Reduction in ‘extreme poverty’ ... a sense of relief :::: Now the priority must be Job creation, Social security and greater Female participation :::: Poverty threshold could fall -- from 14.2 per cent in 2026 to 12.1 per cent by 2028

The World Bank report comes with a sense of relief for India. 

It estimates that the share of Indians living below $3 a day fell from 27.1 per cent in 2011-12 to 5.3 per cent in 2022-23. 

India lifts 496 million out of poverty in 12 years, extreme poverty plunges to 2.6%.

Its latest report, in October, puts the 2024 figure near 2 per cent, about 33 million people. On the older $2.15 line, the fall was from 16.2 to 2.3 per cent. 

Though in per cent terms the fall is significant yet in absolute numbers it is still quite large and given the fact that over 80 crore people "still depend" upon the government ration is still a cause of concern. 

The report, in fact, says it is a reduction in ‘extreme poverty’ which is synonymous with destitution. However, the milestone is significant as it shows the trend, a path that India is walking on.  

India’s sharp decline in extreme poverty is a major achievement. Now the priority must be job creation, social security and greater female participation  

Five states (Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh) held 65 per cent of the extreme poor in 2011-12 and delivered two-thirds of the decline.

Incidentally or otherwise ... all these five states are now BJP and NDA-ruled states and has Lotus party chief ministers. 

This report is indeed a moral booster but no cause for complacency or celebration as yet. 

Escaping destitution is not prosperity, and it does not make India a developed country. The $3 line works out to roughly Rs 60 a day, a survival benchmark drawn from the world’s poorest nations. At $4.20, the lower-middle-income line, about 216 million Indians remained poor in 2024.  

At $8.30, the upper-middle-income benchmark, 1.14 billion fall short.  Development means decent jobs, schools, healthcare and security, not merely the absence of hunger. The scars of malnutrition and poor schooling do not vanish when a household crosses a line.

This has happened over a period of more than a decade is significant as it shows that the path is right but pace is rather slow. 

Indeed, steady growth, rising rural incomes and a post-pandemic jobs recovery helped, but the Bank report also cites free and subsidised food transfers as a major factor. Yet another reason is plugging in leakages, which ate most of the Government doles. 

Digital direct transfers helped close leaks that once swallowed welfare. 

Besides, better reach of subsidies through targeted subsidies on cooking gas, toilets, electricity and housing has made a difference.  

Notably, India has not revised its national poverty line since 2009. 

The way forward begins with honesty.  Several challenges cannot wait. 

Jobs come first: only 23 per cent of non-farm paid work is formal, and youth unemployment of 13.3 per cent climbs to 29 per cent among graduates. Just 31 per cent of women are in paid work, an enormous untapped engine of growth.  

Describing the progress as "one of the fastest poverty declines in the world", the World Bank attributed the improvement primarily to strong consumption growth, rising employment, particularly among women, and expanded social transfers, including food subsidies.

India's poverty levels are expected to decline further over the coming years, although at a slower pace. The World Bank's projections suggest that poverty at the $4.20-a-day threshold could fall from 

-- 14.2 per cent in 2026 to 

12.1 per cent by 2028.

ends 

US elections take place under a shadow of uncertainty ::::: Midterm polls seen as referendum on Donald Trump

Americans head to polls in midterm elections seen as referendum on Trump  

Opinion surveys have suggested the Democrats are well-positioned to win the House. The party faces a tougher task to regain control of the Senate, although it has targeted several Republican-held seats including Ohio, Texas and Maine.

The US Congress has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Both must approve federal legislation before it can become law and both play important roles in overseeing the executive branch.

The House is elected every two years, meaning all 435 voting seats are contested at every congressional election. The Senate has 100 members serving staggered six-year terms, so roughly a third of its seats are up for election every two years.

The war with Iran – which Donald Trump launched last February in understanding with Israel – has stoked inflation by increasing global oil prices, which has led to higher prices at the pump for American motorists and raised the cost of diesel, a vital fuel for supply chains and farmers. The US elections take place under a shadow of uncertainty about whether Trump will accept the results if they do not go the Republicans’ way.  

Americans are heading to the polls today in US midterm elections widely seen as a referendum on Donald Trump’s second presidency and a chance for opponents to rein in his untrammeled power.

Democrats and Republicans have scrambled in recent days to deliver their final pitches to voters with control of the US Senate and House of Representatives – both currently held by the Republicans – at stake.

The campaign has been overshadowed by Trump, who has staged several dozen rallies across the country while urging his make America great again (Maga) base to vote for Republican candidates and pretend his name was on the ballot.

The party holding the White House typically loses congressional seats at midterm elections and Democrats are hoping Trump’s nose-diving popularity can be exploited to generate a “blue wave” groundswell of popular opposition that will win them both the Senate and the House.

They are seeking to wrest control over both chambers of Congress to put a brake on Trump’s presidential power, which has gone largely unchecked as he has launched a fierce immigration crackdown involving mass arrests and deportations, waged war on Iran, imposed tariffs on foreign imports , and embarked on vainglorious building projects, including a White House ballroom.

Formation of Territorial Council ruled out in Manipur :::: Total Shutdown in Kangpokpi by another 48 Hours by Kukis ::::: Several houses allegedly set ablaze in Tumuyon Khullen Naga Village

There is no sign of improvement or end to the cycle of  violence, Bandhs and the administrative inability in handling complex problems in Manipur.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, has extended its ongoing total shutdown by another 48 hours, citing the government’s continued failure to take decisive action and deliver justice for the killing of two Kuki-Zo civilians.

In an urgent public notice issued on November 2, CoTU, a Kuki civil body based out of Kangpokpi announced the extension of the shutdown, stating that the government’s alleged inaction and failure to initiate tangible steps against those responsible for the killings would no longer be tolerated.  

The committee said the shutdown would continue for another 48 hours, while exempting schools, medical services, media and air travel for essential purposes.

File snap: 2005 - Bandh supporters enforcing the Sadar Hills bandh 

2023 snap 

CoTU expressed strong dissatisfaction with what it described as the government’s indecision and failure to ensure justice, stating that the two deaths had left bereaved families and the wider community awaiting accountability.

The committee demanded concrete, decisive and time-bound action against those responsible for the killings, rejecting what it termed empty assurances and administrative excuses.  

Naga Village Condemns Arson, Alleges Houses Set Ablaze by Kuki Groups 

Reports from Senapati said, the Tumuyon Khullen Village Authority has strongly condemned the alleged arson attack on the Maram Naga village on Sunday afternoon.

It ha been claimed that several houses were set ablaze by suspected Kuki groups. The incident occurred at around 3:30 PM on November 1, when numerous houses in Tumuyon Khullen were allegedly set on fire, local media reports said.  

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, the Tumuyon Khullen Village Authority cautioned that its peaceful stance should not be misconstrued as weakness. It also warned that the authorities would be held responsible should they fail to act and further incidents occur.  

Meanwhile, both the state Governor Ajay Bhalla and chief minister Y Khemchand Singh are reviewing the situation constantly. 

Multiple issues are coming to the fore displaying yet again that the problems in Manipur have complexities like the proverbial wheels-within-wheels.  

In a recent statement, the Chief Minister's Office in a statement said - "The BJP-led government (in Manipur) will protect the territorial integrity of Manipur at any cost."

The statement mentioned that a delegation of three eminent activists associated with northeast, UPPL and NDA lawaker from Assam, Pramod Boro, Lt General (Retd) R. P. Kalita, and A. K. Mishra, retired Special Director, Intelligence Bureau and ex advisor NE, made a courtesy call on Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, Mantripukhri last week.

"During the brief interaction, the leaders discussed the way forward for restoring peace and normalcy in the state and promoting reconciliation among communities for a better future of the State".

It clarified that no other agendas contrary to the aspirations and interests of the people and the State were discussed. 

The CMO clarified that : "The news item regarding the formation of Territorial Council in Manipur is totally baseless and fabricated. 

"It may be mentioned that, on several occasions, the Central Government and the BJP-led Government in Manipur have consistently maintained that they are firmly committed to safeguarding Manipur's territorial integrity."

 

In an article, Rajya Sabha MP, Pramod Boro of UPPL (NDA) said: "Manipur must not become a permanent symbol of humanity failure".  

The centre has released a substantial Rs 682 crore to Manipur as an "additional tax devolution instalment". 

"This timely support will boost development, welfare initiatives and capital expenditure in the state," the chief minister tweeted. 

The role expected to be played by the three member panel of public spirited citizens Pramodo Boro, Lt Gen (retd) Kalita and A K Mishra (ex advisor, NE) is significant. 

Analysts say the root cause of the problem or the trigger is the absence or even the 'collapse' of the inter community dialogues in Manipur. It started with Kuki-Meitei issues in 2023 and then it expanded to other areas of the state especially involving Kukis and Nagas. 

The Meiteis are emotional about the issue of territorial integrity of Manipur. The Nagas have their own history of violence and demands and the Kukis have their own. 

In Naga areas especially Kamjong-Ukhrul things have become extremely unsafe for the Kukis and there are hamlets and separate pockets where Nagas are not safe either. 

Sources said as three individuals are "aware" of the local problems due to professional involvement (especially for Lt Gen Kalita and A K Mishra); they can make a holistic view of things.  

Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Boro - who has good rapport with both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shah - can give the necessary "political touch" to the discussions with civil society organisations from all three communities. 

 

NDA lawmaker Boro, Lt Gen (retd) Kalita and A K Mishra with Guv Bhalla  

However, it is learnt "there is nothing Sarkari or official" about the special citizens' panel. Understandably, these three individuals and a galaxy of academicians and others met in Tezpur University in Assam in October and resolved to work for the north east region with a long term mission. 

The challenges in Manipur are complex and by understanding the gravity of the situation, the panel offered to try to "establish a starting point for meaningful dialogue" between various communities. 

"Things are on track and more efforts are necessary," said an analyst.

ends 

Manipur should become a testament to humanity and capacity to heal, says Assam lawmaker Promod Bodo of UPPL

"Manipur must not become a permanent symbol of humanity failure," says Assam lawmaker Promod Boro, who visited the violence-hit state lately.

Reportedly among others, former advisor north east A K Mishra (retd IPS) and also Lt Gen (retd) Rana Pratap Kalita, former Eastern Command chief, were in his delegation. 

Manipur Guv A K Bhalla with Boro, Lt Gen Kalita and A K Mishra 

In an article made available here, Boro says: "Let Manipur become a testament to humanity and capacity to heal by acknowledging suffering and choosing a future beyond inherited hostility".

The lawmaker, who is also president of the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), says - it was "this mission" that they visited the state.

"We are a team of concerned citizens, a voluntary non-government initiative, who empathise with the people of Manipur and feel that it is our moral responsibility to work towards peace in Manipur," he says.

The lawmaker highlighted the role of the "civil society organisations of the various communities". 

He further states : "Our broad purpose was to promote inter-community dialogue by providing a credible platform, in which, communities can acknowledge suffering, clarify grievances, resist misinformation, and develop practical forms of cooperation". 

The MP pledged:

"We will also help develop trust among communities through inter-community social, cultural, sports, education, youth/student exchange programmes/camps, etc, to foster social harmony and build sustainable peace". 

Reportedly a few meetings with the civil society organisations are on cards.

"Manipur future must not be confined to the memories of violence. It must also be shaped by the courage of survivors, the wisdom of communities, the integrity of institutions and the determination of future generations to build a different society." 

In this context, he sounded quite pragmatic and added:

"The road to reconciliation will not be simple. Grief cannot be hurried, trust cannot be commanded and justice cannot be replaced by declarations of goodwill". 

However, he remained positive and forward looking - ".... the difficulty of peace is not a reason to abandon it. It is a reason to approach it with greater seriousness, patience and moral courage." 

Lt Gen (Retd) Kalita  

Boro also says:

"North East India offers a powerful cultural context for understanding how communities can sustain relationships across generations. Its extraordinary diversity is expressed through different histories, languages, customs, traditions, festivals, and arts and crafts, etc. 

However, historically, there is a common thread running through the age-old systems of inter-community support, solidarity and dependence. Barter and reciprocal exchange connected people through shared economic needs".  

Boro also writes:  

"Peace-building in Manipur, therefore, must extend beyond mere security and political interventions and arrangements and encompass host of initiatives, including inter- community dialogue, creating awareness through education, psycho-social healing, etc. 

"The central proposition is that sustainable peace cannot be imposed exclusively from above; it must be cultivated within institutions, communities and the minds of the everyday relationships. 

Manipur recovery must become not only a regional responsibility but also an opportunity to demonstrate humanity& capacity to transform suffering into solidarity."

Chief Minister Khemchand with surrendered PWG militants in July 2026 

The assembly polls are due in Manipur by March 2027 along with high profile states such as Uttar Pradesh and Punjab and also Goa and Uttarakhand. But due to deteriorating law and order situation since 2023 on multiple fronts; stakes are high for the ruling BJP. 

Initially the problems were between Kukis and Meiteis but from the beginning of calendar year 2026; now there are serious conflicts between Nagas and Kukis. The district of Kamjong has been worst affected. The split in NSCN-IM has further complicated things. 

In a major embarrassment for the ruling state government,  a mass rally was jointly organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and several Naga organisations and other indigenous community bodies at Imphal.  

Participating organisations included the United Naga Council (UNC), Joint Tribes Council (JTC), Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC), Naga People’s Union, Imphal (NPUI), Naga Humanitarian Aid Committee Manipur (NHACM), Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO), All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and people from the hills and valley. 

Thousands of Meitei, Naga and other indigenous people rallied across Imphal, Senapati and Chandel, issuing a "final call" to the Centre and demanding the scrapping of the SoO agreement with Kuki groups and implementation of NRC with 1951 as the base year. 

ends 

 

 

Whether separate Rahul and Priyanka camps were emerging within Congress !!

BJP spokesman Sambit Patra alleged that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was being sidelined within the Congress, claiming she was not given an opportunity to speak at either the party’s mock Parliament or the Ramlila Maidan rally. 

Another BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also questioned whether separate Rahul and Priyanka camps were emerging within the party. These claims were not independently substantiated.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Lok Morcha president Upendra Kushwaha termed the Opposition’s electoral irregularity allegations baseless and urged political parties to focus on public issues rather than undermine democratic institutions.

The BJP also announced counter-campaigns in states. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will undertake a padayatra in Hyderabad on Monday.

The Telangana BJP’s campaign is against what it calls the Congress’s misleading narrative on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Shah is also expected to address a gathering. 

In Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will lead a ‘Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy’ march in Nagpur on November 5. 

The BJP expects 15,000 to 20,000 participants at the march, which will run from Yashwant Stadium to Samvidhan Chowk and conclude a four-day campaign.   

The BJP on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following the INDIA bloc’s ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally in Delhi, accusing him of making baseless allegations against the government and the Election Commission.

Addressing a press conference, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra described the Ramlila Maidan gathering as a “chaotic, unruly spectacle” and claimed that the turnout fell far short of the 10 lakh people projected by Congress leaders. He dismissed Gandhi’s claim that the 2024 Lok Sabha election was “illegal”, arguing that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was not in office during those polls.

Patra said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would remain in office as long as Gandhi continued to manufacture “non-issues”. He also accused the Congress leader of undermining democratic institutions and described the Opposition’s “vote chori” allegations as a “bundle of lies”. 

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav and Mamata Banerjee were among those travelling with other INDIA bloc leaders, while supporters walked alongside the vehicle, turning the stretch towards the rally venue into a moving procession.

The march, organised under the banner of ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’, was the most visible part of the Opposition alliance’s mobilisation against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. But the gathering had begun taking shape across the capital several hours before the leaders arrived at Minto Road. 

At Ramlila Maidan, supporters of different Opposition parties had started assembling early in the morning. Congress workers gathered outside Himachal Bhawan before proceeding towards the venue, while Samajwadi Party supporters assembled outside Akhilesh Yadav’s residence. Groups affiliated with Left parties also arrived in the Capital, with student organisations joining the mobilisation.

Supporters were not limited to party workers from Delhi. Several groups had travelled from neighbouring States and other parts of the country. Supporters of the INDIA bloc gathered carrying party flags, banners and placards, while groups of students and representatives of different organisations made their way towards the rally venue.

At the centre of the preparations was Ramlila Maidan, where a large tricolour canopy had been erected above the main stage. 

A separate stage was arranged for representatives of the alliance’s State units. White canopy tents, temporary platforms and designated enclosures occupied portions of the grounds, with barricades installed to regulate the movement of people.

Cut-outs of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge were also put up outside the venue.

Does 'groomed' Rahul have "appetite" for the cut and thrust of desi politics ::::: Another tryst with destiny would mean either defeat of Moditva or 'further isolation' of Dynasty ::::: Post Nov 1 rally, Can Rahul Gandhi present an "reinvented image" of himself and Congress party ::: The real reasons behind Narendra Modi's victory

Tried, tested and Rejected

Nov 1 - 2026 rally shows Mirror to Congress 

Can they get the message ?

Rahul Gandhi is always a tutored and groomed leader.

He was made Congress vice president with a lot of soap-opera drama. 

Lot of tear flow. Sonia Gandhi played an ambitious mother like any Indian mother but gave the colour of a philosopher-mom and told him "power is poison".

This was the session where Sushilkumar Shinde as Home Minister spoke in details about saffron terror. Rahul was 43. 

At 47, he has been groomed - as always - to lead Congress since birth and faced no challengers for the post of party president occupied for the past 19 years by his mother, Sonia.  But Sonia has the credit of bringing the party to power in 2004 and also in 2009. 

Once upon a time, the man was derided by political critics as “pappu” – or naive child. Every time he spoke in Parliament; Speaker Somnath Chatterjee did not fail to record his appreciation. He even used to thank and credit Rahul for tabling House panel report. Every time, Rahul spoke in Lok Sabha -- all Congress members would attend religiously and also thump desks. 

In 2011, when Meira Kumar was Speaker -- he gave a 'rashtra ke naam sandesh' during Zero hour. Nevertheless; politically he faced significant hurdles to lead India, including an ailing Congress party.

While there were 'doubts' over his mettle and his opponent by September 2013 was Modi. Soon by May 2014; his opponent became -- India’s most formidable prime minister in decades and the Hindutva icon Narendra Modi.

The 2014 mandate was a humiliating rout for Congress. Yet he survived and instead in 2017, he was made party president. As a backgrounder, everyone believed that the Congress - founded in 1885 - had ushered India into independence in 1947 and has ruled the country for most of its history. There was no scope to doubt that.

Rahul was expected to work on a few key fronts -- present a "reinvented image" of Congress party - which had by then became pro-Muslim as A K Antony report said.

He also ought to present himself as a serious Neta. Rahul initially for a decade or so enjoyed cultivating the image of a reluctant politician. Now, he is ambitious. But he has not yet given up the habit of  travelling overseas ... from US to Vietnam -- periodically.

 

Has he able to get the 'credibility' back for the Congress party? 

There would not be any objective analysis even by the media. Most stalwarts among analysts and observers are 'fed up' of Narendra Modi. All old jugadu games and junkets are now a thing of the past. For most the issues are more than just Indian democracy or secularism !

Rahul has ensured two things. The Congress and 'credibility' have been linked to what is anti-Modi and what is anti-Hindu. In the process; Modi has survived and more often focused more on Hindutva issues than hardcore governance. 

The Hindu-nationalism and developments are now Modi's ever lasting and ever-paying master cards.

 

The Congress losing ground in many states and unable to show any revival in states such as Gujarat, UP and Bihar or West Bengal only show that Congress’s brand of politics -- now more often pro-ultra Left has been superseded by the Lotus party.

Does well 'groomed' Rahul Gandhi have "appetite" for the cut and thrust of desi politics ?

Perhaps the doubts persist. He spoke about Jalebi factory in Haryana and his quote on 'potato factory' is also famous.

Addressing the students at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies in Mumbai, Rahul said, "One day you're going to run this country, run the institutions, you will be the Steve Jobs in the Microsofts and the leaders…the Facebooks of this country." 

Did he not know that Steve Jobs is not from Microsoft ?

Rahul Gandhi surprised many when he hugged a wrong person in a photo-op during his visit to a hospital at Una in Gujarat to meet the young Dalit men who were stripped and beaten. He hugged a woman, mistaking her for a relative of the victims.

Not long ago-- research conducted by the Pew Research Center, a US-based thinktank, showed 58% of Indians viewed Rahul Gandhi positively compared with 88% for Modi.

Rahul Gandhi once mixed up the two Hindi words 'balatkar and bhrastachar' (rape and corruption) while addressing a women's rally in Madhya Pradesh as he tried to refer to the increasing number of violence against women in the BJP-ruled state. 

On Women and Gujarat: "If someone has given milk to Gujarat, it's these women." (Spoken during a rally in Dehradun while pointing toward women in the crowd)

Left to him and his select team of advisors; Rahul believes in high-profile speeches at US universities and fierce attacks on Narendra Modi. He would often say things - which are not expected like "Indian economy is dead". 

Sample these --  "The fight is about whether he, as a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear a turban in India; or whether, he, as a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear a 'kada' in India; or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to a gurdwara." (during a foreign visit).

**

"The RSS's idea is similar to the idea of Muslim Brotherhood in the Arab world."

His outbursts more often give opportunities to attack Rahul.

Once a BJP spokesperson said:

"He goes abroad, defames India, tells lies. He is not the Leader of Opposition but the Leader of Propaganda. He has said in Germany that there is no manufacturing in India, and institutions have been razed. China, he has said, is doing well. Praise China, defame India, this is Rahul Gandhi's identity now."

 

ends

Memory piece ::: Naga Peace Talks, ex-babus and roadblock ---- originally written in Oct 2021 :::: "I cannot vouch that New Delhi has kept all its promises made to Nagas"

Life is never a linear progression.

The appointment of Keviletuo Kiewhuo as 'go-between' for parleys has been allegedly linked to "financial arrangements rather than merit and national service", says the  Government of Naga National Council/Democratic Socialist Republic of Nagaland (GNNC/DSRN).

It also sought clarification from the concerned leadership. 

Can Mr Ajit Lal and Home Secretary Govind Mohan or the NPF be proud of these related matters ?  

The 'New India' as PM Narendra Modi keeps mentioning, can give a solemn assurance that it will not commit any breach of faith. 

Time to create a new set of 'gentleman's promises' and time to pledge to honour those. The Naga hills are crying for peace.

All eyes on Namo's 'next move'

To state that the Naga peace talks have hit a roadblock over the issue of Naga flag and a separate constitution is actually a half truth. 

If these twin issues today can derail the basic peace process that began in 1997, it may not be erroneous to suggest that the peace negotiations never took place all these years.  

The peace talks were kicked off during the tenure of I. K. Gujral as the Prime Minister. The United Front-II under Gujral, a suave former foreign minister himself, in the backdrop of UF-1 under H. D. Deve Gowda, was on a weak turf. 

A weak Prime Minister : Mishandled many things 

But the most precious episode of 'peace efforts' with ultras took place during this regime heralding much optimism among various stakeholders. Most important players were aware of the various complexities in Naga peace parleys as this was unlike the Mizo talks in the mid-1980s.  

The Vajpayee government, which soon succeeded the Gujral regime, appointed Swaraj Kaushal as the first peace interlocutor in 1998. Kaushal, husband of the late BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, had handled the Mizo talks and was also Mizoram Governor later. The NSCN(IM) had issues with Kaushal and initially, it said the peace interlocutor was trying to resolve the Naga issue using 'Mizoram prism'. Well, things became difficult for Swaraj Kaushal and despite Sushma being a blue-eyed girl of both Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L. K. Advani, Kaushal gave up the assignment.   

Since then, the Government of India under Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh and now Prime Minister Narendra Modi has banked on former central government officials. A retired IAS officer and former Union Home Secretary, K. Padmanabhaiah was the second negotiator.

He gave indulgence 

.... to the militant group and talks happened across the globe including a few well known South East Asian hubs. 

Padmanabhiah : Loved travelling overseas 

In 2000-01, the Vajpayee government had toyed with the idea of putting in former Lok Sabha Speaker, P. A. Sangma, as the peace negotiator. This was objected to by Sangma's fellow Congress colleague Tarun Gogoi, who said no active politician from the Northeast should be given such a role. 

Sangma was furious with both Vajpayee and Tarun Gogoi.  

P A Sangma 

Nothing much has happened in terms of details about the parleys since then. The then Nagaland Chief Minister S. C. Jamir knew well the machinations of his Naga brethren and hence he kept insisting with L. K. Advani and others that the 'agenda' of talks should be made public. 

The veteran Congressman had reportedly entrusted G. K. Pillai, then joint secretary in the Home ministry, to pass on the requisite question and information to L. K. Advani. 

But Jamir's voice was ignored perhaps deliberately; and also because Jamir was a trusted Congressman. He also never enjoyed any positive vibes with NSCN(IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah.  

Had the agenda been 'made public' in the 1990s or even in the new millennium, we would not have had headlines screaming in October 2021 that the Naga peace talks have hit a roadblock due to twin issues of flag and constitution (Yehzabo). 

Even then, these twin issues were hanging fire but the babus (especially the retired club) did not brief the political leadership well and things went on. It was a virtual status quo in talks since 1997; and today it is circa 2021. Except for the issue of 'unity or bringing all contiguous Naga areas under one administrative umbrella' nothing much was perhaps discussed in a concrete manner.

Blogger at Kohima : On way to Post Office/old NSF Office  

After Padmanabhaiah, the Manmohan Singh government tried R. S. Pandey as the negotiator. 

A former state chief secretary and Nagaland being his state cadre, it was presumed that his approach would be different. On this front, sources say, Pandey often faced a handicap as then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hesitated to give 'political clearance'. 

In between the Manmohan Singh-led UPA-2 lost popularity over corruption issues and slowly its credibility. 

Pandey resigned in the run-up to the 2014 general elections and suddenly appeared along with Sunil Shastri and another former babu, R. K. Singh one afternoon and joined the BJP. R. K. Singh, the IAS officer who arrested L. K. Advani in 1990.

R K Singh also became Union Power Minister.   

Under Modi, right from the beginning it was NSA Ajit Doval show vis-a-vis Naga talks. Rajnath Singh as Home Minister did not interfere much. 

R. N. Ravi, a friend of Doval, was made the new interlocutor. 

The NSCN (IM) never trusted Ravi but as the PMO put its foot down, talks went on. In between Doval and Ravi -- both from Intelligence background -- worked on other fronts and other Naga groups. 

The Naga National Political Group (NNPG), a conglomerate of seven Naga groups operating in Nagaland, came forward and said they were keen to ink a peace deal to ensure 'end of violence and arson' in Naga hills.

Ravi worked hard with the NSCN (IM) also and on August 3, 2015, he signed a Framework Agreement with none other than Muivah himself.  The maverick Muivah had no option as his chairman Isak Chishi Swu was hospitalised in a serious condition. Subsequently, Ravi worked with the NNPG and on Nov 17, 2017, another pact titled 'Agreed Position or Preamble' was signed between the NNPG and the Government of India. 

The NNPGs are ready to ink the peace pact. They made it clear that they understand Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stance vis-a-vis flag and a separate constitution.  

Another group led by Niki Sumi too has come forward showing keenness to embrace peace and development. In fact, in a recent statement after meeting with new interlocutor A. K. Mishra, it pledged to go by the "aspirations and wishes of the Naga people".  

But the latest salvo (2021) from the NSCN(IM) does not augur well for the peace process. "....the talks failed to live up to all the hype as the Government of India continues to indulge in political escapism" on the very issues that are holding up the road to the Naga solution, the NSCN (IM) has said in a statement on Oct 23, 2021.

The negativity could have serious implications.  

(I have been proved right. The NSCN-IM has split in 2026 with the creation of Eastern Flank and the talks now look derailed in more ways than anyone.) 

Firstly, the Government of India may have to take a call to go ahead with some agreements with other groups -- NNPG and the Niki Sumi-led faction. In such a situation, there could be negative and violent fallout in more ways than one. 

Moreover, the NSCN(IM) has a strong presence in Manipur as the Tankhul Naga tribe (of Muivah himself) has a sizable presence in key  pockets of Manipur. This Northeastern state goes to the polls along with Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Goa in February-March. 

(Added in 2026 : Yet again, polls are due in Manipur in 2027 March and the entire state including Naga inhabited areas are in the midst of violence)  

The Meitei Manipuris, the majority population in Manipur, have been always cautious that in no way the state's boundary should be affected. Violence in Naga inhabited hilly regions in Manipur would again hamper smooth conduct of elections in the state.

The Sentinel clipping in 2021 

Future Tense:

Now, what is the future road map? Are we heading towards the doctrine of 'Promissory estoppel'? 

This term in jurisprudence means that the government of the day is 'stopped or can be prevented' from going back on its promises. Even the NSCN(IM) says that the Nagas do not have faith in the Government of India's promises. 

"The Nagas cannot be carried away by the 'post solution narrative' which is just a well laid trap," said NSCN(IM) a few years back.

As someone who has been covering governance under various dispensations, I cannot vouch that New Delhi has kept all its promises either to the Nagas or to the other sections of people. 

But under the given circumstances, allowing one or more Naga groups to go back to the jungle will not be advisable.  (Eastern Flank has established toehold in Myanmar)   

The Congress party has already said (in 2921) that, ---

 "The Naga peace talks have suffered a serious setback due to the ham-handed approach of the Modi government". 

Well, not many common Nagas will disagree with this allegation, but the same Naga people also know that the Congress party lost a golden opportunity between 2004 and 2014 when they were in power.

On the other hand, as a practical solution or a road map, one can suggest that the Modi Government should prepare a draft agreement for Nagaland and Naga people; and announce all its economic packages and other policy announcements. 

It can perhaps also express regret if not tender an apology for all 'past mistakes' and failing to keep 'old promises' made in the 1960 Statehood agreement to the Nagas.

* this piece was run by news agency IANS in Oct 2021 .. and the article was published in 'Morung Express', 'The Sentinel' (Guwahati) and also 'The Nagaland Post'. 

Added on Nov 1 (2026) :  

This is now a season of big ado about a letter from Home Secretary. The hype is about the role given to Shri Ajit Lal. Rio says: ".... the earlier interlocutor, AK Mishra, was a Northeast adviser and not a political interlocutor, and that his talks were limited to underground factions, which did not lead to a solution but resulted in further disarray.

Rio said the government of India had responded on September 11, 2026, stating that it had decided to continue the talks under a minister or group of ministers and had officially appointed Ajit Lal as the interlocutor for the Naga peace talks.

Either Nagaland CM, Neiphiu Rio, understands a lot or he remains innocent MLA (like those days as NIDC chairman in 1990).  

Is he suggesting a group of Ministers of State will be more powerful than Amit Shah ? Or he means -- Lal has more 'say' about pleasing some of his friends unlike R N Ravi. In the meantime, an Angami businessman is the 'go between' for peace parleys with NSCN-IM. The gentleman Keviletuo Kiewhuo is known as a close 'operative' of Rio. 

New Delhi is aware of this. 

Mr Kevi is also known as someone who has confidence of V S Atem.  

There is pressure for Solution. But 'my favourite chief minister' wants a role for himself and his party NPF (along with Mani Shankar Aiyars) once Solution comes. Should NNPGs prepare themselves for interesting times ? Nagas also understand this. 

No need to undermine A K Mishra's contributions to the cause of peace in Nagaland.  

As his old friend, we may remind Rio --- some words, phrases and language of a man is like the person's DNA.  One can get caught.

Truth of capital 'T' is dead long back ... nevertheless. 

ends