Surprise Move ::: NSCN-IM appoints an "Angami businessman and social worker" from Nerhema village - Keviletuo Kiewhuo as Go-Between in Indo-Naga peace talks

NSCN-IM appoints Keviletuo Kiewhuo as Go-Between in Indo-Naga peace talks; 

Anthony Shimray relieved as Coordinator  

The National Socialist Council of Nagalim- Isak and Muivah (NSCN-IM) has appointed Keviletuo Kiewhuo as its Go-Between in the Indo-Naga peace talks with the Government of India while relieving Anthony Ningkhan Shimray from his assignment as coordinator of the talks. 

Naga children on a security department vehicle : Mon district - 2023 

A former president of Naga Hoho Keviletuo Kiewhuo, who reportedly preferred to stay cool and isolated for last decade and more, was appointed to the post on October 6 in consultation with the Collective Leadership. The appointment takes effect immediately and will remain in force until further orders.  

In a separate order, Muivah, discontinued Anthony Ningkhan Shimray’s service as Coordinator of the Indo-Naga Peace Talks on October 19.

However, a communique described Shimray as "asset to the nation". 

The New Delhi mandarins  took cognizance of the development vis-a-vis both the orders but would not give much importance in technical point of view. The refrain so far is -- it is "their call" and it is "internal matter" of an organisation. 

Sources, however, say Grinder Muivah earlier discharged that role as he was very close to NSCN-IM general secretary Muivah. Grinder passed away in 2016 but it is also said he "never attended" any formal Govt of India-NSCN-IM talk process. But the significance of the appointment of  Keviletuo Kiewhuo should not be lost or dismissed forthwith.      

Firstly, Keviluetuo is an Angami Naga from Northern Angmani - 2 assembly constituency. This segment is being represented by chief minister Neiphiu Rio since 1987. Rio first won the seat as an Independent candidate. Keviluetuo hails from Nerhema village and was understandably close to Rio around 2002-03 when the senior politician had quit the Jamir cabinet and joined the NPC to jointly float NPF.  

So this new appointment -- according to some analysts in Delhi - may be seen as 'greater political influence' in Naga talks. Will this make the almost stalled negotiations faster remains to be seen.  

Secondly,  Kevi is 100 percent "non NSCN" man and hence this is totally a new dimension to the whole game. Another crucial aspect is seemingly a mixed policy of 'outreach to Angami society and expansion' of ideological base by the NSCN-IM Hebron camp'.  

This seems a well thought out policy because in the last one-month or so - the typical 'tribal' distinction of Nagas between those in Nagaland state and those in Manipur had come to the fore. 

To say all these are linked to a 'mild apology' two top guns of NSCN-IM Hebron camp had to make may be little far-fetched. "But it's a case of no smoke, no fire" -- is a smart analogy from some quarters in Delhi.  

Another crucial  refrain is the attempt to give a message to the Eastern Flank that Anthony Shimray has been replaced. 

Analysts say Hangshi Ramsan (now powerful leader of Eastern Flank) had serious differences with Anthony Shimray, who was onetime NSCN-IM commander-in-chief. 

Lately, the Eastern Flank operating from hideouts in Myanmar rejected an outreach attempt from the Hebron camp.  

In a strongly worded statement and much to the uneasiness of Kohima protagonists and other stakeholders, - the Eastern Flank had snubbed its brethren in the Hebron.  Worse, it was also stated that any "breach" in future into the peaceful fabrics in Eastern Nagalim will "not be tolerated."

Representational image : Security Forces on border job

"Eastern Nagalim is not a political vacuum nor is it a territory where any organisation can unilaterally establish authority or dictate terms under the guise of peace. Let it be understood clearly: Eastern Nagalim will not accept Indian political influence through Hebron disguised as reconciliation," the Eastern Flank had stated.

The 'provincial' dispensation formed earlier this year after formalisation of the split further says: "Any genuine initiative for Naga unity must rest on political integrity and adherence to the fundamental Naga national principle."  

Does it mean the NSCN-IM Hebron camp is growingly uncomfortable with a few developments in recent past ?  

Moreover,  what are the political challenges and opportunities for the Rio-led NPF-BJP government vis-a-vis Naga talks and the fast approaching 2028 assembly elections ?  

Nagaland chief minister Rio visited Delhi lately and on Oct 26 met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. 

Notably, a photo available in public space shows it was a one-on-one meeting.  

Later Rio tweeted: "Met Hon’ble @HMOIndia Shri Amit Shah Ji and thanked him for his support in facilitating the FNTA process culminating in Presidential assent to the FNTA Bill 2026. 

"We also discussed the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime and key issues regarding Nagaland. 

"Grateful for his assurance to address PAP relaxation".  

Did they talk the long pending Naga political issue as well ?

More importantly could Rio refer to the Sept 10 meeting between RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and former chief minister S C Jamir ?

ends 

Small Mizo phrases and words such as - "Om lo" and "pam lo" left HSR puzzled : Ruata and Me "negotiated" hard and snatched the Letter of confirmation from PTI : But HSR became a friend !!!

 Homage !!

My friend Kirti Patil, now a former journalist and more keen about family life and pounds, posted a  message - 

Mr H Seetharama Rao, owner of Flat 31, (that is Samachar society, Mayur Vihar, East Delhi) died this morning in London after a brief illness. He was 85. 

Mr Rao was Samachar resident till 2000 before he moved to London as PTI Correspondent. He was 85. 

G Sudhakar Nair, a PTI colleague of Mr Rao since 1979 and staying in his flat since 2008, is in touch with Mr Rao's daughter Aparna, who shared the sad news a short while ago.  

HSR is also survived by his son Rajesh . Our heartfelt condolences to the family ."  

Homage Sir jee 

H S Rao (HSR in PTI lingo) was AGM when I moved to PTI headquarters. As stated above in 2000 - he moved to London replacing A K Dhar - who returned to Delhi. I remember interacting with him cordially and not so cordially -- during official and un-official meetings. 

After he was posted to London, R C Rajamani had said - "In life luck matters a lot". HSR made a humble beginning and rose up the ladder becoming AGM and then the foreign posting in London. Eyebrows were bound to be raised. I have worked in several organisations after quitting PTI and a few in north east before that - nowhere non-journalists took so much interest in the affairs of news and newsrooms. 

Hence, I never had good friends among non-journalists once I had moved out of PTI. With HSR - a few rounds of meetings worth recalling was in September-October 1998 --when PTI bosses decided to delay our confirmation. 

My Aizawl friend H C Valalruata (Ruata) screamed - "Omlo reng reng ... (No No, Nothing doing)". I joined him. Though a Bengali by birth - the 'Naga spirit' was still in me. By then my father affectionately - would say "He(his eldest son) thinks and argues like a Naga".  

We had a third friend -a Bong - from Agartala. A practical fellow who did not want to rebel. But two of us went to HSR more than once. Our message was clear -if the confirmation was not done within six months as was assured in writing - we would quit. In HSR's chamber - at times - I would give angry look towards Ruata and even gesturing my hands. Ruata would do most of the talking. HSR complained once or twice -- "Why you are misguiding him". 

In fact, our negotiations were going as per plan. Inside we also used code language - small Mizo phrases and words such as - "Om lo" and "pam lo".  Every time, I would say such words - Ruata would harden his position.   

PTI had redtapism culture. Fear was the key word. We called it chamcha giri. As me and Ruata took a rebellion stance; everyone would suggest - " Do not do all these ... you will get nothing". 

Only two other north eastern boys encouraged us - Late Yanger Thakkar (son of a Naga mom and Gujarati Gandhian dad) and Utpal Borpujari (an Assamese boy next door neighbour-type friend). 

Utpal even said : "Fight on ... they will have to confirm you. Invite me for dinner at PTI, Guest House". 

And we did host him at E-20 Jungpura Extension. I brought pork curry from Nagaland House. Ruata arranged vital juice. 

In the ultimate, we won the battle and we were soon confirmed. 

One additional prize was -- our third friend from Agartala also benefited though (typical of most Bengalis), he never acknowledged that. Forget thanking us.  HSR was also called Bhim bhai - perhaps for his height -- he was 6.5 or even more.  

 

But once we were confirmed and Ruata left to take charge in Aizawl and I was retained in PTI headquarters -- HSR became friendly and would invite me to his room for South Indian tiffin and tea. 

He would be also liberal and gave me a few bylines - those were like trophies in a conservative era. 

Even after he left for London - the friendship sustained for first few months. 

On getting news of HSR's demise as I called up Ruata - he sounded emotional and said - "Oh, that's sad. He was like a Guru. Some people wanted to delay our confirmation". Nostalgic.

In the ultimate, homage to HSR. It is a fact somehow he was responsible for our confirmation in the autumn season of 1998. Had he not done the negotiations the manner it was done - our stories would have been different. 

Maybe I had to go back to Kohima, and by now - some gunmen could have me shot me down. Many Nagas were unhappy with me (an Indian talking and writing so much about Nagas) and they are still unhappy - I am confident about it.  

Life as a journalist - like politics - hardly follow straight lines. We dig, we stare and we may scratch. But we have to start again and again. Freelancing is that part of the process. 

But our world is changing. Kirti - a fantastic sports journo - is now with a AI company. Ruata also quit PTI after a brief differences with a much junior desk person in Kolkata office. He is now a much dependable Times of India man in Aizawl. He did a few award wining good BBC projects too. 

Ruata and Me : We knew how to fight PTI and also how to talk to HSR

In journalistic sense - I remember HSR telling us -- two things matter a lot in reporting. - 

One, be very particular about "sources". He also cautioned - "Yes, I know uncle Jack... that's not source for responsible reporting". He was so right. Then he said --  "Reporting death is the most challenging thing".  

He told us during those (confirmation-negotiation) days -- "In 1984 when the news about Indira Gandhi's assassination was flashed; large crowd had gathered and threatened to burn PTI office".  

He also said - "Even if you see five bodies taken in an ambulance ... that does not mean, five people died .... three of them may come back to sense by the time they reach hospital".     

So crucial. 

HSR was honoured at a function held in the House of Commons.

ends 

Nagaland after NDPP merger to 2 MLA-weak NPF :::: "No elected representative or even powerful tribal bodies, NGOs seem to have any gumption to disagree" to the state Govt !!

Democracy is fragile here, and the corollaries are frightening, wrote Monalisa Changkija in October 2015 after NDPP's merger with the NPF. 

She also spoke about another frightening matter -- vis-a-vis BJP's politics. 

Neiphiu Rio has absolute power in Nagaland, which even the BJP strengthens— so "desperate the latter" is to be in power everywhere in the country, she wrote in an article.  

 

As much as this merger, this political development, this chapter in our political history has great political significance and we won’t ask why and for whom, it also has grave connotations that are directly impactful for the people. With so much power without inner checks and balances and without opposition, policy-making is the first casualty, though this is not peculiar to Nagaland alone. 

Over the past decade, we have seen bills being passed with no or hardly any debate, says former Editor of 'Nagaland Page'. 

Except for groups of individuals that oppose certain bills being passed, and with good reason, which are more often than not ignored, no elected representative or even our powerful tribal bodies, NGOs, and civil societies seem to have any gumption to disagree, though there are rare exceptions. And such rare exceptions are grounded on unified collective tribal and civil society protests. 

She also said:  

"..... there is no individual who dares to stand alone and speak for the people. This further indicates that we don’t have any other mass-supported individual leader who is able, ready, and willing to take on and call out power by the courage of his convictions. 

While this speaks volumes about how beholden our so-called sundry leaders are to the power-that-be here, this also speaks of how any form of opposition or dissent is crushed".  

Then Monalisa said: 

"There was a time when Nagaland had numerous leaders who spoke their minds and clearly enunciated their visions to assert people’s rights and welfare. 

Those days are gone and are unlikely to reappear for a long time to come unless such leaders emerge before the next State elections in about a couple of years. Obviously then, without well-discussed, discoursed, and debated policy-making in the absence of an opposition, the quality of governance becomes questionable. 

CM and 'NPF chief' Neiphiu Rio : Power means 'more power'  

Ms Monalisa also wrote:

"In his acceptance speech as the newly elected President of the NPF on October 21 last, Rio is quoted to have said: “Our collective aspiration must be to make Nagaland truly a developed State, where merit, fairness, and excellence are the only criteria.” 

If we go by our experience over the past twenty years or so, merit, fairness, and excellence, as much as the aspiration, have remained stagnant—for instance, it was only recently the High Court voided over a 1000 controversial backdoor appointments in our Police Force and directed fresh recruitment through advertisements in local papers. 

It is the similar backdoor entry into the State’s IAS cadre that major Government employees’ unions are currently protesting."  

She has been quit candid:    

"Since 2003, Rio’s Governments have prioritised the settlement of the Naga political issue and passed several resolutions in the Assembly and formed MLAs’ forums. However, the issue persists, and a resolution is still elusive. 

The fact is, the State Government is not a party to the talks between the Centre and the NSCN (IM) and the other Naga Political Groups, so how the State Government or elected representative could even ‘facilitate’ to resolve the issue is arcane. Of course, they can and do talk with all these groups, but we don’t know the contents of these talks. 

And, it is beyond the purview of the State Government to comment on the NSCN (IM)’s demand for a flag and constitution."

(Nothing much has changed since October 2025. Hence this old piece is yet again quite relevant and the issues sound more topical then they have been in real time -- blogger ) 

ends  

An Incredible Self-won in Brazil ::::: Luiz Inacio Lula's win bucks a regional trend ::::: A viral WhatsApp channel and student-led protests played a key role in Leftist's win

Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won a historic fourth term as president, defeating the far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro in a dramatic comeback. 

A viral WhatsApp channel and student-led protests played a key role in the veteran Brazilian leftist’s election victory.

A mood of dismay swept Brazil’s left, and because 9 million voters for the other candidates, all of them on the right, were expected to mostly transfer to senator Flávio Bolsonaro, analysts widely saw the far-right senator’s victory as certain.

Lula is the first candidate to win a runoff election after losing in the first round – taking victory with 51.79% of the vote to his rival’s 48.21%. 

His win bucks a regional trend, after the son of the former president Jair Bolsonaro had spearheaded a radical populist movement. But with Flávio Bolsonaro refusing to concede defeat, what’s next for Brazil?   

Leaders and governments worldwide congratulate Lula on dramatic comeback seen as an important signal to rest of Latin America.  

“This is God’s work – and it’s thanks to all of you,” Lula told tens of thousands of supporters who had gathered in central São Paulo in the early hours of Monday to celebrate his dramatic election comeback.

A few hours earlier, Lula pulled off the most stunning political fightback in modern Brazilian history, bouncing back from a first-round defeat in early October to trounce Bolsonaro by more than 4m votes in the runoff.

“Today is a historic day,” Lula declared, before telling a sea of elated supporters: “Democracy always, dictatorship never again. Democracy always, fascism never again.”

Never, since the return of democracy after the 1964-85 military regime, had the first-round loser managed to win the second vote.

But Lula did precisely that prompting joyous scenes on the streets of São Paulo and cities all across Brazil. He won with 64.2m votes to Bolsonaro’s 59.8m, a 51.79% to 48.21% victory. It was at least 10m more votes than Lula secured in the first round.  

The streets and social media drove Lula to a historic comeback  

The election results could be explained by a combination of the streets, social media and the machinery of government.

Lula approved a “package of benefits” at the limits of what electoral law allows, including increasing and bringing forward payments from the main cash-transfer programme for poor families.

“The streets and social media almost overlap,” said a researcher with the Representation and Democratic Legitimacy group at the Federal University of Paraná.

Two days after the first round, congressman André Janones, a Lula ally, created a WhatsApp channel called “Lula’s Army”, where Janones sent audio messages, videos – often beginning with shouts of “Guys, urgent!”.

The channel had 60,000 followers by the end of its first day and, by election Sunday, more than 10 million, and Lula’s digital reach overtook Bolsonaro’s.   

In his third term, Lula oversaw a drop in inflation and unemployment, and lifted millions out of hunger, but many voters felt gloomy about the high cost of living and crime.

Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, pitched himself as more moderate and jovial than his father and managed to galvanize conservatives as well as less ideological voters wanting something new. "We're in a deep hole, things are dire. People can barely afford to eat -- buying meat is out of the question," said Tereza Cristina Ramos, a 68-year-old retiree, who voted in Rio de Janeiro.

Already one of the world's oldest leaders, Lula will be 85 by the end of his new term in 2030. He is also facing a hostile Congress dominated by the right. Lula's campaign leaned heavily on the theme of sovereignty in the face of commercial and diplomatic pressure from Trump's United States.

"This country will not accept being anyone's backyard," he said Sunday.

ends 

Hotel Bilas Inn Owner Helena Bharali and Her Son Killed in Guwahati firing :::: Total casualties five ::::: Prime accused identified as Ghanakanta Gogoi apprehended

Five killed, one injured in Guwahati hotel firing

The firing took place around 9 pm near hotel Bilas Inn in a lane in the city’s Bora Service area.  

The prime accused identified as Ghanakanta Gogoi has been apprehended.   

The firing took place around 9 pm near hotel Bilas Inn in a lane in the city’s Bora Service area. One of the deceased persons was identified as Narayan Das (48). Upon information, senior police officials, including Commissioner of Police Partha Sarathi Mahanta, rushed to the site. He confirmed the death of four persons.

“A very unfortunate incident has taken place. We found the bodies of four persons. We will nab the perpetrator soon,” he told the media.

Within an hour of the incident, Guwahati police nabbed the accused. Gogoi had taken the hotel on lease from the owners last year.  

“Four of the dead are from the same family and they are from the hotel owners' side," Guwahati police commissioner Partha Sarthi Mahanta said.  

Police team is examining the papers related to the deal that might have sparked off the shootout.   

Police also seized a licensed .32 bore pistol from the accused Ghanakanta Gogoi. 

(Victims' snaps -- source Facebook) 

Sribhumi (near Silchar) - Violence 

An alleged attack on a Bihu cultural troupe in Sribhumi, Assam, has led to widespread protests and police investigations.

On the night of October 23, 2026, an Assamese Bihu cultural troupe was invited to perform during a Durga Puja immersion procession organized by the Hindustan Club in Sribhumi (earlier called Karimganj).

Tension flared near the immersion ghat after a member of the Bihu troupe reportedly stumbled or collided with someone in the crowd, leading to a physical clash and street brawl. Video footage suggested that the altercation may have escalated from a local scuffle involving people participating in the procession rather than a targeted ethnic attack. 

On Oct 26, members of All Assam Students' Union (AASU) staged a protest in Sribhumi in front of DC office. 

Raising slogans 'We want justice' and 'Ei Jui Jolisey' the protesters demanded justice. Condemning the incident, Tai Ahom Yuva Parishand said the incident has hurt the people. 

Senior SP Leena Doley said the episode was triggered after some people involved had consumed alcohol. There was no communal angle into the incident. Police have arrested 17 people in connection with the case.

ends 

Army Debunks Fake Video Claiming China Seized Arunachal Pradesh Areas :::: 𝟏𝟕 𝐅𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐎 𝐂𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝, 𝟐𝟒 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 #𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐩𝐮𝐫

The Indian Army has debunked a digitally manipulated video circulating on social media that falsely attributes remarks to senior Army officer Lt Gen Girish Kalia, GoC, Rangapahar, claiming that China has taken control of three areas in Arunachal Pradesh and that Indian troops have been denied essential supplies.

In a fact-check post, the Army clarified that the video contained fabricated statements falsely presented as a leaked admission by the officer. It said the footage had been digitally altered using synthetic-generated content.

The video claims that China has taken control of Asaphila, Longju and Taksing Circle in Arunachal Pradesh. It also alleges that Indian troops have been denied essential supplies.

Rejecting the claims, the Army said the original footage was from a press briefing delivered by then General Officer Commanding of the 28 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Girish Kalia, in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, on 27th October 2023.  

The briefing concerned infiltration attempts across the Line of Control (LoC) and had no connection with Arunachal Pradesh. During the briefing, Maj Gen Kalia reported that security forces had foiled 10 infiltration attempts, eliminated 27 terrorists and recovered warlike stores and narcotics.

The Army urged the public to verify information before sharing it and to remain alert to digitally manipulated content circulating on social media.  

Meanwhile ::: Strengthening Military Cooperation

The Indian Army contingent comprising of Special Forces personnel, departed for Banyuwangi, Indonesia, to participate in the 12th edition of #ExerciseGarudaShakti.

The bilateral exercise will enhance interoperability through the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures for special operations in jungle terrain under counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism scenarios.

𝟏𝟕 𝐅𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐎 𝐂𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝, 𝟐𝟒 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 #𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐩𝐮𝐫  

In a decisive joint operation, Assam Rifles under Spear Corps in coordination with Manipur Police and CAPFs uncovered impersonation and weapon discrepancies at a Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp in Kangpokpi District, Manipur.

They apprehended 17 individuals posing as SoO cadres and recovered 24 automatic weapons, ammunition and other war-like stores, reaffirming the commitment to peace and strict accountability.

ends 

Maha Job-crisis :::: Microsoft offers voluntary exit to 60,000 staff in India, US and UK amid AI spending ::::: "This offer gives eligible employees who may be considering a future outside the company a new choice

 Eligibility covers participating teams across India, Canada, Britain and the United States

AI experiences, Copilot, finance, HR, Xbox and Windows teams are included

Microsoft forecasts $175 billion in capital expenditure for calendar year 2026  

Multiple tech companies have announced layoffs due to the rise of AI and increased investment in the technology this year. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced plans in April to cut 10% of its personnel, or about 8,000 employees, to boost efficiency. 

Amazon has made several cuts to its workforce, most recently in its retail division. And in June, Oracle shed its workforce by nearly 13%, cutting 21,000 jobs, as a result of AI.

But it’s unclear whether these workforce-reduction measures have translated yet into greater efficiency. 

Some companies, including Meta, have scaled back their layoff plans. A top leader of Microsoft, Ryan Roslansky, recently complained about “AI slop” in the workforce on social media.

Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 eligible employees across major divisions. The move seeks to contain workforce costs while the company invests heavily in AI infrastructure.   

The time-limited buyout programme will be available to eligible employees at level 70 and below in participating teams across the four countries, Microsoft said. Employees will receive details of the offer, which allows them to leave the company voluntarily with support, within hours of the announcement.

The programme will cover eligible employees across several divisions, including AI experiences, Copilot, finance, human resources, Xbox and Windows + Devices, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, requesting anonymity because the matter was private. Marketing, commercial business and security teams will be excluded.

The offer comes as Microsoft and other technology giants pour hundreds of billions of dollars into AI infrastructure, including data centres and chips, prompting investors to question whether the returns will justify the enormous spending.    

Chief People Officer Amy Coleman outlined the rationale behind the initiative in a staff memo.

"This offer gives eligible employees who may be considering a future outside the company a new choice to make that transition now with support. It also gives participating organizations another way to adapt their workforce to changing needs," Coleman said.

Microsoft described the initiative as a time-limited, voluntary programme that builds on insights gained from an earlier voluntary retirement programme. Eligible employees were expected to receive details within the next few hours, the company said on Monday.

According to Microsoft's annual filing, the company had 223,000 full-time employees globally as of June 30, 2026.