“Had you ever been to Ukraine? Did you see the problems we have?” Zelenskyy grills US Vice President Vance :::::: Trump said - “You’re in no position to dictate"

"Trump has had his way. He has transformed Ukraine from a subject into an object, and after this White House humiliation some Ukrainians are convinced that the extraction of rare earth metals on Trump’s terms would turn our country into a “colony” of the US. 

Still, many Ukrainians would prefer to live in a US colony than in a Russian one, if that’s the choice." 

-- Andrey Kurkov is a Ukrainian novelist 

Most of the Republican Party defended Trump’s conduct, hailing the president as projecting strength and protecting American interests. 

“Most Americans witnessing what they saw today would not want Zelenskyy to be their business partner, including me, and I’ve been to Ukraine nine times since the war started,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a close Trump ally, said on Fox News. “I’ve never been more proud of Trump for showing the American people and the world, you don’t trifle with this man.”

"It’s disturbing," said Jack McIntyre, portfolio manager at Brandywine Global. "It looked like we were moving towards progress on a peace deal or a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and maybe now that gets to come on hold, so you have to price in a little bit more uncertainty," he said.

Zelenskyy's olive branch to Trump soon after White House blow up: Sorry for this

Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace, and the country is working exactly toward that, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after his heated argument with US President Donald Trump at the White House.

Zelenskiy's U.S. visit was aimed to keep the U.S. from aligning with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched the Ukraine invasion three years ago. Instead, he clashed with Trump and Vice President JD Vance over the war, highlighting Kyiv’s struggle to retain U.S. backing. Trump later accused Zelenskiy of disrespecting the United States.

European stock futures fell while Wall Street climbed in choppy trading. The Dax and CAC40 futures fell 0.6% and the Eurostoxx 50 futures dropped as much as 1.4% and were last down 0.6%. The S&P 500 index (.SPX), opens new tab was last up 0.58%. The euro fell by as much as 0.37% to a two-week low of $1.036, before paring some of that decline to trade at $1.0366.

The heated confrontation came amid expectations Trump will soon impose punitive tariffs on key U.S. trade partners, which has raised investor fears of a spike in inflation and a hit to economic growth. He said on Thursday his proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods will take effect on March 4, along with an extra 10% duty on Chinese imports.  

The moment the meeting went from cordial to off the rails occurred when Vance said Trump was engaging in diplomacy and Zelensky questioned “what kind of diplomacy, JD, are you speaking about?” noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin has broken ceasefires and killed Ukrainians. As Zelensky spoke, he leaned over and gestured toward Vance with his hands.

“I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country,” Vance said as Zelensky attempted to interrupt.  “Mr. President, Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media.”

That prompted Zelensky to ask Vance, who has a long standing history of questioning U.S. aid to Ukraine, if he had ever been to his country.

“Had you ever been to Ukraine? Did you see the problems we have?” Zelensky asked, to which Vance responded that he had seen “the stories.”

When Zelensky then tried to suggest that the U.S. had not yet felt the full ramifications from the war, he set off Trump.

“You don’t know that. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel,” Trump said. “You’re in no position to dictate that.”  

While campaigning for president last year, Trump repeatedly expressed skepticism about continued U.S. support for Ukraine, which had become the foundation of the Biden administration’s foreign policy. Trump allies in Congress had increasingly moved away from backing support for Ukraine throughout the election, including Vance.

The Trump team’s frustrations with Zelensky bubbled up again in recent weeks. 

Trump accused Zelensky of being rude to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a recent trip to Kyiv. Trump officials sought to get the Ukrainian leader to sign onto a critical minerals deal on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, which Zelensky declined to do.

Trump got increasingly personal in recent weeks, calling Zelensky a “dictator without elections” and claiming Ukraine was to blame for the start of the war. Zelensky responded to those claims by saying Trump lived in a “disinformation space” and was echoing Russian talking points.

On the day of the meeting, Trump greeted Zelensky at the White House by commenting on his clothing while the Ukrainian president has always worn a black long sleeve shirt since his country has been at war. When asked by the press if the meeting was going to be good, Trump gave thumbs up before the two leaders went inside the White House.

Once they were inside the Oval, Trump remarked, “I do like your clothing” but Zelensky later seemed frustrated when a pro-Trump reporter in the room questioned Zelensky on why he doesn’t wear a suit and said “a lot of Americans” have an issue with him not doing so.

A White House official told journalists after the spat, Trump and Zelensky went into separate rooms and the Ukrainians wanted the talks to continue, asking to reset.

But Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz ultimately told them they had to leave the White House grounds, which Trump had ordered, and they suggested Zelensky return when he’s ready for peace. Trump felt disrespected by Zelensky’s demeanor and comments during the meeting, telling aides that he was shrugging and rolling his eyes, the official said.

The two leaders had been scheduled to hold a joint press conference and sign a deal giving the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals supply later in the day but it was canceled. 

A short time after reporters left the Oval Office, Zelensky’s SUV pulled up to the West Wing, an indication he was departing sooner than expected. He left shortly after.

White House officials embraced the way the day had gone. The official White House social media account posted a video of Zelensky’s SUV leaving the premises. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump and Vance were “standing up for the American people.”

Agony of Assam : Rich in tea, oil and coal and yet joblessness

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Assam. He made an emotional speech in Guwahati after attending a mega dance show. He said he is brand ambassador of the state of Assam and other north eastern states. 

The BJP is in power in Assam since 2016. It also rules other states in north east either directly or through its alliance partners. In 2026 Assam elections, the BJP will face the challenge of 10-year incumbency and hence the urgency is understood.

The Congress remains a powerful alternative in Assam. 

The post of a Chief Minister is not symbolic. It must articulate in the fullest sense, the basis of electoral philosophy and that’s why the capability and experience must always supersede all other considerations. Incumbent Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma has certain qualities and also has limitations like everyone else.

A decade ago in 2016 the Lotus party created history when it ousted the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress ministry and gave the north eastern state the first BJP chief minister. But that honour was given to Sarbananda Sonowal. After 2021polls, the BJP changed its chief minister and the responsibility came to Himanta. 

Politics is generally unpredictable, vulnerable and also dynamic enough in the scheme of things to understand that in Assam’s electoral battle – the BJP is today a strong force. 

So far, so good. But the taste of the political power and popularity is in the electoral performance. Of course, the BJP is a dominant force in the state today and quite a lot infrastructure works have happened under the so-called Double Engine government(s). But there are challenges too. 

Politically Assam is often divided into three categories. The Barak valley – Bengali dominated and Lower Assam and Upper Assam. 

People in Upper Assam have always felt neglected and thus remained anguished.

And there are reasons for the same. 

Assam's Margherita is a famous spot for coal. Digboi is world famous for oil and Doom Dooma is well known for tea gardens and tea business. 

Top of that Dibrugarh and Tinsukia are two commercial hubs. 

However the twist in the tale is that despite big talks of the BJP these three pockets in Upper Assam have issues vis-a-vis development.The BJP also knows that the people could be angry because of the crisis of drinking water, growing joblessness and absence of new industrial units. 

Businessman Panna Lal Gupto in Tinsukia says, “The state of Assam and especially people in Upper Assam are desperately in need of alternative job avenues for young people and good health centres in townships such as Digboi which is oil rich but lacks development”.  

The coal business in Margherita experienced significant losses due to mine closures, illegal mining, and a decline in coal production. Some say that coal mafias are involved in illegal mining 

The fact of the matter is that the permanent workers in the North Eastern Coalfields (NEC), a Coal India Limited (CIL) venture, were transferred to other locations or posted in various positions in Margherita itself when the mine closed.

The workers on contract had nowhere to go. Even in Doom Dooma, the tea business has suffered. Assam Company India Limited, formerly known as the Assam Tea Company was the first tea company in Assam set up by the colonial British in 1839. This oldest tea company of north eastern India having 14 big tea gardens across Assam, has been suffering a lot due to alleged mismanagement. 

In Digboi, the citizens and former employees of the oil company are faced with multiple problems. Even the drinking water project started at a whopping cost of Rs 4168.80 lakh has not been made functional yet.  

Chief Minister Himanta has announced that Dibrugarh will be made the second capital of the state soon. This is of course linked to next year’s elections.

Mere announcement actually means nothing. Yet there is a political weightage in the announcement. 

The Dibrugarh region and the parliamentary constituency is the political Karma-bhoomi of Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and hence Himanta might have played a smart political card.  

"The second capital announcement vis-a-vis Dibrugarh does not bother me. Nor does it excite.... My father used to say we lost our house in Dispur locality of Guwahati in the 1960s when Assam capital was brought from Shillong (now in Meghalaya) without doing any ground work," says Ajith Borah, a local resident at Chabua near Dibrugarh. 

In 2024 parliamentary polls, the Congress had won three important seats in Assam out of 14. They were Dhubri, Nowgong and Jorhat. The Congress candidate Gaurav Gogoi's win in Jorhat was politically crucial. The victory margin was substantial - 1,44,393. 

 

This victory in this Upper Assam segment meant a lot. Himanta had tried his best to humble Gogoi, who as the son of former Congress stalwart has a pan-Assam image. Gaurav Gogoi can actually take the battle to the BJP camp. That way the Congress party will not be an easy pushover in Assam politics in 2026.

“Our win in three important seats in 2024 Lok Sabha polls wherein voters from all segments of society have reposed faith in the Congress ideology shows that Gaurav Gogoi's arrival has happened in Assam politics,” says Rajesh Sethi, an AICC leader in the minority cell. 

Therefore, a more recent controversy around Gaurav Gogoi’s wife is well understood, say Congress leaders. 

Himanta Biswa Sarma has already said that Gaurav Gogoi's wife UK-born Elizabeth Colebourn will be probed over her alleged links with Pakistan’s ISI as well as for participating in election campaigns despite being a British citizen. 

In Lower Assam elections will be linked to development issues and also the incumbency factor will come in. But to talk about electoral politics in Assam, one has to focus on an important feature of the state. This issue is much talked about but has not been addressed effectively.

In Assam, it is not a rocket science to assert that there are a huge number of Madrasas and several Muslim NGOs helping 'Bengali Muslims' directly or indirectly to find jobs, necessary government papers, residential proof certificates etc.

It’s in a way a case of calling spade a spade. Politics is also about giving it a democratic fight. The beauty of our democracy lies in the will of the people and the strength of the Indian constitution.

In Tinsukia, a Congress leader said – “The BJP is nervous and hence will be talking more about issues like Love Jihad and beef eating”. 

In the ultimate analysis, people are the masters. And time and again, political fate of the leaders and political parties depend on the courage and vigilance of the masses. 

The election process goes through a secret ballot. People of Assam will also in 2026 press the button according to their political liking and conscience.

Ends 

"..You right now are not in a very good position," Donald Trump thunders at Ukraine Prez :::: Vance: Have you said thank you once? Zelenskyy: A lot of times.

 A mega test case of a mega twist in Diplomacy !! 
Read the transcript :::: 

Donald Trump and vice president Vance's explosive clash with Zelenskyy at Oval office 

The two leaders traded verbal blows before the world's media at the White House, pushing markets to react with a risk-off bid for safe-haven Treasuries as the public spat added uncertainty over the prospect of a peace deal with Russia.

Investors were stunned after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump ended in disaster, adding uncertainty to financial markets already jittery due to weakening economic data.

Highlights:

Vance: Have you said thank you once?

Zelenskyy: A lot of times.

Vance: No, in this meeting, this entire meeting? Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who’s trying to save your country.

Zelenskyy: Yes, you think that if you will speak very loudly about the war …

Trump: He’s not speaking loud. Your country is in big trouble. No, no, you’ve done a lot of talking. Your country is in big trouble.

Zelenskyy: I know, I know.

Trump: You’re not winning this. You have a damn good chance of coming out OK, because of us.

Zelenskyy: What kind of diplomacy, JD, are you are asking about? What do you mean?

Vance: I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country.

Zelenskyy: Yes, but if you …  

Vance: Mr President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media. Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the frontlines because you have manpower problems. You should be thanking the president.

Zelenskyy: Have you ever been to Ukraine to see the problems we have?

Vance: I’ve actually watched and seen the stories, and I know what happens is you bring people on a propaganda tour, Mr President.

Do you disagree that you’ve had problems with bringing people in your military, and do you think that it’s respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?

Zelenskyy: First of all, during the war, everybody has problems, even you. You have nice solutions and don’t feel [it] now, but you will feel it in the future.

Trump: You don’t know that. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel.

Zelenskyy: I am not telling you, I am answering …

Vance: That’s exactly what you’re doing …

Trump, raising his voice: You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel very good and very strong.

Zelenskyy tries to speak.

Trump: You right now are not in a very good position. You’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having the cards.

You’re gambling with lives of millions of people, you’re gambling with world war three and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country.

Vance: Have you said thank you once?

Zelenskyy: A lot of times.

Vance: No, in this meeting, this entire meeting? Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who’s trying to save your country.

Zelenskyy: Yes, you think that if you will speak very loudly about the war …

Trump: He’s not speaking loud. Your country is in big trouble. No, no, you’ve done a lot of talking. Your country is in big trouble.

Zelenskyy: I know, I know.

Trump: You’re not winning this. You have a damn good chance of coming out OK, because of us.

Zelenskyy: We are staying strong from the very beginning of the war, we have been alone, and we are saying, I said, thanks.

Trump, speaking over Zelenskyy: You haven’t been alone … We gave you military equipment. Your men are brave, but they had our military. If you didn’t have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks.

Zelenskyy: I heard it from Putin in three days.

Trump: It’s going to be a very hard thing to do business like this.

Vance: Just say thank you.

Zelenskyy: I said it a lot of times.

Vance: Accept that there are disagreements and let’s go litigate those disagreements rather than trying to fight it in the American media, when you’re wrong. We know that you’re wrong.

Trump: You’re buried there. Your people are dying. You’re running low on soldiers. No, listen … And then you tell us, ‘I don’t want a ceasefire. I don’t want a ceasefire. I want to go and I want this.’

Trump: You’re not acting at all thankful. And that’s not a nice thing. I’ll be honest, that’s not a nice thing.

All right, I think we’ve seen enough. What do you think? Great television. I will say that.

Russia’s former president, said Zelenskky got a “solid slap” from Trump :::: But European leaders says US Prez was "deeply unreasonable"

Russian officials reacted with glee to the extraordinary scene, while Ukraine’s European allies expressed support for Kyiv.

As tensions escalated, Trump raised his voice, nearly shouting at the Ukrainian leader: 

“You’re gambling with World War III.”

Video Link click below:

Trump-Zelenskyy argument at Oval Office

Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president, said Zelenskiy had got a “solid slap” from Trump in what he described as “a brutal dressing-down in the Oval Office”.

Unusual Diplomacy !!

Samples:

Zelenskyy: What kind of diplomacy, JD, are you are asking about? What do you mean?

Vance: I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country.

Zelenskyy: Yes, but if you …

Trump, raising his voice: 

You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel very good and very strong.

But in an indirect rebuke to Trump, the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, praised Zelenskyy. “Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless,” she posted on X. “We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”

Jonas Gahr, Norway’s prime minister, described the episode as “serious and disheartening”, adding: “That Trump accuses Zelenskyy of gambling with world war three is deeply unreasonable and a statement I distance myself from.”

The French president, Emanuel Macron, told reporters: “Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the aggressed people … These are simple things, but they’re good to remember at times like these.”

After the meeting Zelenskyy expressed his thanks to Trump, Congress and the American people, posting: “Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.” He also cancelled public events which had been scheduled for Friday.

The personal relationship between Trump and Zelenskyy has been strained since Trump’s previous administration, when he was impeached (though not convicted and removed from office) on the grounds that he had pressured Zelenskyy to investigate business dealings involving Joe Biden’s son Hunter in Ukraine, reports 'The Guardian'. 

But Friday marked a true low point in the relationship with the public blow-up coming as Ukraine is desperate for foreign military aid and international support to keep the country afloat amid its grinding defense from the Russian invasion.

Zelenskyy arrived in Washington on Friday after several weeks of tense negotiations in which he alleged that the US was pressuring him to sign a deal that it would take “10 generations to pay back”.

Trump has said that he wants the US to be repaid for providing military aid to Ukraine, but commentators have suggested that the deal looks more like a shakedown at Ukraine’s most vulnerable moment.

The New York Times’ chief White House correspondent called it “one of the most dramatic moments ever to play out in public in the Oval Office”.

The New Yorker’s Susan Glasser described it as “the most shocking behavior by Trump and Vance I’ve ever seen in the Oval Office. An ambush.”

Even as Zelenskyy arrived at the White House, Trump sought to physically dominate the Ukrainian leader, telling reporters that Zelenskyy, who was wearing a black turtleneck, was “all dressed up”. 

Zelenskyy has not appeared in public in a suit since the Russian full-scale invasion three years ago, preferring to wear military-style clothing instead. Trump has complained about the Ukrainian leader’s style of dress.

Zelenskyy met with US lawmakers earlier on Friday. “An important visit to the United States,” he wrote of his meetings with a bipartisan delegation from the US Senate. 

“Our discussions focused on the continued military assistance for Ukraine, relevant legislative initiatives, my meeting with President Trump, efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, our vision for ending the war, and the importance of robust security guarantees.”

The White House also removed a reporter from the Russian state news agency Tass, saying the outlet was not on the approved media list for Trump’s meeting with Zelenskyy, says 'The Guardian' report. 

ends 

The Big Fight :::: Trump, Zelenskyy clash at White House meet over war with Russia ::: Zelenskyy says, "No compromises with a killer" ... reference to Vladimir Putin

Ukraine President Zelenskyy leaves White House early after furious meeting where Trump claims he ‘disrespected US’ and is not ready for peace. 

US military support for Ukraine hangs in the balance and talks over a minerals deal have collapsed following a disastrous White House summit in which Donald Trump warned Volodymyr Zelenskyy that he was “gambling with world war three” and 

told the Ukrainian president to come back “when he is ready for peace”.

Zelenskyy left the White House early and a press conference to announce the minerals deal was cancelled after Trump gave Zelenskyy a dressing-down that followed an ambush led by Vice-President JD Vance to shatter the fragile relationship between the two leaders.

Earlier, the US president received the Ukrainian president on Friday to discuss a controversial mineral resources deal that Trump has said is the first step toward a ceasefire agreement that he is seeking to broker between Russia and Ukraine. 

During the meeting, Trump berated Zelenskyy for being “disrespectful” and accused him of "gambling with World War Three". 

At one point, Trump urged Zelenskyy to be more thankful. 

Zelenskyy openly challenged Trump over his softer approach towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to "make no compromises with a killer".  

But the meeting on Friday degenerated after Zelenskyy suggested that Vance, a skeptic of US support for Ukraine, should come to the country to see the destruction from the invasion and that Russia was responsible for the continued fighting.

The meeting had been due to continue behind closed doors, but was cut short after the open display of antagonism in the Oval Office.

Soon afterwards, Trump released a statement in which he suggested that the two had not signed the minerals agreement.

“I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations,” he said. 

“I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”

During the public part of the meeting, Trump and Vance took turns to berate Zelenskyy, with Vance accusing him of carrying out “publicity tours” and Trump telling him: “You’re not really in a good position right now.”

At one point he demanded: “Have you said ‘thank you’ once?”

Picking up the theme Trump told Zelenskyy: “Do you think that it’s respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?”

PM Modi-Trump meet was among most successful bilateral talks: Ian Bremmer ::::: "India is in the best position for Washington"

The US-China relations will get worse in the days to come as the US President intends to create a trading block with India. 

Speaking to India Today TV, geostrategic expert Ian Bremmer described PM Narendra Modi's meeting with Donald Trump as one of the most successful global bilateral talks, highlighting India's strategic role amid worsening US-China ties.

"PM Modi's meeting with Trump has been one of the most successful bilateral engagements he has conducted globally. This was because the US-China relationship is going to worsen further. 

Trump intends to create a trading coalition with like-minded countries that will decouple core supply chains, resources, and advanced technologies away from China. 

"Containing China is not going to be well received by Beijing, but it makes India an important partner," Ian Bremmer said. 

He also said that the United States wanted to strengthen its defence ties with India, aiming to expand the sale of American equipment and technology. 

The Trump administration, he noted, is looking to expand sales of American military equipment and technology while fostering stronger alignment between India and US tech firms.

"The Trump administration wanted a stronger defence relationship with India. They also seek to sell more American military componentry and hardware, foster a closer technology partnership, and encourage greater alignment with US interests. 

Among major economies, whether it's the Saudis or the Israelis — who had stronger ties with Trump — India is in the best position," he said.  

"The optics of illegal detainees returning in shackles was a concern for Colombia and some other countries. However, this has been addressed through transit via third countries. Trump is not making things easy for any nation," the expert said.

"While the situation is as good as it can be, it may not be as warm as some would prefer. 

I agree that India has faced a bumpier road under Trump's second term compared to the first, but when compared to countries like China, Canada, Mexico, the European Union, or smaller nations like Panama and Denmark, India is in a far better position," he added. 

"Future of Naga society cannot be subjected to nefarious whims ..... but must focus on confidence building," - says Naga GB Federation

"The future of Naga society cannot be subjected to the nefarious whims of those seeking to divide and fragment us but should focus on confidence-building measures to enhance brotherhood and camaraderie," 

- says Nagaland Gaon Bura (Village Chiefs) Federation.

It appreciated the statement of Naga Hoho - "It's time to wrap up Naga peace talk" and called it "another development" coming as a relief to those who favour early Solution and lasting peace. 

"The NGBF urged the Naga negotiating teams to come to a common platform to solve the Naga issue. The talks are said to have concluded on October 31, 2019 but the final agreement is yet to be signed," it pointed out the obvious.

"The future of the Naga society cannot be subjected to the nefarious whims of those seeking to divide and fragment us but should focus on confidence-building measures to enhance brotherhood and camaraderie,"it stated.

"The time has come for both the negotiating teams to bring whatever has been agreed upon and mutually accepted in one table". 

The central government has inked two preliminary pacts Framework Agreement with the NSCN-IM on Aug 3, 2015 and Agreed Position with NNPG on Nov 17, 2017.  

The Naga peace talks between the NSCN-IM and the centre started in 1997 during the stint of I K Gujral as the Prime Minister. 

The centre has stated more than once that the parleys on the Naga political issue has concluded in October 2019. A statement to this effect was made by Nagaland Governor R N Ravi on the floor of the state assembly as well.

However, the final peace pact has been stalled because the NSCN-IM raised the bogies of a separate Flag and Naga Constitution. Both the demands have been rejected by the centre.

In 2022, on the role of Gaon Burras, PM Narendra Modi had said : "When I had invited the Gaon Burras to my home in Delhi and welcomed them, they had blessed me....They blessed me so much and today also (aaj bhi)  they have been continuing to bless me". 

The GBs along with the Naga Tribes Council (NTC) had also played their part for the inking of the Agreed Position in 2017. 

File snap : Namo and GB leaders: Sitting across the 'prestigious' round table

In its statement on Feb 28, 2025, the NGBF also urged the Naga people to "carry out the deep-dive study, compare and contrast to deliberate both the mutually agreed agreement that is FA&AP ones which will best serve the interest of the Naga people".

The NGBF state that, it is "deeply saddened to see the ever-widening divide in the Naga society today". 

"We can ill-afford this during this critical juncture of our long political journey which has been sustained with blood, sweat and tears beyond borders by all the Nagas," 

However, it said, the palpable differences in ideology and approach among the groups have been doing the Naga society more harm than good despite all that they have achieved in different negotiating tables.

The NGBF said it is essential to find the best possible path and solution for the Nagas in the present contemporary political circumstances without losing the unique political history of the Nagas for lasting peace in the region.

It said unless both the agreement is compiled and bringing out the common draft is initiated and carried out in the true spirit of Naga unity and Naga public aspiration for permanent peace in all Naga inhabited areas, the solution to the Naga issue will elude the Nagas.

The NGBF also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to show the political will to conclude the Naga political issue.

"Furthermore, the NGBF had welcome the Naga Hoho press statement advocating the inclusivity of the outside Nagas of Nagaland manifest the true leadership classification. 

Further the NGBF had vigorously endorsed the organization for coming up with such reassurance and timely mitigation over the decades of chaos and fallacy within the Naga populous," the statement said. 

ends 

Following 'request' for more time .... Manipur Governor Bhalla extends deadline up-to 4 pm of 6th March, 2025 for voluntary surrender of arms

In a fresh communique, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Friday, feb 28, extended 'deadline'  for surrender of looted and illegal arms by one more week up tp 1600 hours of March 6.

"On 20th February 2025, I had issued a request to the people of all communities, particularly the youth in the Valley and Hills, to voluntarily come forward and surrender looted and illegally held weapons & ammunition to the nearest Police Station / Outpost / Security Forces Camp within seven days. 

The request has yielded a positive response," he stated.

"Upon expiry of the seven days deadline for voluntary surrender of such arms, there has been demand from both valley and hill areas to extend the period for surrender. 

I have considered the request and decided to extend the deadline up-to 4pm of 06 March 2025 for voluntary surrender of such arms. 

All those who are still holding such arms are requested to voluntarily come forward and surrender looted and illegally held weapons & ammunition to the nearest Police Station / Outpost / Security Forces Camp by the given deadline i.e. 06 March 2025."

Like the previous communique, the Governor said during this period "no punitive action" will be taken against the individuals who voluntarily surrender weapons. 

"However, any person found in possession of illegal or looted arms after the given deadline will face legal action as per law. Further, the police and security forces would be taking up extensive operations after the said deadline.

This is the last opportunity for everyone concerned to contribute to peace, communal harmony, safeguarding the future of our youths, and security of our society. We again request all those still in possession of such weapons to avail themselves of this final chance to surrender them without any fear of prosecution within the given period. 

2023 holocaust 

"Come Forward and Choose Peace," the Governor said. 

"For further clarifications, individuals may contact their nearest police station or police control room on 9485280419," the communique added. 

surrendered arms : Feb 2025 

                                           

Has Chingwang defied Rio line ? NDPP Political Resolution lacked substance :: But party chief "endorses" Ravi line talks OVER BY OCT 2019, calls for Solution "without further delay"

Possibly an unthinkable thing has happened. 

Will the real NDPP stand out ? 

The Rio Cabinet in Nagaland had met Amit Shah in Nov 2024 demanding 'new interlocutor' for Naga peace talks. The plea was rejected outright.

But at the NDPP general convention on Feb 27th (Thursday), 2025, party chief Chingwang Konyak said: 

"... talks with the NSCN (I-M) and with the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) were concluded on 31 October, 2019". 

In the process, has the party chief snubbed the Rio cabinet - NDPP-BJP combine itself ? 

The inherent contradiction within the NDPP top leadership is palpable. 

A day after the speech was delivered by Chingwang Konyak in presence of Neiphiu Rio and other stalwarts and including a few know-all advisors of the Chief Minister, the Govt of India has rather taken a 'jaundiced view'.

Which is the real NDPP ? -- is the refrain in Delhi circles and not without good reasons. 

Veteran Chingwang - probably sees the writing on the wall and therefore appealed "...to leaders of the (Naga) National workers to come together and with one voice and settle the issue with the Government of India without further delay." 

Is Rio agreeing to see the 'writing on the wall' ?

Chingwang said: "The top most concern and desire of the people of Nagaland is that the leaders of the various National Workers groups lose no further time for the settlement of the political issue with India. As long as the political stalemate continues, there can be no peace in Nagaland." 

Chingwang is known for his mild manner and is often taken as a soft passive kind of a personality. 

Way back in 1993 as the then Nagaland pradesh Congress president, he had famously told 'The Nagaland Times' -- "I am not a rubber stamp president".  

Is he displaying the same guts and decisiveness yet again.  

The then Chief Minister S C Jamir never took lightly vis-a-vis Chingwang in 1993-94 and later he was denied the Congress ticket for the by-poll for Tehok assembly seat after sitting legislator T P Manlem had expired. 

Jamir had nominated his "trusted right hand - left hand team Rio and K Therie" to meet AICC general secretary Sushilkumar Shinde and the Congress ticket for the by-poll was given to a former tourist officer W. Wangyuh Konyak, who had quit the job to try his fortune in politics. 

In 1993 general elections P Enyiye Konyak (NPC) had defeated Chingwang Konyak and the latter had several complaint about the intra-party squabbling. 

S C Jamir: Maestro of Naga politics 

Whether Chingwang has made the speech on his own or he has done so at the behest of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio remains to be seen.

The answer to this puzzle as of now remains in the womb of time. 

Chingwang also said : 

"The paramount task, therefore, the people of Nagaland is to find a permanent solution to this problem. 

Therefore, appeal to leaders of the National workers to come together and with one voice and settle the issue with the Government of India without further delay."  

The statement from Chingwang at this juncture deserves closer scrutiny as the NDPP Political resolution avoided raising these issues as has been flagged by the party chief himself. 

The Rio government has come under tremendous criticism and hence 'pressure' from multiple quarters in last few months. 

The imposition of President's Rule in Manipur and appointment of Amit Shah's trusted former Babu, Ajay Bhalla as the Governor, also has made Centre's intention clear. 

All militant groups and others in the state of Manipur will in next few weeks come under pressure as army operation is likely to be intensified. 

Governor Bhalla had given time to all groups and other concerned quarters to surrender looted and illegal arms and ammunition and the deadline expired on Feb 27th.  

As of now it is still not very clear;  but Chingwang is unlikely to draw an independent line for himself vis-a-vis Chief Minister Rio.

In fact, when Chingwang floated NDPP, it was well known that Rio was providing him moral, political and other necessary support. And both have enjoyed good rapport "like husband and wife", as Chingwang had said in the 1990s in the context of pradesh Congress chief (that is himself) and Chief Minister (that is Jamir).  

Can Chingwang - who also hails from ENPO region - be a new trump card for protagonists in Delhi ?

That's another question.

ends 

Could you take on Russia by yourselves, Trump asks Starmer, awkward laughs follow !!

Could you take on Russia by yourselves, Trump asks Starmer, awkward laughs follow
US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met at the White House on Thursday, marking the first meeting between the two leaders since the former took charge.

Flattery and underlying tension defined the meeting between US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House on Thursday. 

Starmer turned on his charm during the talks for a commitment of US military support to Ukraine in the ongoing war with Russia, but Trump brushed aside the plea. 

In one of the notable moments, while praising Britain's "incredible military" that "don't need much help", the 78-year-old US President jokingly asked, "Could you take on Russia by yourselves?"  Trump praised the UK's ability to "take care of themselves", and added that if Britain's peacekeeping forces came under attack and they "need help, I will always be with the British".

Starmer spoke about the strong ties between the US and the UK, and how they have historically supported one another. Trump commended the UK PM, saying the country has "done a great job" over the years. 

To this, Starmer gave a subtle response, "But we have also always had been backing each other up between our two countries. That is why this is the greatest alliance of prosperity and security that the world has seen."

Trump puts Starmer on the spot:

“Could you take on Russia by yourself?” pic.twitter.com/8uZIMEz8dr — GB Politics (@GBPolitcs) February 27, 2025

The British PM also delivered an invitation from King Charles for a future state visit, which Trump accepted. Furthermore, he said that peace in Ukraine was only possible because of the US President.