms in public and imposing of 'tax' or 'fines', the civil society organisations said in their memorandum submitted to Mr Shah.

Therefore, it establishes that the purpose of SoO agreement is to maintain law and order, which is a State subject under the Constitution (List II, State List), they said.

In August 2008, a tripartite suspension of operations (SoO) agreement was signed between the Government of India, Government of Manipur and 25 Kuki militant organizations to establish a ceasefire. The agreement lead to a ceasefire and laying down of arms by Kuki militant groups and began the process of negotiations.   

The other two civil society organisations are the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee, and the Indigenous Peoples' Forum Manipur.

The 25 insurgent groups come under two umbrella organisations for the purpose of negotiations - the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) led by the Kuki National Army (KNA), and the United People's Front (UPF) led by the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA). The KNO and the UPF representing all the others have signed the SoO agreement.

The SoO agreement is steered by a joint monitoring group (JMC) which also takes a call on whether to extend it or not.

"... On one hand, the SoO agreement states that the Manipur government can terminate and take appropriate action against the KNO and the UPF. In case the groups are found violating the ground rules, the state government on the recommendation of the joint monitoring group may terminate the SoO arrangements and also take appropriate action including use of force against the groups," they said in the memorandum.

"However, on the other hand, the SoO agreement establishes a joint monitoring group that includes the very groups responsible for violence - KNO and UPF - who are expected to recommend to the state government whether action should be taken against themselves," the memorandum said, pointing out what they called an inherent flaw in the controversial arrangement.

They said the purpose of the SoO agreement is to maintain law and order in Manipur, and it is the state government that should be responsible for maintaining law and order; however, due to the flawed structure of the SoO agreement, the state government is unable to do so.

"Therefore, the SoO agreements cannot be renewed or extended unless recommended by the elected state government of Manipur, and not in the current structure and form of the agreements," the civil society organisations said in the memorandum.

Inching ahead in Naga peace talks, Centre may ultimately make a 'short list' of Militant bodies who are keen for Solution ::::: "Interest of one group or the other must not ignore Naga people's interests"

The Status quo club vis-a-vis Naga peace talks may be snubbed and ignored.

Possibilities are there that things may have reached a stage wherein the Govt of India may have to ultimately make a 'short list' of Militant bodies who are keen for Solution.  

There are 'multiple ways' being applied to derail, delay and sabotage the last stage - that is the Solution to the Naga peace talks. The Govt of India has now seen between the lines and these 'developments and understanding' might have created nervousness in some quarters. 

Attempts being made to raise debate and discussions on old issues such as plebiscite and a memorandum submitted to the Simon Commission in 1929 now do not make much sense for an elected Central government in Delhi in 2025. 

Analysts in Delhi favour early preparation of a Common Draft -- taking key points from the 2015 Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position of 2017. 

Those who are not in favour of an early Solution may find it difficult to give any convincing reason. 

The competencies under Framework Agreement inked on Aug 3, 2015 with the NSCN-IM still does not have details in public space, the Status Paper prepared under the principles of Agreed Position inked with NNPG has certain details.  

Amid slow but gradual progress in Naga peace parleys, the Modi government is certain about one thing that there will not be any compromise on the "basic structure" of the Constitution.

Peace is on cards but the 2017 Status Papers agreed in principle between the Govt of India and stakeholders that is the NNPG will never dilute or change the basic structure of the Indian Constitution -- is a refrain among mandarins.

Founder of Naga movement: A Z Phizo

Some notable points have been discussed more than once. One such phrase is 'mutual coexistence'.

This phrase 'mutual coexistence' does not readily imply what the Govt of India would tell for example to the US government or Pakistan. In the context of Nagaland, it essentially means "equal partnership" of the two.

This also means empowering each other -- that is Nagas and the Government of India through political and democratic process. This actually will mean addressing the mutual concerns of "both sides with equal status, trust and

respect".

In more ways than one, the calendar of patience is being followed and there are positive talks definitely. 

The proposal to set up an Upper House of elected members for Nagaland

is finding acceptability more in terms of principle.

In 2017 Status Paper between Govt of India and NNPG had laid down clearly that - "The democratically elected Nagaland Legislature shall be the Lower House known as Leacy Hoho having 80 members with a term of office for five years".

The present strength of state assembly of 60 members will have to be increased to 80 members.

As part of 'special provisions' it has been maintained that Nagaland will be 'exempted' from Customs Duties, Cess and Taxes on import and transit of equipment and machinery for industrial, agricultural and energy sectors.

The Government of India will of course provide adequate funding to Nagaland to establish Tatar Hoho, Village Councils, the Secretariat and Residential complexes.

Top level meetings are on cards but no contentious issues will be raised again and again. 

   

There are now over 24 factions of Naga underground groups. Such big numbers have only led the official agencies raise alarm about the growing menace of extortion. In fact, when R N Ravi flagged this as the Governor -- an impression was created that he was confronting the elected NDPP-BJP regime.

But now everyone seems to realise that extortion is a growing menace. The centre may therefore encourage 'unification' process among various factions. In fact, the announcement by a prominent Kuki ultra leaders C Singson and Lanjakam Haokip that they would back the leadership of N Kitovi is seen as a positive development.    

The factions willing for Solution may at best come down to 8 to 10 and the militant groups are apparently able to appreciate this vital fact of life. 

Last month speaking to reporters after meeting centre's emissary, one key pro-Solution militant leader Isak Sumi had said:

"For too long, the Naga people have been kept in suspense. Disappointment and disillusionment have crept in due to the delay...We impose the interest of particular groups over the Naga people's interest... We make a sincere apology to the Naga people for all the wrongs that have been done". 

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