"... what is that the BSF can do and Assam Rifles cannot" :::: Statement from United Naga Council (UNC) calls for abrogation of SoO Pact with Kuki militants and removal of Assam Rifles from Manipur

A recent statement from the United Naga Council (UNC) of Manipur demanding among other things abrogation of the SoO Pact with Kuki Militants and removal of Assam Rifles from the state, especially border areas, has left a section of analysts and mandarins in Delhi puzzled and even anguished.

Sources say considering the pressing situation in the state, the  demand for abrogation of the SoO Pact with Kuki Militants is understandable. But the demand for 'removal' of Assam Rifles and disallowing the force from discharging their role especially from border areas seems "guided by ulterior motives". 

The refrain is either the civil society group is taking 'dictation' from certain forces or secondly, they could be highly ignorant of the ground reality. One analyst - who lately gave up his boots says --- 

"... what is that the BSF can do and the Assam Rifles cannot". 

Moreover, it is understood that the NSCN IM -- technically both the Hebron and the Eastern Flank camps have been depending a lot on cross border illegal trade. 

There are reasons to believe as a local outfit - aware of various local dimensions and with "effective information network"; the Assam Rifles can "choke" all the leaking holes. Therefore, it is suggested that civil society A or B - and including UNC - must not tread into paths - which in normal circumstance do not fall under their jurisdiction. 

"Deployment of force is administrative decision. As the legal mandate goes; Assam Rifles and other central forces work in tandem with the state police and with the mandatory nod from the civil and political leadership at the level of Chief Minister and Chief Secretary. So, there is absolutely no need of one-upmanship," came a comment from someone in the know of things.  

In a statement, the UNC has stated that:

"We have been witnessing the deteriorating security situation, the continuous reign of terror unleashed by Kuki militant groups operating under the protection of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact......". It also sought removal of the Assam Rifles from border areas and suggested that the central force be replaced by the Border Security Force (BSF). 

The centre may soon suggest political leaders in the state including chief minister, Home Minister and especially Deputy chief minister Losii Dikho (a Naga) to refrain any Naga organisation trying to step into areas where they "need not".  

The Assam Rifles is known as the "friends of the North East people" and it has expanded its style of functioning. 

Over the last decade or so, the Assam Rifles has enhanced investments in building new bonds with the youth of tomorrow by training selected local boys for encouraging in sports and also for various employment opportunities including those for Agniveers. 

Another source maintained in a candid fashion -- "Being a force based and deployed in North East for more than a century, the Assam Rifles  understands multiple games played by ultras and sympathisers hence they want to get target the force".

In contrast, there is a need for soul searching and looking "inwards".  

The UNC has been repeatedly campaigning against border fencing and in the process disturbing security forces and other agencies "address a grave subject matter of national security". 

Hence, the political leaders will be asked to make it crystal clear to all concerned that the Modi Govt will not allow anything that may be seen as compromising with the national security.  Encouraging free movement of Myanmar-based Nagas and Kuki Zo people is certainly not in the larger interests of national security and also long term interests of the civil population of all three ethnic communities Meiteis, Kukis and Nagas. 

In fact, a political dossier may be suggested on behalf of BJP and other NDA allies that any CSO in Manipur (from any community) should focus on stopping the ongoing fight within the Naga Faction and also among other such ultra groups.  

Among Meitei groups PWG groups have been surrendering commencing July 2026.  

There have been a veiled reference to the split in the NSCN-IM and formation of a splinter organisation under the name and style of NSCN (Eastern Flank).  

Moreover, the security agencies have suggested that even in Naga areas - factional feuds may come to the fore in the run up to 2027 March assembly elections. Both the Hebron and the Eastern Flank camps are expected to be active in the election season and this may result in split of Naga votes between NPF (of Neiphiu Rio) and the NPP of Conrad Sangma. 

In the event, the Eastern Flank backs NPP nominees; there may be a bigger tussle for the 'grand plan' of expansion of NPF under the leadership of Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio.   

Nagas in a cultural fest in Angami region - file snap 

The UNC has also endorsed the proposed Mega Rally of COCOMI  on October 31.

In fact, the Naga People’s Union, Imphal and others Naga Frontal Organizations and churches have been called upon to mobilize and ensure maximum Naga public participation in the Mega Rally at Imphal. 

Another question being asked is -- why Nagas preferred to back Meiteis in 2023 and were also quiet when the Meiteis were fighting Kukis. 

As a matter of the Naga-Kuki clashes have intensified since February this year. 

ends 

"Tenyimia legacy" about NNC, legendary Phizo ::::: History is preserved not only in written records but also via oral traditions, folklores ... Nagas are best examples about the same ::::: The killer problem is linked to Greed

The relationship between Tenyimia legacy and the Naga National Council (NNC) under A Zapu Phizo is deeply structural, linking ancient cultural identity with modern Naga nationalism.

The NPF came to power first in 2003 promising to end Naga insurgency and bring Solution for a lasting peace. The BJP was its ally.  They are still there together. But the unity of purpose end there. 'Double Engine' can fail. 

In Nagaland; it failed deliberately. 

During 2023 assembly election, when I visited the state - I met a serving cop in Dimapur. When asked about his political decision etc; he remarked: "Moikhan toh regional NPF .... original Phizo party toh". 

He meant - "I will vote for regional party NPF .... technically as an Angami, he owes allegiance to legendary A Z Phizo - the founding father of Naga movement".  

History is preserved not only in written records but also through oral traditions, folklores and folk songs passed down within families. Nagas are the best examples about the same in the contemporary setting.

The Tenyimia (or Tenyimi) comprises a distinct group of ten closely related tribes— the Angami, Chakhesang, Zeliangrong, Pochury, Rengma, Mao, Maram, Poumai, Inpui, and Thangal—who share a common ancestral lineage tracing back to the sacred site of Makhel.

Tenyimia Union Mokokchung (TUM) marked 58th Commemoration Day in Feb 2026 atthe district HQ   

My police friend whom I interacted in 2023 -- had also said : "Our Chief Minister is an Angami. We expected a lot in 2003 when he first became chief minister.

But Angamis and Tenyimias want to have the best of both worlds. We want Nagas to call Phizo the 'father of the Naga Nation' but when it comes political solution ... we will not work for it. Our fear is Neiphiu Rio will be replaced by leaders from other tribe". 

His statements seem to have found Resonance in 2026.

There is a physical phenomenon where a system vibrates with a much larger amplitude when exposed to an 'external force/wave' that matches the natural frequency.  

Even during 1990s, likes of Abao Kire (former Kohima Town chairman and then MLA) would say -- Tenyimi family will go together and stay together till the water flows in the river. But the refrain used to be that the "NNC spirit" or sentiment must be upheld. 

Tenyimis called the Lotha as Cuzhie-u -- meaning while the parent provided food among the brothers, he could 'save' some of his food while other brothers finished their share. 

There is Cuzhiema khel in Nerhema village. 

And the Semas were Sieus. 

Semas are also called  Semias. 

But what happens now ? 

NNC president Adinno Phizo's death was a significant episode. And then came appointment of Keviletuo Kiewhuo as a go-between for talks between NSCN-IM and the centre. Are we getting into a completely new era ... and a rather unknown area ? 

Will the much cherished 'NNC and Phizo legacy spirit' get diluted even in a veiled and a very slow and latent process ? Among Tenyimia social workers Neingulo Krome, convener, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights, has been a sincere guy all along. 

How would likes of him perceive things in the light of the new developments? Analysts may keep an eye on the 'new leadership or president' NNC would have sooner than later. 

National funeral program of Adino Phizo by the NNC at Kohima village

In a recent article, former DGP (Nagaland) Besesayo Kezo says:

"Restoring authority is not a partisan matter. It concerns every citizen who wishes to live by his labor rather than by the labor of others, and every parent who wishes his children to grow up in a society where effort is rewarded and coercion is restrained".

These are meaningful words in the context of today's Nagaland.

"In the end, the choice is between a democracy that governs and an anarchy that merely collects," he says and the importance of this statement is again quite relevant for today's Naga society and its future.  

Hear his counseling - ::: "  Democracy’s institutions were established to secure these ends. When they cease to do so, it is the duty of the citizen to insist that they resume their proper function, or, if they cannot, to consider, for a time, alternative arrangements that may be necessary to preserve the possibility of a return to normal constitutional life."  

The killer problem is linked to money factor and the baser human instinct - the greed.  

Hence, a crying need  -- it is time for structural changes. 

There are too many people who can no longer help themselves.

Have some people started working beyond 'final Solution pact' ? Nevertheless, the main question should be - what is the purpose of such machinations ? Who gains ? Is it the individual and the caucas ? 

What is then the larger interests ? 

-- Answers lie in combining factors -- Peace, Development, sound education policy, adequate platforms to tap potentials. Political autonomy for communities and Democratic political values. 

A Solution to Naga political issue has (with some variations) -- answers all these elements.  But these are changing times. Hence, those who hijacked the talk process and the period of ceasefire --- may now try to hijack the post-Solution scenario too.   

Future roadmap is not decided by moneypower. Manipulation has its limitation.

It is the 'Ideas' that shape the world. That's the power of Philosophy. Money can get Bolero. But cannot buy Ideas.    

Blogger : Life is all about playing cards well 

If the BJP-NPF alliance wants to be re-elected in 2028, they will  need to give people a real good reason to go out and vote for it.  I write this as a Modi-bhakt -- someone who wants Namo to show results. 

The centre can certainly do better than today’s 'minor fine-tuning' adjustments rather than major overhauls.  

ends 

Mamata's former aide and Ex-West Bengal tourism minister Indranil Sen arrested in alleged UNESCO-linked Durga Puja pass scam

Ex-Bengal tourism minister Indranil Sen arrested in alleged UNESCO-linked Durga Puja pass scam

Former West Bengal Tourism minister Indranil Sen has been arrested in an alleged Rs 50-60 crore financial irregularities case involving MassArt Society, an organisation with which he and his wife were allegedly associated. 

The ED is probing claims that the society misrepresented its association with UNESCO while collecting money through Durga Puja preview shows and privileged-entry passes between 2022 and 2025.

Indranil Sen was arrested on Wednesday after being questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials for at least four hours. 

A Kolkata Police team subsequently took him to Lalbazar, the city police headquarters, for further questioning over alleged financial irregularities linked to Durga Puja preview shows and pass sales, before arresting him.

The ED and Kolkata Police are separately investigating alleged irregularities involving MassArt Society, an organisation with which Sen and his wife, Madhuchhanda Sen, were allegedly associated. 

The ED's preliminary estimate suggests that the alleged irregularities could involve Rs 50-60 crore.

Meanwhile on the floor of the West Bengal Assembly on Wednesday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari asked ex CM Mamata Banerjee to retire from electoral politics and rest at home.

He explained why he chose to retain Bhabanipur in south Kolkata and vacate Nandigram instead.

Adhikari said he did not want to give Mamata Banerjee another opportunity to contest a bypoll. 

“I thank the people of Nandigram, who were quite upset with me and told me that I could have given up Bhabanipur. I explained to them that if I had given up Bhabanipur, the person who has lost to me twice might have got another chance to contest the election,” he said. 

Adhikari was speaking after Hasirani Rath, the mother of his former aide Chandranath Rath, and Shankharav Sarkar were sworn in as BJP MLAs in the Assembly. They won the Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls, respectively, earlier this month, allowing the BJP to highlight its record victory margin in Nandigram and its breakthrough in Muslim-majority Rejinagar.

Adhikari also sought to reassure Nandigram residents who, according to him, were unhappy with his decision to leave the constituency. He said he had explained why the move was necessary and promised to fulfil his commitments to them through Hasirani Rath.

West Bengal CM offers CID probe into TMC document loot charge if Ritabrata files police complaint

The leader of the rebel TMC said on social media that an attempt was made to hijack a truck carrying hundreds of thousands of affidavits and other documents while on its way to submit those to the Election Commission. 

ends 

MLC polls ... Congress scoresheet reads zero ::: How many seats Congress won? PM's dig with emoji !! :::: Sickularism shell-shocked as Ballot or EVM button - Congress fails utterly

How many seats Congress won? PM's dig with emoji as party draws blank in MLC polls

Congress's stand has shifted from scrapping EVMs to VVPAT checks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a post with emoji to mock the Congress after it failed to win a single seat in the Legislative Council polls across four states, despite the polling happening with ballot papers.  

“MLC elections in 28 seats across 4 big states – Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. Elections held using ballot papers. Guess how many seats Congress won?” he tweeted.  

Modi used an "emoji" -- which depicts a face peering through a monocle, is commonly used to convey curiousity or skepticism, adding a mocking angle to his question.  

In a significant political messaging, the Congress party failed to win even a single of the 28 seats in the MLC elections held in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. 

The principal opposition party had contested 12 of the 28 seats across the four states. 

Worse, despite the Congress being in power in Karnataka, the party lost all four seats it held earlier despite the voting being held on ballot papers.  

The Congress and several other Opposition parties have been demanding that all future elections be held using ballot papers and not EVMs, claiming that they were being rigged to favour the BJP. 

They have been launching protests nationwide against alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise and demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.

On the other hand, the BJP and its allies have lashed out at the Congress, asserting that their 'vote chori' (vote theft) propaganda had been exposed following the MLC elections.  

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s political struggles against Narendra Modi and inability to give a tough fight stem from a "mix" of leadership failure, organizational decay within the Congress, a mismatch in communication styles, and strategic missteps. 

The essence of the real challenge is somewhere else. The Congress party has struggled to revive itself in politically decisive northern and central states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh and even in Modi's native state Gujarat where it has failed to build strong local grassroots leadership capable of challenging the Lotus party. 

Blogger 

ends 

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