"Fresh" Naga peace parleys to get underway soon :::: Pan-Naga Hoho and Naga-Kuki clashes in Manipur likely to figure ::::: "Naga leaders are thoroughly obsessed only with the past"

Giving a great relief to the NSCN-IM as well as the BJP-NPF dispensation in Kohima; a fresh round of Naga peace talks will be held soon. 

However, the talks would be held within days after a prominent ex civil servant, Khekiye Sema had said: 

"The Nagas of Nagaland in the NSCN-IM may feel bad; but the truth is the decisions being made by the southern brothers, the Tangkhuls". 

"This is not acceptable ..... It is our future and we have the right to know exactly what they are trying to decide".  

All these have made the matter more complex than probably what was the situation in 2019-20 when the then Governor R N Ravi had said that the talks are "over". 

This will be first round of parleys after retired IPS officer, Ajit Lal, has been designated by the Union Home Secretary as an "interlocutor".  Lal is a 1974-batch Himachal Pradesh cadre officer and a former Special Director, Intelligence Bureau.

Lal earlier served as Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee and has handled Nagaland insurgency and related subject in the past. He had replaced A K Mishra earlier this year. A few "sensitive subjects" may come for negotiations -- it is learned even as most sources are tightlipped. Lal actually started handling Manipur's Kuki-Zo and Meitei issues in the beginning.  

(Born in 1952, Lal is now 74-years-old) 

Lal's initial appointment was as Advisor, North East and for all practical purpose, that stands. But in October, Home Secretary Govind Mohan wrote quite an unusual letter directing Lal to be 'interlocutor'.  

This was largely interpreted as a sign of flexibility on the part of the New Delhi security apparatus. The NSCN-IM leadership may depute vice chairman V S Atem to lead the delegation. The continued clashes with Kukis in Manipur have unnerved New Delhi especially in the context of ensuing assembly elections. 

Sources in Manipur say the Kukis are 'determined' to back BJP candidates in the polls even as the same thing could not be spoken about the 10 seats in Naga areas. In political sense, analysts find the 'stage divided' between Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio-led NPF and the NPP of Conrad Sangma. The BJP is seen largely as a 'weak contender' in the Naga-dominated constituencies; but there are chances the Congress may improve its performance in these segments.  

As it is, in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Congress nominee Alfred Kan-Ngam Arthur had trounced Kachui Timothy Zimik of NPF by a margin of 85,418 votes. The NPF then was not led by Rio. That way, Nagaland chief minister Rio's first 'electoral battle' in Manipur is also due by March 2027. 

It remains to be seen whether Eastern Flank - the splinter group of NSCN-IM ... would support NPP candidates and to what extent. 

The Naga peace parleys have assumed significance as this is coming after a gap of a few months. This will be first formal interaction after the appointment of an Angami businessman (and a former Naga Hoho president) as the go-between. 

Anthony Shimray was relieved from that responsibility in giving a signal that some 'political elements' want to have a greater share of involvement in the entire matter. However, it is learnt Shimray will be part of the NSCN-IM delegation that would meet Lal and other Home Ministry officials.  

 

The meeting also comes amid stiff opposition announced against Pan-Naga idea - a brainchild of the NSCN-IM Hebron camp. This will be also first meeting since veteran S C Jamir triggered a row by his Sept 10 meeting with the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. 

On Nov 11, several Central Nagaland Tribes Council leaders including Jamir and a retired IAS officer Khekiye Sema made a few candid observations.  "..... the world in moving very fast, scientific developments are taking place with maximum speed and yet leaders of Nagaland - both overground and underground are thoroughly obsessed only with the past", Jamir said. 

Khekiye Sema was equally very candid and said --  the NSCN-IM is yet to 'officially declare' their side of the competencies unlike NNPGs which have declared their Status Paper.  

"What is the need of secrecy when it is our future," he thundered. 

That way this is also maiden interaction after two veteran Hebron camp leaders Rh Raising and Atem had to "retract" their unpleasant remarks against former Nagaland Chief Minister Jamir after receiving a 15-day ultimatum from the Ao Senden.

RSS chief with S C Jamir and his son Apok : Sept 10, New Delhi 

ends    

Guest Column : M Chuba Ao. former BJP national vice president ::::: One Nation, One Election – Let’s Go for it

This article is perhaps timely but would also appear out of place during this season of festivals. We just had a wonderful Diwali – the festival of light that symbolises victory of right against wrong.

We have Chhat Puja around and also Bhaia-dooj and Bhai Phota for Bengalis and Bhai Tika for Gorkhalis and the people of Sikkim. 

The Christmas is not too far and I know Naga families and also people from other states in the north east including Meghalaya, Mizoram and Manipur who have started planning travel and tourism during the year end and beginning of New Year 2027.

However, politics is a permanent feature in our democracy. I am also taking an opportunity to wish healthy life to Shri L K Advani ji, who turned 100 on Nov 8th, 2026. What a dynamic and inspiring personality he has been. But let me here talk about an important issue – One Nation, One Election.

Why it is important?

M Chuba Ao and ex President Ram Nath Kovind 

The High Level Committee on Simultaneous elections led by former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind, has laid the groundwork for a “transformative” shift in India’s electoral process. Everyone seems to believe that the proposed ‘phased approach’ to implementing simultaneous elections, along with constitutional amendments, could pave the way for a more efficient and stable electoral environment in India.

I also endorse the view that the concept of simultaneous elections stands poised to streamline India’s democratic processes and bolster the efficiency of governance.

Recently, I called on our respected leader and former President Shri Kovind ji. We had detailed discussions on the subject. It was quite an informative interaction for me. I had a few questions on whether the federal nature of India’s polity and the relevance of ‘regional parties’ will feel shaken under ONOE norms. It was explained that in contrast; we will have “a more localized focus during elections”. 

This will enable regional parties to highlight their unique concerns and aspirations.

This setup fosters a political environment where local issues are not overshadowed by national election campaigns. The regional voices would continue to be relevant. Both me and Shri Kovind sir agreed readily that the present election system prevents policy paralysis. Hence, our argument is strong. The implementation of the Model Code of Conduct during elections disrupts routine administrative activities and developmental initiatives.  

Who can dispute that this disruption not only hampers the progress of vital welfare schemes but also leads to governance uncertainty. Hence, the moot point is holding simultaneous elections would mitigate the prolonged enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

Here, let us look at the coming calendar year — we have elections in seven states in two phases. By March next year – polls are due in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa. So in these five states, the MCC will work perhaps from February middle.

Next comes elections in Himachal Pradesh (by Nov 2027) and Gujarat (Dec 2027). In effect half the year, the politicians and administrators would be busy with electioneering and at the same time they would be prevented from taking major developmental and political decisions because of the MCC. Due to the ongoing cycle of elections in various parts of the country, political parties, their leaders, legislators, and both State and Central Governments often focus their efforts on preparing for upcoming elections rather than prioritizing governance.

The adoption of simultaneous elections would refocus the government’s attention towards developmental activities and implementation of welfare of the masses.

After my meeting with Shri Kovind ji; I also studied a bit on the matter and was delighted to find that the High Level Committee has recommended implementing simultaneous elections in two phases:

Phase 1: Synchronizing Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies elections.

Phase 2: 

Synchronizing elections for Municipalities and Panchayats with Lok Sabha and State Legislative elections within 100 days.  

Equally important is that the Committee highlighted “inefficiencies” in electoral roll preparation by State Election Commissions and recommended creating a Single Electoral Roll and Single EPIC for all three tiers of government.

This would reduce duplication and errors, safeguarding voter rights. It will be imperative to note that the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 marks the most concrete legislative attempt so far to institutionalise “synchronisation” as stated above.

Introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17, 2024, it proposes a new Article 82A and amendments to Articles 83, 172 and 327.  

Once synchronisation is achieved, a premature dissolution of either the Lok Sabha or a State Assembly would lead not to a fresh five-year legislature, but to a legislature serving only the “unexpired term” remaining in the common five-year cycle. The Bill further permits the Election Commission of India to recommend that an Assembly election should not be held simultaneously if it considers simultaneous conduct infeasible.

The President can then order that the particular State election be held later.

In my humble understanding; “Free and fair” elections are desirable and constitutionally significant. 

In Indira Gandhi vs Raj Narain case, it was made amply clear that democracy and free and fair elections are integral to the constitutional structure. We may argue democracy as a basic feature while acknowledging Parliament’s capacity to regulate electoral mechanisms. The important point is whether the change of a new mechanism would improve democratic representation and also help improve governance.

The ONOE has answers to these questions. It will be necessary to ensure that the chosen method of enforcing synchronisation actually does not alter the character of parliamentary and federal democracy in India.

-  M Chuba Ao

(former BJP national vice president)

(Views expressed are personal.)

ends 

 

Owaisi has convinced Muslim youths - "We are not just vote garnering machines" :::: Akhilesh Yadav has been trapped by Bheem party and AIMIM alliance; SP will be forced to field more Muslim candidates and this would trigger Polarisation

 The dynamics of Uttar Pradesh politics ought to be understood from three key perspectives. Take 2017 as one bench. The two other base or bench for poll strategists would be 2022 and of course 2024 Lok Sabha polls.  

The Samajwadi Party and Congress alliance did extremely well in 2024 parliamentary elections and hence this 'base' is important to make any commentaries on the coming elections in March 2027.  

There was a strong structural change in the 2024 battle and this has made the BJP poll strategists worried despite the bravado that they have the advantage. The Samajwadi won 43 seats including Faizabad that houses Ram Temple at Ayodhya while the BJP seats dropped from 64 to 36. 

This means the BSP was marginalised and in the process, the UP battle is largely bi-polar between BJP-led NDA and the Samajwadi-Congress combo. Why we say this because 87 per cent of votes were shared by these two alliances largely between the BJP and the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party. The difference in votes also was too close 0.3 per cent. 

In terms of assembly seats - if the break up is drawn from the outcome in 2024 parliamentary polls - around 225 voted for Samajwadi-Congress and 175 were for the BJP or NDA. 

This makes the Bheem party and AIMIM alliance more important than anything else.  

Now let's take closer view of Muslim voting pattern in 2024. It is estimated that around 88 per cent Muslims had voted for the Samajwadi Party. The AIMIM will pose a threat this 'safety net' of Akhilesh Yadav. Moreover, AIMIM will field all Muslim candidates and that way Akhilesh too will be pushed to increase his percentage of Muslim candidates.  

But as soon as that happens; the elections will move towards 80:20 percentage equations as suggested by the chief minister Yogi Adityanath. 

Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM is seen as a new party which is gaining attraction among Muslim youths in several states. Owaisi's message that - "we will lay down carpets for so-called secular parties like Samajwadi Party or Congress" actually make a lot of sense for Muslim youths. There is another catch. 

The Muslim voters know once AIMIM candidates win (although prospects seem very slim as of now in Uttar Pradesh); the elected Muslim legislators will never do any business with the BJP. 

The Muslim population by and large and the youths in particular are concerned about decline in Muslim representations in state legislatures across India. The AIMIM ensures all its candidates are Muslims. 

Then comes sub-regional politics of Uttar Pradesh. In Western Uttar Pradesh, the BJP is too strong and the Muslims know that the Samajwadi Party is not in a position to give the Lotus party a good fight. Thus, they may not hesitate to repose faith in the AIMIM. 

Then in eastern Uttar Pradesh; the caste factor is yet again expected to be a dominant factor. But in Avadh region - with about 45 plus seats - the Muslims have sizable presence but they may prefer AIMIM to Samajwadi Party. 

Now taking Dalit votes into account. There are two segments in this. Jatav Dalits are with the BSP and non-Jatav Dalits had favoured SP-Congress alliance in 2024. In contrast; the non-Jatav Dalit voters had voted for BJP in 2017 and 2022 assembly polls.  

In general, 50-55 seats are those where the Bheem Party-AIMIM can tilt the balance either way. Largely, this alliance is seen as a "damager" and it is also expected that they would play vote-cutter parties to the SP-Congress alliance. 

As a sample, we may note in 2022 - when AIMIM contested alone - there are five seats in a particular region where the presence of Owasis party candidates ensured the defeat of Samajwadi Party. In 2022, contesting alone, the AIMIM had fielded candidates in 95 constituencies and everywhere the security deposits were forfeited.  

ends 

Agniveer- Amendments :::: Home Ministry has asked CAPF chiefs to examine where former Agniveers could be inducted, what duties they could perform and how their military training could be utilised

The CDS said the Cabinet's decision had created a pathway for Agniveers to be absorbed into the armed forces on a permanent basis.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen NS Raja Subramani said the performance of Agniveers during the past four years had been very good.  

Agniveer trainees of the Indian Navy - file snap 

The Navy, which has around 21,000 Agniveers on its rolls, is also learnt to have been among the strongest votaries of higher retention. After Chilka, sailors undergo months of specialised training to handle complex weapons, sensors and machinery aboard warships. Letting most of them go after four years meant losing technically trained personnel just as they were coming into their own.

The scheme, launched in 2022 to lower the age profile of the armed forces and rein in their ballooning pension bill, has faced sustained criticism over the fate of recruits once they shed their uniforms.

A batch of Agniveers take the oath of service to the nation during the passing out parade at the 39 Gorkha Training Centre, in Varanasi  

The Agnipath Scheme marked a paradigm shift from a career-based military to a capability-based force. 

There is a need for critical examination of its achievements and challenges, and evaluate the need for higher retention of Agniveers in the evolving security landscape. 

With the first batch of around 20,000 Agniveers (Fire Warriors) across the three services nearing the end of their four-year engagement in December, the Union cabinet has approved a further two-year extension for the 75% not selected for permanent service. 

Gen N S Raja Subramani announced the decision following a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  

"I sincerely thank PM Modi for taking the decision of additional 2-year ‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme. This would also provide enrollment of all willing Agniveers as regular soldiers after the tenure of 4/6 years, who meet the selection criteria," tweeted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. 

"This decision is continuation of long-term structural reforms of our defence forces, aimed at creating a younger, fitter, technologically equipped and future-ready military. 

It is not merely a recruitment policy; it is a way forward to prepare India's military for the changing character of warfare."   

A cross-section of serving and retired armed forces personnel and analysts saw these amendments as a major ‘roll back’ by the Modi Govt.

Some also say these are aimed to defuse growing disquiet among Gen Z military aspirants — and potential BJP voters — aged between 17 plus and 21 in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

Besides Goa and Manipur; these three states are heading for assembly elections early next year.  

Former Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash (retired) described the Agnipath reversal as ‘good news’ and expressed hope that it would be the first step towards scrapping what he regarded as a fundamentally flawed and illogical arrangement that could seriously damage the armed forces’ combat efficiency.  

Advantages of the Agniveer

For Govt's 'Fiscal Efficiency' perspective; The Agniveer scheme lowers long-term pension liabilities, enabling greater investment in defence modernisation, indigenisation, and advanced technologies.

It trains thousands of youth annually in leadership, discipline, and technical skills, creating a skilled national workforce. It can help build a technology-ready force capable of operating AI, drones, cyber systems, and advanced weapon platforms.

The scheme supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, theatre commands, and India’s transition towards a lean, agile, and future-ready military.

Youthful Military: Reduce the Armed Forces’ average age from 32 to around 26 years, enhancing agility, stamina, and combat effectiveness.

Rationalise the growing defence pension bill, allowing greater investment in modernisation, infrastructure, and indigenous defence production.

Prepare personnel for hybrid warfare, cyberattacks, terrorism, space, and electronic warfare, reflecting the changing nature of conflicts.

Create a disciplined, skilled youth workforce through military training, supporting employment, disaster response, and the vision of Viksit Bharat by/in 2047.  

The Union Home Ministry asked the CAPF chiefs to examine where former Agniveers could be inducted, what duties they could perform and how their military training could be utilised. 

ends 

Muslim-Dalit or Bheem-MIM front could end up hurting Opposition Samajwadi-Congress more more than the BJP

In a major development related to fast approaching UP assembly elections, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi and Azad Samaj Party (Kansi Ram)'s Chandrashekhar Azad have announced alliance.

They said both the parties intend to stop the BJP from returning to power in the state. But the alliance could hurt the SP-Congress combine more than the BJP-led NDA.  One Congress leader has said that the new alliance will "only hurt UP as it will help the BJP to win the elections by splitting the secular votes."

The electoral arithmetic suggest the Muslim-Dalit or the Bheem-MIM front could end up hurting the Opposition Samajwadi-Congress more than the BJP-led NDA.  

The new political understanding could result in closely contested contests in both western and eastern parts of UP.

Seen as the Third Front; the alliance, named the Samajik Parivartan Morcha, banks on the support of Muslims and Jatav Dalits, two communities that helped Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

These communities form around 40% of the UP's electorate and therefore may determine the final outcome. 

The new alliance now looks set to eat into the traditional vote bank of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress.  

In the 2022 Assembly elections, the AIMIM contested 95 constituencies but failed to win any seats, securing around 0.49% of the votes. Azad's party also failed to open its account, polling around 0.13% of the vote share.

Moreover, Akhilesh Yadav is already facing attacks over his proposed Ram Temple visit, with the BJP seeking to corner him further over the SP's past stance on the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.  

Azad rejected the description of their alliance as a third front. "It is not a third front. It is the Samajik Parivartan Morcha. If you understand its depth, you will realise that it is the first front," he said.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) president Chandrashekhar Azad, also MP representing Nagina constituency, announced the formation of the Samajik Parivartan Morcha in Lucknow on Thursday (November 12).

They also named the Nagina Lok Sabha MP Azad as its chief ministerial candidate for the 2027 Assembly elections.

Owaisi had repeatedly reached out to the SP for an alliance, but his proposals were turned down by its chief, Akhilesh Yadav. With the SP unwilling to accommodate AIMIM, Owaisi eventually joined hands with Chandrashekhar Azad, who is loooking to expand his electoral footprint in UP.

"I can say with confidence this will be a strong alternative in UP to stop the BJP from coming to power for the third time," Owaisi said at the joint press conference on Thursday. 

UP's caste politics is an important factor in the final electoral mandate. Over the last decade - since 2012 - the BSP led by Mayawati got marginalised and in the process; the BJP's performance has been good in 2017 and 2022 assembly elections. The Lotus party won 71 seats in 2014 Lok Sabha polls and did pretty well in 2019 also. 

However, as BJP made some major lapses in selection of candidates and there was also a significant caste shift; the BJP suffered a major setback in the key northern Indian state.  

Congress leader Vijay Thottathil acknowledged the threat posed by the Owaisi-Azad alliance in a post on X. 

Calling the Samajik Parivartan Morcha "not a third front but rather a disaster front", Thottathil alleged that 

"Owaisi has been always a B team of BJP who splits the minority votes" and claimed that Azad had also been drawn into the arrangement. 

ends 

 

Confused Congress makes itself a 'joke' with Sam Pitroda's "joke of the season" --- Rahul Gandhi's 'guru and uncle' calls Modi "a Gujarati friend" whom he respects

 There are many ways to look at this over-smartness by a Congress veteran. 

Out of  the blue, Sam Pitroda gives an brief interview and says : "He (Narendra Modi) is a Gujarati friend, I respect him. I and my wife met him. He has been very warm, very kind".  

This statement comes at a time when Sonia Gandhi in her just released memoir says - the Prime Minister "avoids" eye contact with her.  

The intent of such remarks is not known or rather it is not clear. Sam has been spearheading all attacks on Modi, Modi Govt and at times even the country, India, through Rahul Gandhi's frequent outbursts in foreign locations. 

Sam is chairman of Congress party's Overseas wing. Hence, many eye brows have been raised. Is it a damage control in the context of Sonia's book ? 

Pitroda described Modi as a "very loving and caring" person at the "personal level". Adjectives do not stop at that. He further states: "Of course, he (Modi) is a good orator. Hard working. And we get along well, we have no personal issues".  

He also adds: "I have nothing against Mr Modi as a Gujarati leader, friend and a well wisher. He is very warm". 

PM Modi also responded to the unprecedented gesture and tweeted: "Happy Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan to you Sam Bhai and to Anjana Ben. Praying for a joyful and healthy year ahead.

 

Jai Jagannath!"  Sam Pitroda's reference to the Prime Minister as a 'Gujarati leader' after 12 years since the latter came out of his native state is a bit surprising.  

Modi's salutation 'Jai Jagannath' could be due to the fact that Sam originally hails from Odisha.  

Sam's assertion that he has nothing "personal"  against Modi is also in tune with what Sonia said in her book that there was nothing 'personal' between her and the Prime Minister.  

Of course, analysts know it pretty well that everything between Modi and Congress has been "personal" and much "bitter" too. 

When Modi was the state chief minister in Gandhinagar; the Congress party did everything right and wrong to defame him. It was the period - 2007 - when Sonia Gandhi called him 'Maut Ka Saudagar (merchant of deaths)'. There were other abusing phrases and words too. 

In January 2014, Mani Shankar Aiyar said "Modi can come and open tea stall at the venue of Congress conference at the Talkatora stadium". 

From time to time -  Rahul Gandhi also abused the Prime Minister. 

Lately, Rahul tweeted: "Mr Modi, stop lying to this nation. You became PM because of foreign help. You remain PM because of foreign help.

Your financial system is fully controlled and supported by foreigners. Foreign social media fully backs you."  

Actually, there is blow hot and blow cold relationship between LoP Rahul Gandhi and the Prime Minister.  

Even LoP, Rajya Sabha, Malikarjun Kharge said the other day -- "Modi ka baap bhi jaega".

This was an instance of stooping low. 

 

In the past the PM and LoP like P V Narasimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee was very cordial.  Even Sushma Swaraj as LoP would joke with PM Manmohan Singh in the House with both of them referring to Urdu couplets from time to time.  

There could be another aspect. By taking the protest politics to its peak between July and November; the Congress party must have realised that too much of negativity has boomeranged. 

But any such reconciliation attempt- if any - has come late.  

Sam Pitroda would not be making the statement without the knowledge of Rahul and Sonia Gandhi. 

Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) opposing Pan-Naga Hoho is getting serious ... Latent "anguish" is speaking out ::: The grievances are no longer "pain of mediocrity" --- "Nagas of Nagaland" is the new narrative, Govt of India will have to handle

The meaning of MEDIOCRITY is the quality or state of being mediocre. At times 'anguish' sounds cry of a mediocre -- meaning it can be managed and even ignored. 

But the ground situation is changing. Hence --- the fact that the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) expressing 'opposition' to the Pan Naga Hoho -a brainchild of NSCN-IM - is a serious development. The leaders from three communities - Aos, Semas and Lothas - had on Oct 28th written an open letter to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressing deep concern over the reported Pan Naga agenda in talks between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India. 

On Nov 11th; they took it to the next level in a consultative meeting which was also addressed by a galaxy of senior leaders. Former chief minister and ex-Governor S C Jamir took the lead in asserting that - 

"Let us now feel that we are also part of the 21st century... and the world in moving very fast, scientific developments are taking place with maximum speed and yet leaders of Nagaland - both overground and underground are thoroughly obsessed only with the past". 

 

"That is one challenge that we are facing today .... the main obstacle of understanding of the reality of the present political settlement and agreement ... one of the road blocks is our too much obsession only with the past. That's why they have not been able to see what is reality". 

This is actually a call for being 'pragmatic' and embrace peace and tranquility so that there is development and free atmosphere for growth of the next generation. Jamir also said there are groups - both in underground and overground ... who "do not like to solve this problem". 

Jamir is more than candid - when he says: "Some of the leaders of the overground are telling underground, you scratch my back, I will also scratch your back. And let us live comfortably".  

The point is driven home. He has led the genie out of the bottle. And that is militants-Netas nexus. This is an area - where the Govt of India under PM Narendra Modi has drawn out a 'zero tolerance' policy. No amount of hobnobbing may save the wrongdoers if New Delhi is convinced of this angle. 

The concerned stakeholders must take the elderly words of Jamir as a mild forewarning -- something ought to be taken seriously. 

The CNTC should make it a point that the people of Nagaland should draw up a concrete political road map vis-a-vis 2028 assembly elections. They should be also careful what will go around in the name of Rajya Sabha election. The Kohima protagonists may draw up yet another 'parochial roadmap' for future protection. The CNTC MLAs have to show some guts when such a challenge comes from any non-entity political sycophant who may pretend to be know all. 

File snap : Khekiye Sema 

Retd IAS officer, Khekiye Sema said: "... we have not taken one little step in advance" than what was there with Nagas ages back. 

"It is about time we get out of that little pond and begin to think like everybody else (global stage)". 

It is also time to consider the present situation of Nagas "truthfully". 

The vocal retired civil servant said - "Phizo has said, Nagas are brave people and honourable but the moment India starts shooting money through the barrel of the gun we are going to be all destroyed and that's exactly what is happening here in Nagaland". 

"Today, big or small, better check out all minds carefully, most of us are guided by money, money ..... and money day in and day out".   

This is  so factual and makes direct attack on political bosses who probably have been thinking for the last decade or so that 'money can manage' everything vis-a-vis Nagas of Nagaland.  

Khekiye also said, the youth ... "the treasure of our future" have not been given any hope for their future from the present political situation. 

And came his forewarning too -- "And the time will definitely come when the young generation will understand the reality and begin to stand up for themseves and say 'enough'". 

Touching a raw nerve, he said, "Truth is a very scarce commodity in Nagaland ... and as of now is this .... let there be NSCN-IM, let there be NNPGs, they are negotiating for your and mine future welfare. 

I am putting it very plainly, the two agreements by NNPGs and NSCN-IM are not agreements made by children".  

He said time has changed and we are expected to change with time. Khekiye underlined that the competencies worked out by both the groups are "basically the same". He said the NNPGs competencies "are in public domain".... but the NSCN-IM is yet to 'officially declare' their side of the story.  

Why ...  it is not declared; "What is the secrecy" --- he thundered. 

"What is the need of secrecy when it is our future". Then comes a rather key operative part of his speech. 

Khekiye says - while Nagas of Manipur are busy fighting for their rights in that state and even taking part in rallies for 'integrity' of Manipur --but in Nagaland they (Nagas of Manipur) are sitting right "in our kitchen" talking and handling the Naga political issue. 

He was also very specific -- the NSCN-IM is controlled by 'southern brothers' -- that is Nagas of Manipur. 

"The Tangkhuls have got the NSCN-IM clamped down with an iron fist .... there are Nagas of Nagaland in NSCN-IM .... but I have only called window dressing. 

"The Nagas of Nagaland in NSCN-IM may feel bad; but the truth is the decisions being made by the southern brothers, the Tangkhuls". 

"This is not acceptable," he asserted. "It is our future and we have the right to know exactly what they are trying to decide".

ends