(As unity among Naga factions is not coming on its own; it is also not coming at the instance of civil society or the so-called efforts of state legislators; -- the Govt of India after years of delayed talks is today duty bound to work for a Common Platform with its own resources and workskills)
It’s a truism that every change is not a sign of progress.
This holds true for the hilly state of Nagaland and its people. Problems confronting the state are complex often born out of socio-political background.
In other words, some of the challenges are man - made disasters.
The questions which arise at this juncture are – To what extent is the Neta class - the politicians should be held responsible for the catastrophe !!
Discover a new neta-class in the form of Rising People's Party (RPP). It is a one-man show in Nagaland state and more interesting part of the saga is that it is an outfit now being run by a failed politician.
Obviously, frustration and desperation of different natures are visible in the latest actions.
The paperwork of RPP is now turning into an asset for Nagaland's much well known and well established Status Quo club.
The Govt of India for its part may have to soon examine pros and cons involved in the game of the so-called "Wolf in sheep's clothing".
This 1903 work by Józef Mehoffer depicts a wolf disguised as a sheep
A wolf in sheep's clothing is an idiom from Jesus's Sermon on the Mount as narrated in the Gospel of Matthew. It warns against individuals who play a deceptive role. The gospel regards such individuals (particularly false teachers) as dangerous. (Wikipedia)
The state of Nagaland believes in the power of the slogan 'Nagaland for Christ'. !!
In a very general sense, all politicians across the globe can be easily called wolves in the sheep clothing.
Look at the manner the Tariff game is being played out against 'friends' from America these days.
The core idea is that a politician presents a false image to the public, often one of trustworthiness and concern for the people's welfare.
So the RPP cannot be an exception.
Long back, a Naga politician had said - "Politicians never lie". The reaction in the tiny newsroom of Nagaland Journal's office at Kohima from its Editor Riato Jasokie Zinyu was laughter.
The RPP has so far released a couple of statements on Naga peace talks. The RPP leadership is certainly playing holier than thou approach. But what's the game behind?
Does it want unity or it wants to keep the Naga political stage vis-a-vis Solution divided?
One thing is certain; the RPP is getting more and more personal against Home Minister Amit Shah's trusted man. This is an old game in the art of politics.
Hit the king's messenger. But in today's world it is a futile game. This is an well informed era and Naga public should not be underestimated on their political wisdom so much.
Generally New Delhi was accused of dividing the Nagas ? But this time around, who is trying to divide the Nagas? The Govt of India is working overtime to ensure a purposeful and result-oriented unity.
The Govt of India (as in Aug 2025) does not have any doubt about the 'genuineness' of two preliminary pacts the Framework Agreement of 2015 and the Agreed Position of 2017.
In gist, the New Delhi's message has been both are legitimate documents and both will be respected. This brings us to the next question - How should the central government go about the united efforts and a Common Platform ?
Maybe the RPP favours the civil society to play that crucial role of bringing all parties together. It all looks good in writing. The civil society has so far not done it. Or they were all forced to face failures.
The Status Quo Club often plays Saboteurs.
The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has been rendered toothless. The Gaon Burrah Federation has been mocked by players at Kohima and numerous hurdles were created. One office bearer was also served with a show cause notice by the state government.
Thus, suddenly to expect the civil society or any metaphysical body deliver the 'unity' is like Mirage.
The concluding refrain in the corridors of power in Delhi is that ultimately the Naga problem has to be resolved.
So far the political leadership -- whatever task given to them from New Delhi - has failed. The civil society too has failed.
For its part, the Govt of India cannot sit idle and let the present mess and chaos more so in the terms of 'taxes' and extortion continue unabated.
New Delhi needs to be pro-active. In fact, the charge against Centre so far has been that it is going slow or even sleeping over the issue. Why this new complain that the Centre is overstepping?
The RPP's voice and statements are understandably not of their own. The Govt of India is sure of a few source of inspiration. And hence New Delhi has successfully created a favourable atmosphere for Solution.
Like Pakistan's empty Nuke threat; the threats from a section of Nagas that Chinese help will be enlisted are also not working.
New Delhi in circa 2025 has able to hold the bull by its horns. Pressure has mounted and finally the obstinate stance will have to make way for pragmatism.
Anyone seeming seen as opposing the Solution will be isolated in Naga society soon and so would be those power-play masters. Time for forced retirement.
The sum and substance is the Govt of India cannot keep on waiting for the civil society to bring various Naga factions together. And in the process force people to face extortion on one hand and the loot of benefits of power continue for some.
Finally, let us come to the legitimacy of RPP statements themselves.
If RPP leadership thinks others have played and failed and today it can play a better role; the RPP should come forward and play a pivotal role from the forefront.
Let the RPP come forward and take the full byte itself.
If that is not happening, it should allow and encourage the Govt of India do its part and deliver Solution which is the crying need for Nagas and more importantly for the younger generation.
ends
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