Mizo "Israeli descendants" :::Israel Govt approves plan to absorb nearly 6,000 members of the Bnei Menashe community

 

The Israel government has approved a plan to absorb nearly 6,000 members of the Bnei Menashe community residing in India's north-eastern states of Mizoram and Manipur by 2030, according to sources in Mizoram. 

The Bnei Menashe, identified as descendants of the biblical tribe of Manasseh are considered one of the 'lost tribes of Israel'.

 Majority of them had practised Christianity before converting to Judaism and receiving recognition from Israel's Chief Rabbinate. They observe traditional Jewish practices, celebrate holidays such as Sukkot, and have established synagogues in their communities. 

Sources also say Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to Israel in February 2026 is likely to defer migration of Bnei Menashe community from Mizoram and Manipur to the 'Promised Land' by one or two weeks.

A community leader of the Bnei Menashe community in Aizawl said though it has been planned earlier that the first batch of the community numbering 300 each from Mizoram and Manipur are set to leave Aizawl for Israel during the later part of February, the proposed visit to Israel by Prime Minister Modi "necessitated deferment". 

It is now expected that the first batch for this year will migrate to the 'Holy Land' by early March.

One community individual Hnamte his spouse and their son will also be part of the group as his daughter and son have already migrated to Israel 10 years and 5 years ago respectively. 

The rabbis and the Jewish Agency members had said that preference will be given to people whose family members are already in Israel, especially who had migrated under the Aliyah (immigration to Israel or Return to Zion) programme.

He, however, said that the names of those selected to migrate to Israel are yet to be finalised. 

Many Mizos living in Mizoram and Manipur states in northeast India say they believe they are diaspora Jews who will one day return to the promised land.

As the theory gains acceptance among Mizos, as well as some Jews in Israel, some 200 Mizos left India for a start in mid 1990s for the Middle East to settle on the West Bank.

Most Mizos in northeast India became Christians during the past century, but some shops, streets and traffic junctions still bear Jewish names such as Israel Stores, Zion Street and Israel Point.

A substantial number of Mizo-Jews claim to be 'Bnei Menashe (sons of Menasseh)' or descendants of a lost tribe of Israel.

This section of Mizo people who follow Judaism seem to endorse BJP's claim that PM Narendra Modi's govt. has improved India's friendship with his Israeli counterpart Bwnjamin Netanyahu.

Locals here recall with much fondness that in July 2017, Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel, as many as 25 years after bilateral ties between India and Israel were established in 1992. 

Many Mizo Christians do agree it was due to earlier Government's pro-Palestine stance for decades that Indian Christians could not go to Israel, even with diplomatic passports.

“I go to Synagogue almost daily,”  says Mary and maintains the emergence of BJP’s neo-Israel friendly politics would augur well for someone like her.

However, a 62-year-old native entrepreneur – on the condition of anonymity – said “It will not be proper to link some politician or a Christian leader joining BJP with the emotive Mizo-Jewish links. It is more about faith while politics is all about power game”.

Local sources say there are two Synagogues in Mizoram-capital Aizawl itself and there are also some in smaller townships and hamlets like Verante, Kolasib, Sialhok, Bhairavi, Lunglei and Kolkul.

“Initially, it was a theory. When we said we believe in being mythical ‘Lost Tribe’ of Israel, people laughed around. But this theory was given a sort of authenticity in April 2005 when the Sephardi Chief Rabbinate of Israel, Shlomo Amar, ‘recognized’ us as the descendents of the ancient Israelites or Bnei Menashe," said one of them.

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BJP's new campaign strategy has roles for Bansuri Swaraj

 

What's common between Bansuri Swaraj and Sambit Patra ? 

Well other than being sittinng BJP lawmakers; both these first time MPs have more engaging roles to play in coming elections in West Bengal. 

Sambit Patra, BJP’s national spokesperson, is expected interact at a specially convened teachers’  Sammelan. On the other hand; New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj has already addressed a conclave of lawyers. 

The BJP realises the going will be tough in a state where Muslims give Mamata Banerjee initial advantage in over 50 seats. Hence; they are adopting new methodologies of wooing voters.

Party insiders describe this as a “new era  campaign,” with sharply delineated gatherings for professionals like lawyers, teachers, doctors, and traders.

High-profile national leaders such as BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj and Sambit Patra will be drawn out from party high command's talent pool fron across India.

"In fact, this style is not new. We tried this and reaped benefits in Tripura where too the voters were inclined towards Left liberal schools of polity," says Jay Mukherjee, a local BJP leader in North Kolkata. 

In contrast, the Trinamool Congress has rolled out cash doles and welfare expansions totalling over Rs 1.80 lakh crore for social welfare in the interim 2026-27 state budget. 

Samik Bhattacharya, West Bengal BJP president says : “Our segmentation taps anti-TMC sentiments boiling over issues like post-poll violence, infiltration, and scams—issues that discerning voters care about deeply.”

"We are building conviction among the educated, urban, and professional classes who are fed up with TMC’s corruption, violence, and appeasement politics”. 

The BJP leaders say Bansuri Swaraj's interaction went off pretty well.

Attendees, including Bar Association leaders, nodded in agreement, citing TMC’s misuse of police against Opposition voices.

"Trinamool Congress has turned Bengal’s courts into their playground—bail for goons, harassment for BJP workers. Lawyers know the rot; it’s time to vote for justice,” Swaraj declared, invoking recent Supreme Court observations against Mamata Govt.

 Nikhil Das, ABVP president in Jadavpur University endorses this campaign style.

"More and more such interactions should be organised," he says. "Voters in west bengal are educated and so we need specialists to handle them". 

                    ABVP leader Nikhil Das

             ABVP Saraswati Puja : Jan 23, 

      Jadavpur University 

     

The BJP’s approach kicked into high gear lately with a series of closed-door meetings across Kolkata and also Siliguri in North Bengal.

“Since Mamata Banerjee came to power, our educators and the education sector itself faced many problems. From lack of infrastructure in schools, colleges, and universities, the lack of permanent teacher appointments, and the endless corruption in schools, colleges, and universities where there have been appointments, the TMC’s criminality knows no end," says party leader B S Nanda.

“BJP’s segmentation is smart—they’re wooing the ‘bhadralok’ (educated middle class) alienated by TMC’s muscle-flexing. Mamata’s sops may sway masses temporarily, but professionals want governance, not giveaways,” opined Biswanath Chakraborty, a Kolkata-based political analyst.

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Puppet Yunus flop show is over : Tarique Rahman in search of new President and new Foreign Minister for Bangladesh

Let us start with an easy saying --- when the going gets tough; its the TOUGH who gets going. 

Tarique Rahman may be lucky; but so far he has ptoved himself to be tough.

Muhammad Yunus has been super flop in more ways than one and good bye time looks imminent for a man who missed the golden opportunity to prove himself as a statesman.

Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman today said that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman's visit to his house was a historic moment for national politics.

BNP - source snap 

Yunus - considered close to western lobby - had a disastrous stint.

He may end up in history being called -- a man who did not understand what his mandate was. He wanted to bring political reform - a mission never was given to an interim regime. 

He encouraged Islamists and befriended Pakistan for mega flip flop mission. 

***

Close on the heels of poll outcome, the interim government of Yunus has terminated the contractual appointment of Faisal Mahmud as the minister of the press wing to Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.

He was removed from his position nearly nine months before the end of his term.

****

The Feb 12 mandate was decisive for the BNP but the Jamaat has proved one thing certainly --- they will be bigger player in next round of elections in Bangladesh.

It may come much earlier than expected because the Yunus dispensation had done a strategic mistake by keeping Awami League at bay during elections. Stage is set for Late Khaleeda Zia's son to be prime minister.

But Tarique has started brainstorming session on who will be Next President and who all will be his foreign minister, finance minister and so on.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar may soon find his counterpart from a serving Bangladeshi diplomat. Hence one name doing the round is Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, who is at present Bangladesh envoy in Mexico. 

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir (born 26 January 1948) may be shortlisted for next Presidentship. He is a veteran BNP secretary general and a trusted man of Tarique family. On similar grounds; sources suggest senior leader Dr Moin Khan may be considered for the post of Speaker. 

Some also argue that Moin Khan may also get the key portfolio of Foreign Affairs. Former Commerce Minister under Khaleda Zia - Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury -- may be considered as Finance or Foreign Minister. Another BNP leader Humayun Kabir may be also considered as new foreign minister. 

Economist Reza Kibria may be made new finance or planning minister, analysts say. 

The BNP, the power-to-be in parliament, will need a solid cabinet that works beyond partisan interests, with zero tolerance for corruption, impunity, and violence. Every BNP member should have tattooed somewhere visible the lesson from why the Awami League fell: its arrogance of power. Be open to constructive criticism and meritocracy, and deliver to the public, not to the party. 

And keep the military, bureaucracy, and law enforcement apolitical.

Jamaat did comparatively well: 77 alliance seats is a historic high.

 But the verdict carries a message: society is still not ready for theocracy, to put it politely. Their role as responsible opposition will define the country’s democratic future. 

PM Modi receives invite for Tarique Rahman swearing in

 

In a major foreign policy signal Bangladesh PM-elect Tarique Rahman has invited PM Narendra Modi for his oath ceremony. 

Namo has been invited by Bangladesh to attend the February 17 swearing-in of Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister following BNP's sweeping election victory in Feb 12 polls. 

9

India is among the 13 countries invited by Chief Adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus. The other nations are China, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan.

India has not officially confirmed receipt of the invitation, and a decision on whether Prime Minister Modi will attend the ceremony is awaited, even as both nations attempt to reset bilateral ties. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend the event in Dhaka.

The BNP secured a commanding 209 of the 297 seats, while the right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami, considered close to Pakistan, won 68 seats. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League was barred from contesting the polls, which recorded a voter turnout of 59.44 per cent.

After the results were announced on Friday, Prime Minister Modi spoke with Rahman and reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of both countries.

"I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India's continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," Modi wrote on X after the call.

In another post, the PM said he looked forward to working with him to advance common development goals.

Rahman, in his first brief remarks on ties with India following his poll victory, said Bangladesh’s “interests” would form the cornerstone of his foreign policy towards New Delhi.

“The interests of Bangladesh and its people will determine our foreign policy,” Rahman said, adding that he seeks to maintain balanced relations with regional powers such as India, China and Pakistan, and does not view any country as a “master”. 

Of course the Sheikh Hasina regime was friendly to India. 

India needs to take the first mover advantage in engagement and assistance, else New Delhi would get muscled out by China and the US. Narendra Modi's phone call wss timely. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rightly reached out to Tarique Rehman first by a tweet and then spoke personally too. It is the smart ans expected approach.

New Delhi now needs to "sweeten the genuine friendship deal" with a befitting economic package.

There can be targeted investments in RMG exports, infrastructure, and job creation to stabilise the transition. In other words, India has to "rebuild" the goodwill, help curb any major unrest and of course positions India as a steady partner. 

The outcome could be setback for the US and Pakistan as a lot was allegedly invested. But the results will force external forces to decide the future of Mohammed Yunus and also could possibly open new doors for ousted PM Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League. The BNP was leading in maximum out of which results and trends available so far. 

Ousted leader and also served with death sentence, Sheikh Hasina is in constant communication with her people in Bangladesh and India.

 She is still inspiring party activists, party leaders, grassroots leaders and other professional bodies. 

Hasina is of course trying to make her party ready for the upcoming struggle.

The Awami League was banned in 2024 and the Bangladesh Chhatra League was labelled a “terrorist organisation” by the interim government.

 Several Awami League leaders face multiple charges of sedition and crimes against humanity, which they deny.

Ends 

FNTA leaves a crucial message ... Modi Govt is sincere about Development : N Kitovi Zhimomi

There are reasons to believe that the signing of Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) deal would give a mixed feeling, said rebel leader N Kitovi Zhimomi.

The NNPG convener also said : "The deal has left two broad messsages. One, people's wishes are supreme and the aspirations of common Nagas cannot be ignored for long. But the second messsge is important -- that the Govt of India under Shri Narendra Modi is keen for development of far flung areas".

In an interaction with this journalist, Kitovi said: "The talks about development and autinomy of Eastern Nagaland started long back during 2011 or 2012 when BJP was not in power. But we must appreciate the clamour for development was appreciated and ultimately an MoU was inked".

To a question he said : 

"The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) has already welcomed the February 5 tripartite agreement that paved the way for creation of FNTA".

"We are also clear that the new arrangement must be viewed within the context of the broader unresolved Indo–Naga political issue," he said. 

To a question on the MoU signed between the government of India, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) and the Nagaland state government, Kitovi said : 

"You will find mixed feeling. People are happy in eastern Nagaland but there is also emotional issue. It's a case wherein some of our people hsve questioned the functioning style of Kohima. I see it as a wake up call. But this has generated new hopes for poor villagers in those far flung areas. But I also see all these as timely correction of the historical injustice kickrd off by ills of misgovernsnce. Hence I say FNTS is a reminder that the will of the people is supreme.

Answering questions, he said : "There is no need to find faults ... but soul searching by all stakeholders is importnt. Now it will be the responsibility of eastern Nagas to evolve an ingenious, independent and transparent mechanism to ensure that what has been agreed on paper translates into real time development and community progress on the ground.

On Naga talks, he said : "Saboteurs will fail. The Solution is bound to come. The unresolved Indo–Naga political issue is a fact of life. The negotiations have officially concluded on October 31, 2019, and said that clear negotiated charters” are on the tables of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The Agreed Position was a milestone". 

He said the “Status Paper” arising from the talks is inclusive of Nagas in Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. By spirit it is open ended. I am glad that authorities in New Delhi and we NNPG are on the same pag but if the Nagaland state government has a separate agenda to negotiate with the Centre and seeks a new interlocutor, that is a different matter and its not our concern".

Kitovi also said -- "There is no confusion and we are clear that the Indo–Naga talks have concluded and that all core political matters have been thoroughly deliberated. Hence, any attempt to downgrade the Agreed Position is unacceptable."

A new chapter was written about Nagas. A Tripartite agreement (Memorandum of Agreement) was signed between the Government of India, Government of Nagaland and representatives of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) in New Delhi on Thursday, Feb 5,  paving the way for creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).

The agreement was signed in the presence of Union home minister Amit Shah and Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio. The FNTA will cover six eastern districts– Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator– and will have devolution of powers over 46 subjects. 

Addressing the gathering, Shah described the occasion as a significant step toward a “dispute-free Northeast".

Ends 

Bangladesh polls results and West Bengal politics

 

Bangladesh’s election results are a reminder: stability in border states requires foresight, not reaction. One interpretation is Hindu Bengalis must stay alert and vote out the Trinamool Congress in 2026 to secure West Bengal, their homeland.

The election results of Bangladesh should be a wake-up call for Hindus in West Bengal, particularly since the Mamata Banerjee administration has encouraged and facilitated rampant illegal infiltration from across the border.

From Satkhira to Rangpur, the belt facing West Bengal and Assam is witnessing political shifts. As the results pour in, reports suggest that in several districts contiguous with India, Jamaat-backed or Islamist-leaning forces are performing strongly, even if the BNP is poised to form the government.

West Bengal cannot and should not overlook these developments. Electoral outcomes in neighbouring countries often shape the political and social climate of border regions, especially given the potential for ideological consolidation and radicalisation in the region.

At the same time, West Bengal’s security, social cohesion, and governance depend on decisions

 taken within the state. Political complacency, appeasement, or administrative weakness,

 under Mamata Banerjee’s regime, pose risks that are just as serious as external factors.

Border security is not merely a military question; it is about governance, intelligence coordination, demographic management, and ideological clarity.

Modi Govt has to position India "as a steady partner of Bangladesh" amid Jamaat ascent

In diplomacy, never a task is 100 per cent over. It was a tough election. Nevertheless, after 28 months of interim regime amid chaotic failures; electoral battle is over.

A decisive mandate too has come and much to India's expectations, the BNP Chief Tarique Rahman is now set to be the Prime Minister.

India needs to take the first mover advantage in engagement and assistance, else New Delhi would get muscled out by China and the US. Narendra Modi's phone call wss timely. 

Tarique's return on December 25, 2025, after 17 years in exile, removed lingering doubts about the BNP’s commitment to participating in the February 12 elections.
BNP chief extended support to the student-led anti-quota movement and, following Hasina’s fall, backed the formation of an interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. 

He also pressed for a time-bound reform agenda and election within 2025, he ultimately agreed to the February timeline
 

For long; from New Delhi's perspective,  the Awami League was a consistent friend. In fact, the BNP was almost anti India. But the overall perspective has changed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rightly reached out to Tarique Rehman first by a tweet and then spoke personally too. It is the smart ans expected approach.

New Delhi now needs to "sweeten the genuine friendship deal" with a befitting economic package.

There can be targeted investments in RMG exports, infrastructure, and job creation to stabilise the transition. In other words, India has to "rebuild" the goodwill, help curb any major unrest and of course positions India as a steady partner. 

It may be safely stated that with the BNP reclaiming power after the much expected polls, Bangladesh faces a seismic political shift. 

Bangladesh begins a new journey. After over 18 months since the mass uprising, the long-awaited election has finally been held, opening up the path for a democratic transition. 

After any election, it is natural that one party will form the government and another will be the opposition. The question no longer is whether a large section of the voters have participated in the election, and whether the electoral process has been relatively free from external interference or disturbance. 

The election has certainly passed the test. 

Now thw Functionsl Realities ::: 

In the new situation, the Awami League's ouster paves the way for Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) to emerge as the primary opposition.

Sheikh Hasina may be desperate for life safety; her hundreds of party leaders and mid level functionaries will be little restive about their future - both immediate and long term.

Notably; New Delhi will do well to keep in mind that the Jamaat and its allies will have potential to dominate the next government's dynamics.

Slowly; by default -- the Awami League may fade away. 

Analysts predict JeI's swift rise, sidelining Awami League remnants. 

Challenges for Dhaka and its friends would be --- Persistent unemployment, already a ticking bomb with youth joblessness exceeding 40%.

This will continue to fester under the new regime, strained by policy inertia and economic headwinds.

Under Yunus; India opted for reduced funding—down amid bilateral tensions.

This already drew sharp blame from Dhaka nationalists, exacerbating anti-India rhetoric and straining border ties.

Team Modi and India foreign policy engine room have to work for Pragmatic Path Forward. 

Of course, as a sensitive big bro neighbour: New Delhi can Prioritise Sheikh Hasina's well-being: ensure top-tier health and medical care.

This will or signal magnanimity and at the same time pursue professional diplomacy with the incoming Tarique regime.

Indian policy approach so far is clear -- framing Tarique's win  as "democracy's triumph." 

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today said that his party will formally urge India to extradite ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh to stand trial.

Ends