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".

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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 

"India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh" : PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on leading his party to a decisive victory in Bangladesh’s parliamentary election.

“I convey my warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh,” Modi wrote on his verified X account.

"This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership,” he added.

“India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.”

“I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals,”  PM added.

"The newly elected government now faces an uphill task of restoring democracy, law and order and economic growth to the country. To some, the return of the BNP – a dynastic party whose previous regime was riddled with rampant corruption – did not represent the spirit of reform and hunger for change that had driven the student-led uprising against Hasina," says a commentary in London-based The Guardian.

In the past, the Awami League secured a two-thirds majority five times, the BNP secured it twice by itself, and once with allies, and the Jatiya Party once. Strikingly, both AL and BNP achieved two-thirds majorities in elections where the opposition was absent. 

Voting was largely peaceful in an election seen as a test of Bangladesh’s democracy after years of political turmoil. 

By Friday morning, results had shown a clear win for the BNP, returning them to power after 20 years. 

“This victory was expected,” said Salahuddin Ahmed, a senior BNP leader. 

“It is not surprising that the people of Bangladesh have placed their trust in a party … capable of realising the dreams that our youth envisioned during the uprising.”

Multiple challenges lay ahead for the new BNP government, which has pledged a new era of democracy and zero tolerance towards corruption. 

This need not be a time for celebration, as India's key neighbour will face mounting challenges in building a country free from discrimination and growing radical influence.

The BNP had won 181 seats while their rival, the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, had claimed 61 seats. As counting continued, BNP leaders said the party was confident of winning 200 seats and securing a two-thirds majority.

India was among the first countries to congratulate the BNP. Relations between the two neighbours had plummeted since the fall of Sheikh Hasina in Aug 2024.

The US and Pakistan also congratulated the BNP on their election victory.

Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years of exile in London, is now poised to become the country’s next prime minister. He comes from one of the country’s most powerful political dynasties; the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and former president Ziaur Rahman.

Tarique's father who was assassinated in 1981.

Shafiqur Rahman, the head Jamaat-e-Islami, conceded defeat, with his party and its allies on at least 61 seats. Rahman said Jamaat would not engage in the “politics of opposition” for the sake of it. 

“We will do positive politics,” he told reporters.

Nonetheless the results are a historic showing for the Islamist party, which had previously never held more than 18 seats in parliament.

Ends

The past three elections had been marred by widespread allegations of vote-rigging, the stuffing of ballot boxes and harassment and jailing of political opponents.

BNP takes mega leads in Bangladesh polls :: Focus on Govt formation, Future of Yunus .... Can Awami League stage a Come Back ??

 "That was not an organic revolution, it (Aug 2024 regime change) was a terrorist takeover to bring down our democratic government,” said A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, joint general secretary of Awami League.   

Bangladesh Army chief and US envoy to Dhaka

The BNP has established sufficient lead in the historic 13th parliamentary polls. If the trends continue, BNP chief and son of former Prime Minister khaleeda Zia; - Tarique Rehman is set to be next Prime Minister.

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.

“Our leader is very hopeful she will return to Bangladesh. We believe Sheikh Hasina will come back as a hero," said a prominent Chhatra League leader.

Over the past year, senior party leaders including former MPs and cabinet ministers, have been routinely summoned from Kolkata and other hideouts to meet Hasina to discuss party strategy. Saddam Hussain, president of the Awami league students wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League, was among them.  

Exiled politicians of the Awami League are reportedly plotting their political comeback. But all these are easier said than done. 

India has been a crucial lifeline for keeping Awami League party activities and organisation going. But lately, India signaled outreach to the BNP and this is being seen as part of pushing the pragmatic diplomatic policy.  

If BNP achieves majority. Tarique takes over as PM 

- BNP may removes Yunus and his associates will get a snub

- Tarique likely to take support of the Bangladesh Army led by Gen Waker

- Relations may improve with India.

Since independence, Bangladesh has gone to the polls twelve times and another one is knocking at the door. Yet across this long journey, one fact stands out. No ruling party ever lost an election held under it.

The Awami League first tasted victory while in office in 1973. Decades later, it regained power in 1996, 2008 and in three consecutive elections -- 2014, 2018, and 2024.

The 2014 and 2024 contests were condemned as “one-sided”, boycotted by the opposition. 

The 2018 election carried even darker allegations: ballot boxes stuffed the night before voting. Critics branded all three as “sham polls”. The 1973 election was also equally one-sided.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had its moments too, winning in 1979 and again in 1991, the short-lived February 1996 election as well as in 2001. The Jatiya Party, under military ruler HM Ershad, claimed back-to-back victories in 1986 and 1988 -- both boycotted, both one-sided.

The other fact that also stands out in Bangladesh’s electoral journey is that every single election considered fair was conducted under an interim or caretaker government. 

Four elections -- 1991, June 1996, 2001, and 2008 -- were held under caretaker or interim governments. 

Each time, the previous incumbent lost, proving that free and fair elections could indeed change power and further that none of the parties had been able to overcome the anti-incumbency factor with dedicated groundwork.

But the broader record tells another story. 

Bangladesh has endured five one-sided polls -- 1986, 1988, February 1996, 2014, and 2024 -- each marked by opposition boycotts.

"From her well-guarded, secret hideout in the Indian capital, Delhi, Hasina spends her days in hours of party meetings and calls with her cadre back in Bangladesh. Her political activities take place under the watchful eye of the Indian government – a close ally of Hasina’s when she was in power – which has pointedly ignored Bangladesh’s requests for her extradition," commented London's The Guardian

Ends 

Nagaland : Why Fed Up ? ::: Only carrot policy' is a googly - to use a cricket terminnology

 The Naga political chessboard is in play. The Govt of India may now ultimately realise that delay in implementing the spirit of Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position was ill advised.

What made the Union Home Ministry adopt an unprecedented 'carrot and only carrot policy' is a googly - to use a cricket terminnology.  

The BJP has its alliance government in Nagaland since 2018 yet no pressure - either military or strategic was mounted on the saboteurs of a Solution pact and the so called Status quo club.

 Today, Nagas are confused and angry. Elderly politicians those who matter may push Dynastic polity - certainly an import from mainstream India. Blaming Congress alone is just not enough.

YOU also encouraged an ex Congressman. The BJP and regional party enjoying power did not do much to expedite peace talks.

Funds came ... funds flew ... The Eastern Nagaland lost faith in Kohima. The FNTA is now a reality. Funds may flow yet again.

Observers are waiting --- whether real development will come in Mon, Tuensang and other districts or real estate business will continue to bloom in Dimapur region.

The confusion has made a section of youths angry --- they are calling themselves Fed Up Nagas. This is a warning bell for New Delhi.

The narratives about Double Engine governments might have given out new definitions already. New Delhi should stop believing its own narratives.

There are things beyond narratives. 

Today, Nagaland is at its best in the grip of a new kind of militancy challenge -- it may be called CORPORATE INSURGENCY. 

The bitter truth is Nagas will find it easy and safe to blame Govt of India for delay. Going by the same logic the mandarins in national capital will blame Nagas or a section of Nagas that paradoxically includes NSCN-IM, the Rio govt. and hence BJP, NPP, NPF, NDPP, LJP, NCP.

Sadly Congess too cannot wash off its hands. Firstly, during Bharat Yatra, Rahul did not attack NDPP-BJP Govt and later Congress MP Mr Supongmeren focused more on airport for Rio than Solution to  Naga issue. 

If Fed Up Nagas are talking about Syndicates-- who really is surprised ?

Things are still not out of hands. Social activist Theja Therieh says his worst fear is Manipur like situation should not be repeated.

The Govt of India may be reminded that when things go wrong in northeastern states, some protagonists find it easy to blame New Delhi.

There's still a scope for the Modi Govt to win beyond its traditional bastions, but success is linked to strategy. 

Young voters are expected to play a decisive role certainly. 

The church is always an influential body. In the past too, NBCC and other church organisations played a key role in peace process. 

In Kohima town, one input suggests there are 18 to 20 churches. The Outreach exercise should therefore begin. 

Ends

Life Ban on Rahul ??? :: BJP Motion says -- Rahul Gandhi "captured" the most pious dais of Parliament to spread anti India propaganda

 

Stepping up attack on leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, the BJP on Thursday, Feb 12 hit back at Rahul Gandhi for his attack on the

 government over the trade deal with the US by initiating a "substantive motion".

Under rules, thus is a tool in the legislative body to ensure a discussion and decision on the motion if it is accepted. 

'Thuggery gang to destabilise India’: BJP moves

The Congress said moving the substantive motion was the BJP's “self-defence strategy” against the “facts laid before the nation about the government" by Rahul Gandhi.

BJP MP from Jharkhand Nishikant Dubey  mentioned in the notice that Rahul Gandhi has engaged with the Soros Foundation. 

Rahul Gandhi has engaged with the Soros Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and USAID, and has travelled to countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the US to engage in anti-India activities, Nishikant alleged. 

In his notice, Dubey said Gandhi with the help of the foreign organisations has “very cleverly able to captured the most pious dais of Parliament to foment public sentiments, levelling unsubstantiated allegations not only against the Election Commission of India but even our Honourable Supreme Court of India, lowering the dignity of the Government without any substantive evidence and putting various others Institutions in bad light.”

He also alleged that Gandhi had entered into the world of unethical conduct and had become a major constituent of the ‘Thuggery Gang to destabilise India from within’. 

 “The relentless and well-choreographed actions, within and outside Parliament, are inimical to our country, a serious aspect of discussion in the entire nook and corner of the country”.

“If I, as a responsible public representative – even with a small zone of influence and a humble background – also fail to bring this to your kind notice, I would not be doing justice to my constitutional duty of upholding the unity, integrity and sovereignty of our country. In view of this, I wish to bring to your kind notice the following four serious misdemeanours,” Nishikant said in his notice.

Dubey said he demanded the cancellation of Rahul Gandhi’s membership. 

“He should be debarred from contesting the election for life time,” Dubey said.

Dubey also clarified that he has not moved a privilege motion against Gandhi, but given notice for a substantive motion.

Government sources said there is no decision on moving a privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi, but it will seek the removal of more words and lines from the speech that Gandhi has not authenticated so far, from the records.

In the past, the Opposition has rarely used the substantive motion in Lok Sabha.

 In March 1997, then-Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma admitted a substantive motion moved by the Opposition BJP regarding the political situation in Uttar Pradesh and the role of then-Governor Romesh Bhandari. The motion was to recall the Governor.

The motion entails a debate followed by a compulsory vote if the notice is accepted and the motion is moved.

Alleging that the government has sold itself, Gandhi, while participating in the Budget discussion Wednesday, claimed that India had “buckled on tariffs, handed over our data, given up control over digital trade rules”. 

“(There is) no data localisation, (there is) free data flow to the US, no source code disclosure, and a 20-year tax holiday. The most valuable asset of ours has been handed over,” he added.

Ends