Agro economy: Agitating India derails reform, PM 'stalls' Pak designs

New Delhi

The big picture message is - India's reform journey has been derailed by Misguided farmers,  Motivated Mandi operators and sheer champions of negativity - the opposition parties.

Many called it the 'November shocker' yet again from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On Nov 8, 2016, he had announced demonetisation of high value currency. Five years and 10 days after, on Nov 19, circa 2021, PM announced repealing of contentious three farm laws. Repealing the three new farm laws was definitely a major negative catalyst to the reform process in the agro economy sector.

AFP/UCAN snap credit

"The  repeal of farm reform laws is the real India story, though a bitter one. It will help a small segment of farmers and merchants in two-three states. But the whole country will continue to pay a heavy price for it,” says Ramakanto Shanyal in Bengal.

In 2015, the Land Acquisition Bill was also resisted and later the centre 'left' it to states.

Of course, the year-long protest against farm laws was also seen as one of his biggest challenges since PM Modi

came to power in 2014.

But there was no decline in Modi's popularity graph.

In fact, a global survey in November had given him top rank with a staggeringly high 70 per cent score.

But western media had their line. One foreign agency said -- "The rallies (protest by farmers) became a

lightning rod for opposition to Modi's administration in a country where two-thirds of the 1.3 billion

population rely on agriculture for their livelihood".

Left to him,  Prime Minister Modi was a sad man to order repeal of the laws. 

"....Maybe something was lacking in our Tapasya, which is why we could not convince some farmers," he said 

in a national broadcast on Nov 19.

The Government sources said the PM  has chosen 'national interest.

One source said, "the purpose of the new move 'repealing' the three farm laws is to 

not allow anti-national elements take advantage and want to create problems and conflicts 

between communities". 

There were reports of such tension on the eve of polls especially in Punjab. 

A notion of alienation of Sikhs - even flagged by Capt Amarinder Singh - had left him worried.

"An impression went both within the country and overseas that the Hindu-Sikh division has widened

again like in the 1980s. The three laws seeking to throw open the market for greater 

private investment in the agri sector was being dubbed as anti-Sikhs," says analyst Vidyarthi Kumar.

A former Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh - himself a Sikh and a former military officer -

warned about the Sikh alienation and held two separate meetings with Modi's trusted lieutenants

Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

There were also suggestions that some anti-India forces (a possible reference to Pakistan) were trying to back

the Khalistani movement. 

In 1984, the anti-India movement of Sikhs had resulted in the assassination

of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and also Indian army storming of the sacred Golden Temple at Amritsar.

Even Governor of Meghalaya, Satyapal Malik, also a former Governor in Kashmir, had cautioned the

Modi government on the apprehension of fueling anguish and grievances amongst Sikhs.

Anil Ghanwat, an agriculture expert and a member of the Supreme Court appointed panel that 'unsuccessfully'

worked to bring the farmers' stir to end, lamented: "No federal government will dare to bring much needed

reforms in the coming 50 years and the majority of farmers will remain poor".

"Over 83 per cent of India's households are dependent on agriculture but the sector's contribution to

country's GDP is minimal. I am not against the protesting farmers, but the farmers from the states in

southern and eastern India who did not agitate have been punished," lamented a Naga leader Thomas

Ngullie.

Over-depending on foodgrains alone had taken away Indian farmers from

cultivating other products like vegetables, pulses and fruits.

In some western states, there is over dependence on sugarcane

cultivation - which again takes away the bulk of irrigated water and electricity.

"The status quo on the farm front is not sustainable," commented 'The Economic Times'

in its edit.

ends 

NPP MLA and Manipur Sports Minister joins BJP

New Delhi:

(One source says, Haokib's change of constituency and the party might have been done in 'general understanding' with the NPP leadership so that the BJP-NPP harmony may not be disturbed at all.)

Election time also becomes confrontation time among allies and friends.
The NPP led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma is a key BJP ally in
the north east sharing power in Meghalaya and Manipur and is also a NDA constituent at the national level.

But on Wednesday, Dec 29, the BJP struck a major surprise and won over Manipur Sports Minister Letpao Haokib.

He joined the saffron party in presence of Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and BJP in-charge

for the state, Sambit Patra.

Notably, NPP chief and Meghalaya Chief Minister Sangma visited Manipur only on December 27

and reviewed party's poll preparedness in Manipur, which goes to the polls along with UP, Punjab,

Goa and Uttarakhand by February-March.

In fact, in quite ironic situation NPP legislator Y. Joykumar Singh is the deputy chief minister in the 

N. Biren Singh-led coalition government in the state.

In 2017 polls,which BJP had won 21 seats in the 60-member assembly, it formed government

along with alliance partners such as NPP.

Sangma's party had won four seats in 2017 and had bargained hard for the deputy chief minister's

post.

Elections in Manipur will be a keenly watched contest with the Congress as the principal opponent

of the BJP especially in view of pending finalisation of a peace pact with Naga rebel groups.

Nagas have substantial presence in hilly regions and in 2017,  Nagaland-based regional party, NPF,

too had picked up four seats.

Sports Minister Haokib represented Haokip a politcally sensitive Chandel constituency. 

In 2017, it was a fierce multi-cornered contest in Chandel with as many as seven candidates

in the fray. BJP, Trinamool Congress, NPF and the Congress had fielded candidates.

However, in 2022 polls, Haokib may shift constituency and contest from Tengnoupal assembly segment.

The NPP for its part is likely to field Congress MLA D Korungthang in Chandel. 

Haokib is from Kuki tribal community and a former footballer and the BJP poll strategists feel 

his joining the party will attract youngsters into the Lotus party fold.

NPP is likely to contest 15 seats only while in the absence of any pre-poll alliance, the BJP

may contest all 60 seats and has set a target of 40 on its own. 

ends 

'Discovery of Hindu Terror False theory' ::::: Malegaon Blast: Witness tells court that ATS tortured him to name Yogi, RSS leaders

 As Malegaon blast witness turns hostile RSS accuses UPA of conspiracy

New Delhi: 

Curiously, former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh now facing cases of extortion, was the Additional Commissioner of the Maharashtra ATS when it probed the Malegaon blast case.) 

It was an era of utmost vindictive politics. A group of politicians and their cohorts thrived trying to discover a phrase called 'Hindu terror'. Eminent Hindu leaders including the likes of RSS leader Indresh Kumar, BJP lawmaker Sadhvi Pragya and the incumbent UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were all implicated falsely.

Duo: Discovery of 'Hindu Terror' False theory

Senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar has every right today to demand 'apology' from the Congress

and UPA's self-styled 'secular' champions.

A key witness on Tuesday told the Special NIA court that he was threatened, tortured and kept in illegal custody 

by the Mumbai ATS and forced to take the names of Rashtriya Swayamseval Sangh (RSS) leaders and 

and also UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was then a BJP MP.

A series of bomb blasts that took place on September 8, 2006 in Malegaon, a town in the Nashik district of 

Maharashtra. The state was then under Congress-NCP rule and the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad 

(ATS) though initially suspected and blamed the bombings on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), 

but later in the chargesheet the central government-run NIA and ATS blamed it on Abhinav Bharat, and

several leaders were implicated.

Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and Lt Col Purohit were quickly arrested in connection with the blast and gradually 

the UPA regime's favourite phrase “Hindu terror” and “Saffron terror” were popularised by politicians and 

of course a section of pro-Left media.

As many as 220 witnesses have been examined in the case so far and 15 of them including a few 

turned hostile.

Therefore as the news spread it made sense for Indresh Kumar to demand an apology from the Congress

and other UPA leaders.

"The truth is the whole of Congress was involved (in the conspiracy). They all should apologise. They 

criminalized Indian politics," he said.

Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh now facing multiple cases of extortion, was the 

Additional Commissioner of the ATS when it probed the Malegaon blast case.

The witness was deposed before the special National Investigation Agency court and his statement was recorded 

by the ATS when it probed the case before the NIA took over.

During his deposition, the witness told the court that the then senior ATS officer Param Bir Singh and 

another officer had threatened him to name Yogi Adityanath, and four other RSS leaders, including Indresh 

Kumar. 

The ATS also tortured him, the witness said. 

Swami Aseemanand, Indresh Kumar, Kakaji and Deodharji were also implicated.

ends 

Yellow alert in Delhi :: 'good news' on Vaccines, Nanoparticle Vax for emergency ::::: PM shows ruthlessness, prepares gen-next BJP leaders

The Delhi government announced fresh curbs on December 28 as part of the “yellow alert” to contain the fast-spreading Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Schools, colleges and other educational institutions in Delhi will remain closed until further orders, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) said.

Schools and colleges in Delhi were ordered shut earlier this month due to air pollution in the capital.They reopened for physical classes just two weeks ago.

Delhi night curfew timings will now be from 10 pm to 5 am.

The fresh restrictions have been enforced following the biggest single-day spike in infections in six months in Delhi. Yesterday, the city recorded 331 new cases.

Delhi’s share of Omicron cases has gone from 2-3 per cent to 25-30 per cent in two weeks.

Nanoparticle Vax for emergency;

Also 'Hat-trick; 'CORBEVAX vaccine' will be India's 1st indigenous developed RBD protein sub-unit vaccine 

New Delhi:

The country's proud and exemplary strides on the vaccines manufacturing front continues unabated.

The new Anti-viral drug Molnupiravir will be now available "for restricted use in emergency situations," tweetedUnion Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya.

PM led by example, taking 'among firsts' shot 

"Congratulations India. Further strengthening the fight against COVID-19, CDSCO,  in Ministry of HFW_INDIA has given 3 approvals in a single day for: - CORBEVAX vaccine

- COVOVAX vaccine, - Anti-viral drug Molnupiravir," he wrote.

The Minister said, "Molnupiravir, an antiviral drug, will now be manufactured in the country by 13 companies for restricted use under emergency situations for treatment of adult patients with COVID-19 and who have high risk of progression of the disease". 

On the Nanoparticle Vaccine, COVOVAX, he said, it will be manufactured by Pune-based firm Serum Institute of India. 

"PM @NarendraModi Ji has led the battle against #COVID19 from the front. All these approvals will further strengthen the global fight against the pandemic. Our Pharma Industries are asset for the entire world," he wrote onthe micro blogging site.

He also tweeted to declare that 'CORBEVAX vaccine' will be India's 1st indigenously developed RBD protein sub-unit vaccine against COVID19.

This is manufactured by Hyderabad-based firm Biological-E. 

"It's a hat-trick! It's now the 3rd vaccine developed in India," he said. 

ends 

Modi shows ruthlessness, prepares gen-next BJP leaders

New Delhi: Another year, another Milestone. Moditva strikes. In reflection of his no-nonsense ruthless political leadership with an ear on ground commitment, the drastic cabinet reshuffle in July was the high point of BJP politics in circa 2021.

Youngsters have been elevated, some old woods and veterans pulled aside, a few dropped, and women and deprived castes were given adequate representation. In simpler language, displaying yet again the visionary touch, the 'Moditva' phenomenon in its vintage form now has prepared BJP for the next generation.

Anurag Thakur from small state Himachal Pradesh was rewarded, and on the other hand, Kiren Rijiju from Arunachal has been given the Law portfolio. The Health Ministry honour and tough assignment came to Mansukh Mandaviya, a lawmaker from Gujarat, known as a workaholic. 

Among the new faces, Jyotiraditya Scindia was made the new Civil Aviation Minister, and the most creamy assignments went to Ashwini Vaishnaw from Odisha-who was given railways and communications and IT. In the process, India got its youngest cabinet. The marathon 'reboot' exercise ensured ministerial berths for 12 Scheduled Caste, eight tribal, 27 OBC faces, and 11 women.

Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, a first-time MP from Inner Manipur seat, became MoS for MEA and Education and New Delhi MP, Meenakshi Lekhi, made MoS for MEA and Culture.

PM Modi also made one of his youngsters Piyush Goyal the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, and three key ministers, Dr Harsh Vardhan, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Prakash Javadekar, were dropped.

The BJP's return to power in Assam and taking on the might of so-called 'Mamata popularity' in Bengal head-on and pushing the communists and the Congress into the margins show the saffron party has come of age.

The refrains, perhaps, the BJP could have done better in fiercely contested polls wherein minorities Muslims unashamedly gathered behind 'a readily appeasing' Mamata shows people only have higher expectations from the saffron party. BJP was dismissed as a party of 'upper castes' not long ago. Things were changed in some northern states earlier.

In the 2021 battle of Bengal, the Lotus party could rope in support of backward castes - Rajbongshis and Namasudras-despite the Hindutva politics. A political philosophy–‘Hindu-Hindi-Hindustan’ was made 'acceptable' for the people, and thus ‘Jai Shri Ram’ could not be dismissed as a mere slogan of north India and Gujarat.

The BJP also succeeded in making Pishi-Bhaipo (Mamata-Abhishek Banerjee) duo a symbol of corruption, tyranny and worse dynastic succession, many said during the polls. But electoral challenges are never-ending. As the year comes to an end, the BJP's poll strategists are back in business, drawing out plans for key contests in Punjab and UP. 

BJP has a new alliance partner in Capt Amarimdér Singh in Punjab, and the state is set for a four-cornered contest. In UP, of course, the challenges are huge, and the Modi-Yogi duo is well prepared to offer themselves as 'the double engine Sarkar'.

The BJP also has challenges in Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur. Again, different plans are being drawn out in different states. In Manipur, the target is 40 plus in 60 member assembly, and here BJP's trump card will be women, voters.

The party has already taken a giant, and vital political step as the state unit chief is a woman - A Sharda Devi. It is for the first time a major political force has a woman chief in Manipur, and the move is sèen as a game-changer.

The BJP also won crucial civic body polls in Tripura, and this was also the year it changed its chief ministers in Karnataka and Gujarat. For poll managers and key planner Amit Shah, yet again hands are full as the party has to soon start preparing for elections in Himachal and Gujarat in December 2023.

In the early part of 2023, three northeastern states, Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya, also go to polls, and so does Karnataka by April-May.

Ex-cricket star Dinesh Mongia, others join BJP ahead of Punjab polls

New Delhi: 

Former cricket star Dinesh Mongia joined the BJP on Tuesday at the party office here. 

Mongia, 44, took primary membership of the ruling party at the centre to start his political innings.

He was welcomed into the party fold by Union Minister and party in-charge for polls,Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

Three Punjab MLAs - Fateh Jung Bajwa, Balwinder Singh Laddi and Rana Gurmeet Sodhi also joined the saffron party giving it a boost weeks ahead of the 2022 polls.

In the 2017 Punjab assembly elections, the BJP was the smaller partner of the Akali Dal and could win only three seats of its own.

The Congress under Capt Amarinder Singh won an absolute majority by picking up 77 seats in the 117-member Punjab assembly. The Shiromani Akali Dal had won 15 seats and thus it lost powerafter 10 years in office.

Now of course, Captain Amarinder Singh has floated his party Punjab Lok Congress and has alsoentered into an alliance with the BJP.

Punjab is heading for a four-cornered contest between Congress, Akali Dal, AAP and the new combine ofBJP and Punjab Lok Congress.

Ex-Sangroor MP Rajdev Khalsa also joined the saffron party among others.

Gurtej Singh Gudhaniya, a former Akali leader and three-time MLA from Baluana also joinedthe Lotus party.

ends 

IB man, DGMO in AFSPA review panel: Time given three months and not '45 days' as stated by Nagaland Govt

 

New Delhi/Dimapur

In a major move, the Government of India on Monday announced the setting up of a special panel to review the enforcement of the Armed Forces Special Power in Nagaland (AFSPA).

In an office order the North East division of the Union Home Ministry said Dr Vivek Joshi,

Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India will head the special panel to study 

AFSPA review issues vis-a-vis the state of Nagaland, where the state assembly has passed 

an unanimous official resolution seeking immediate repeal of the controversial law - which sort of 

gives some impunity powers to the armed forces.

Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home, Piyush Goyal will be the member secretary of the panel and it will have Lt Gen P C Nair, DG Assam Rifles among others as a member.

Other members of the committee are J Alam, Chief Secretary, Nagaland, T. John Longkumer, DGP, Nagaland,

Dr M S Tuli, Joint Director Intelligence Bureau and Lt Gen B S Raju, DG Military Operations, will be the 

special invitee.

"The terms of reference of the committee shall be to review the application of AFSPA in Nagaland and make suitable recommendations within a period of three months".

On Sunday, Dec 26, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio (NDPP), deputy CM Y. Patton (BJP) and former Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang (NPF) had stated that the committee will submit its report within 45 days and "withdrawal of the Disturbed Area and AFSPA will be based on the recommendations of the committee". 

The Chief Minister and his colleagues also said that the Additional Secretary Home would head the panel.

Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home, Piyush Goyal will be only the member secretary of the panel

and it will have Lt Gen P C Nair, DG Assam Rifles and also a senior representative from the Intelligence

Bureau among others as a member.

Including Intelligence Bureau nominee as a member and Lt Gen B S Raju, DG Military Operations as the 

special invitee shows the centre wants to broadbase the scope of the study by the panel and incorporate various

delicate matters like allegations of 'extortion racket' allegedly prevalent in the state.

Earlier Governor RN Ravi, now shifted to Tamil Nadu, had pointed out the alleged extortion racket run by some of the Naga groups who were talking to the centre.

AFSPA review panel : More to it than what's seen

New Delhi 

The Government of India has finally acted and on Monday announced the setting up of a special panel to review the enforcement of the Armed Forces Special Power in Nagaland (AFSPA). 

There is more to it than one can see on the face value. The panel has been 
given three months time to submit its report instead of 45 days as was being pushed
by the Nagaland government. 

Including an Intelligence Bureau nominee as a member and Lt Gen B S Raju, DG Military Operations (DGMO) as the special invitee shows the centre wants to broad-base the scope of the study of AFSPA enforcement by the panel. It also wants to incorporate various delicate matters like allegations of 'extortion racket' allegedly prevalent in the state.

Earlier Governor RN Ravi, now shifted to Tamil Nadu, had pointed out the alleged extortion racket run by some of the Naga groups who were talking to the centre.

Some militant organisations, government sources claim, also stated that they had the 'right' to

collect taxes.

In December 2020 there were some differences between Ravi and state Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on these issues.

In an office order the North East division of the Union Home Ministry said Dr Vivek Joshi,

Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India will head the special panel to study

AFSPA review issues vis-a-vis the state of Nagaland.

Following Oting shooting and killing of Kontak civilians and sustained pressures from

various organisations, the state assembly on December 20 passed an unanimous official resolution

seeking immediate repeal of the controversial law - which sort of gives some impunity powers to the armed forces.

Indian security forces and even Defence Ministers including A K Antony (of Congress) and Mulayam Singh (of Samajwadi Party as a former Defence Minister) during the UPA regime have opposed repealing or any dilution of AFSPA in the past. 

The order issued on Monday says, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home, Piyush Goyal will be the member secretary of the panel and it will have Lt Gen P C Nair, DG Assam Rifles among clothes as a member.

Other members of the committee are J Alam, Chief Secretary, Nagaland, T. John Longkumer, DGP, Nagaland, Dr M S Tuli, Joint Director Intelligence Bureau and Lt Gen B S Raju, DG Military Operations, will be the special invitee.

"The terms of reference of the committee shall be to review the application of AFSPA in Nagaland and make suitable recommendations within a period of three months".

On Sunday, Dec 26, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio (NDPP), deputy CM Y. Patton (BJP) and former Nagaland Chief

Minister T R Zeliang (NPF) had stated that the committee will submit its report within 45 days and "withdrawal of the

Disturbed Area and AFSPA will be based on the recommendations of the committee".

The Chief Minister and his colleagues also said that the Additional Secretary Home would head the panel.

Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home, Piyush Goyal will be only the member secretary of the panel, as the

order from the government said.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has welcomed the 'decision' to constitute a panel to review

enforcement of AFSPA in Nagaland, but he said the panel must review AFSPA matters across all north eastern states.

The army said on Sunday that the inquiry ordered by the Army is progressing "expeditiously and efforts are being

made to conclude it at the earliest. Army is fully cooperating with the SIT inquiry ordered by Nagaland govt".

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met three Naga leaders - Rio, Zeliang and Patton on December 23 and also Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who for his part has favoured continuing AFSPA in his state. 

"The Indian Army wishes a happy new year to the people of Nagaland and we pray for good health, peace, 

happiness and prosperity for the people. We once again deeply regret the loss of lives during the December 4 incident in Mon district," a statement said on Sunday.

Sources said the CRPF, which has about 35 battalions in the Northeast, including some in Assam and two in Nagaland, 

have also 'opposed' any changes in the status quo.

Sources close to the NNPG leadership have said only a Final peace pact can bring a 'natural end' to all 

controversies pertaining to the AFSPA and deployment of security forces in Nagaland and other Naga inhabited areas.

 

The AFSPA as a tool gives security forces 'powers' to conduct operations and arrest anyone without any prior

warrant. It also gives immunity to the forces in case they open fire and shoot someone.

There is another complexity on the issue as the AFSPA application ends by December end and to ensure central forces

functioning and presence in the state, it may have to be extended for a period of six months or so.

Convening of a one-day special assembly session of the assembly on December 20 against the AFSPA was the 'maximum' push by the Rio government - comprising NDPP (of Rio) and BJP and NPF, which was once a key opponent of the NDPP.

At the national level politics, the BJP generally takes pride in describing itself as a pro-armed forces political outfit.

In fact, prior to December 2017, Rio was also with NPF and even elected to Lok Sabha in 2014 as NPF candidate.

But he split and quit the regional party organisation to float NDPP after NPF chief Shurhozelie decided to nominate T R Zeliang as the chief ministerial candidate for 2018 elections.

ends  

"Be patient and wait for army probe" ::: Panel to study withdrawal of AFSPA in Nagaland

"The inquiry ordered by Army is progressing expeditiously and efforts are being made to conclude it at the earliest. Army is fully cooperating with the SIT inquiry ordered by Nagaland govt," : Indian Army also regrets loss of Konyak Naga civilian lives in Mon district on December 4. 

"We request the people of Nagaland to be patient and wait for the findings of the Army inquiry. We assure you that action will be taken in accordance with law to secure justice for all," says Indian Army.

Centre to set up a panel to study withdrawal of #AFSPA in #Nagaland. It will be headed by Addl Secy Home in charge North East and include Nagaland Chief Secy and DGP #nagalandviolence #nagalandambush 

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma welcomed the 'decision' to constitute a panel to review enforcement of AFSPA in Nagaland, but he says the panel review AFSPA matters across all north eastern states. 

"Welcome the move of GOI, @AmitShah ji for approval to set up a panel to review imposition of the AFSPA in Nagaland. The panel should examine the whole of North East," he tweeted.

Assam Rifles (IG) and CRPF representative will be also in the committee, Nagaland Chief Minister and other leaders said. 

The committee will submit its report within 45 days and "withdrawal of the Disturbed Area and AFSPA will be based on the recommendations of the committee". 

The statement was issued by Neiphiu Rio, Nagaland Chief Minister and Deputy CM Y Patton (BJP) and former CM T R Zeliang of NPF.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met three of them and also Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has favoured continuing AFSPA in his state.  

Dec 5 : Reax: AR camp attacked in Mon

Convening of one day special assembly session was the 'maximum' push by the Rio government - comprising NDPP (of Rio) and BJP and NPF, which was once a key opponent of NDPP.

In fact, prior to December 2017, Rio was also NPF but he split and quit the party organisation to float NDPP after NPF chief Shurhozelie decided to nominate T R Zeliang as the chief ministerial candidate for 2018 elections.

Kohima press meet by Rio, TR, Patton

It appears the matter would need some time to be finalised, and hence the signatories on behalf of the Nagaland government has appealed for calm and peace from all concerned.

"The state government appeals to all sections to remain calm and to continue to maintain a peaceful atmosphere".

ends 

Blogger's piece: Shillong Times

PM announces vax for 15 plus, 'precaution dose' for 60 plus

New Delhi:

Alarmed by the sudden rise in corona cases though in a modest manner and amid
apprehensions of bigger threats from new variant Omicron, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that those between 15 and 
18 years of age can also now get vaccinated.

In a broadcast to the nation, the Prime Minister said this process will start from January 3, 2022.

"In India, many people have been found to be infected with Omicron. I would urge all of you not to panic, 

be careful and alert. Remember to wash your hands and use masks," Mr Modi said 

said in his address to the nation.

In another major announcement, the Prime Minister said, there will be a special

'precaution dose' for elders.

"Those who are above 60 years old and with comorbidities, on the advice of their respective doctors,

there will be an option for the precaution dose," the Prime Minister said.

Comorbidities is medical term for the simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions 

in an individual.  

The precaution dose will start from January 10.

As per the Union Health Ministry, India has reported 7,189 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, the nationwide case tally of the Omicron variant of coronavirus has reached 415.

Amid the Omicron scare and surge in cases in various parts of the country, the Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that multi-disciplinary Central teams would be deployed in ten identified states.

"A decision has been taken to deploy multi-disciplinary Central teams to 10 identified States some of which 

are either reporting an increasing number of Omicron and COVID-19 cases or slow vaccination 

pace," says Union Health Ministry in an official statement

ends 

Embattled Imran Khan revamps PTI party structures, names new bosses in Sindh, Balochistan

New Delhi: 

The Imran Khan government in Pakistan had assumed power in August ZZ 2018,and the going has been pretty tough and full of political frustration for theruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Smarting from the defeat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's local body elections, on Saturday, Dec 25,Khan restructured his party organisation. 

Defence Minister Pervez Khattak has been made chief of the PTI party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

and National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri has been made the new leader in politicallycrucial Balochistan.

For another key political region in Pakistan, the Sindh, Imran Khan has nominatedMinister for Maritime Affairs Ali Zaidi as the party's local unit president.

Zaidi tweeted to say he was "humbled by the faith" that the leader had shown in him.

"Will try to live up to the expectations of all, especially PTI workers. Together we will pull Sindh out of deprivation," he tweeted.

Fahd Husain, Resident Editor of 'Dawn' daily, says: "It has literally been downhill from the day that Prime Minister Imran Khan took oath of office in August of 2018. That was the highest point for the PTI. Each year since then has weakened the government’s performance, diluted its credibility and undercut its viability as a party that is fit to rule". 

He further says, "If it somehow survives in office in 2022, it would do so as a weakened shell of its original self".

Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier acknowledged that wrong selection of candidates had led to the party’s defeat in its stronghold of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) has managed to win the highest number of mayor / chairman seats in the keenly fought elections for 39 tehsils of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa held on December 19. 

As the year ends, Imran Khan's party is in worse shape than it was when 2021 had dawned. "It is now struggling to stay afloat in a sea of mounting troubles...," says the commentary in 'Dawn'.

It can be stated from an Indian perspective that time has dulled Pakistan's memory in more ways than one. Thus, notwithstanding the claim of enforcing principles of 'Naya Pakistan' - as claimed by Imran Khan - Islamabad has not yet given up the old habits of trying to thrive in propaganda. 

Between Imran Khan's regime in Pakistan and the Narendra Modi-led dispensation in India,it has been three years.

The biggest tussle and battle of nerves between Modi and Imran came in February 2019. India retaliated 

Pulwama terror attack by bombing some terror hideouts.

Of course Imran Khan’s tenure would also go down the memory lane in Pakistan that saw abrogation 

of Article 370 by the Modi government, and it could do nothing much about it.

During the tenure of PM Imran, on another occasion Pakistan got it on its nose was at The Hague.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on July 17, 2019 by 15-1 verdict held Kulbhushan Jadhav's conviction by

Pakistan wrong.

The year 2021 was especially harsh on Imran's party, says Dawn's Fahd Husain. 

He says, "though the scourge of inflation has dogged it since previous years, it was this year that it really cut deep into household budgets".

"Not all of it was the government’s doing — Covid supply issues creating mayhem across the globe — but much of it was. And is. The inability of the (Imran) government to manage the supply side of essential commodities, and the bumbling way in which it tackled macroeconomic policies, fed into the monster of inflation," he notes. 

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