India, Maldives and Nepal see high rise in Covid19 cases

 

New Delhi 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged XBB.1.16, an Omicron subvariant that has been documented mostly in India.

WHO Covid-19 technical team is monitoring it because it has potential changes that ought to be tracked. The strain has been reported in 22 countries, with the majority of cases coming from India.

There has been over 114 per cent rise in Covid-19 deaths in India and 437 per cent spike in cases 

in the last 28 days. The epidemiological report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday

states that the South-East Asia Region reported over 27,000 new cases, a 152 per cent increase as compared 

to the previous 28-day period, with the highest proportional increase observed in India 

(18,130 versus 3,378 new cases) followed by the Maldives (129 per cent) and Nepal (89 per cent). 

Similarly, India reported at least 62 new deaths which means 114 per cent rise with one new death per 100,000.

Public health experts have said that the symptoms of this new variant are mostly low-grade flu-like. 

People may experience symptoms in the upper and lower respiratory tract. In terms of upper respiratory 

tract symptoms, people may experience nasal discharge, a sore throat, a slow-rising fever that lasts for one or 

two days, and loss of smell.

In case of these symptoms, people should get tested for Covid. For lower respiratory tract symptoms, 

people may suffer from severe bronchitis and cough. This new variant is different from others in 

the sense that it spreads faster than other variants, experts say.

Sources said deaths due to the virus are trending up too, but numbers are very low so far. 

 Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Delhi and Tamil Nadu are the worst hit. 

It is also stated that Himachal Pradesh, the most vaccinated state, is also witnessing a surprise 

increase but it is likely this is happening because the state is a well-known tourist hotspot.

On Thursday, Maharashtra reported 694 fresh cases and no deaths. Around 9.4 per cent of lab 

samples have tested positive till March 30. Mumbai has the maximum number of active cases (846) in the 

state, followed by Pune (773) and Thane (524).

Kerala also saw 765 cases. Out of the 14 deaths nationwide on Thursday, eight were from the southern state.

Thursday’s 3,016 cases figures were the highest since October 2, 2022.

ends 

Who says there is corruption in Nagaland ? --- NCRB report discounts what you believe and say

 Who says there is corruption in Nagaland ? 

NCRB report discounts what you believe and say

New Delhi

Statistics either prove a lot or they prove nothing except providing fodder for intellectual debates. The latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report of the Union Home Ministry says under Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PC Act) - Cases Registered by Anti-Corruption Bureau, Vigilance and Lokayukta in Nagaland in 2021 was only one.

If you are surprised, in Mizoram it stood at 4 and Manipur recorded 7 and yet again the score comes do zero in Meghalaya. But in two other BJP-ruled Arunachal Pradesh and Assam the figure stood at 12 and 16 respectively.

For Prevention of Corruption Act & Related Sections of IPC Cases Reported - the figure for Nagaland stood at mere one in 2019 and 2021 and it was 4 in 2020, according to 'Crime in India - 2021'.  

Under Police Disposal of Cases by Anti-Corruption Bureau, Vigilance and Lokayukta under Prevention of  Corruption Act and Related Sections of IPC (State/UT-wise) - 2021, the figures for Nagaland -- 25 cases pending and there were only two chargesheets.

The Court Disposal of Anti-Corruption, Vigilance and Lokayukta cases under Prevention of Corruption Act, and Related Sections of IPC was zero.

'Nagakand Page'

But under 'Action against Persons Arrested and Departmental Action taken in Offences under P.C.Act' - 2021, there were 10 arrest, 21 chargesheeted and there were total 15 persons who were acquitted. 

In cyber crime there were 2 cases in 2019, followed by 8 in 2020 and also the same figure (8) even in 2021.

However, what should generally raise a social alarm is the fact that Nagaland has witnessed a significant rise in crime against children between 2019-21 where a total of 140 cases were registered and 22 persons convicted during the period. As per the National Crime Records Bureau in 2021, out of the 51 cases registered, chargesheets were filed in 37, 66 persons were arrested and five were convicted.

In 2019, 59 cases were registered for crime against children, chargesheets were filed in 35 cases, 48 persons 

were arrested and 31 were convicted. In 2020, out of the 31 cases, chargesheets were filed in 26, 39 persons 

were arrested and 13 persons convicted. 

But Nagaland registered the lowest number of crimes against children in 2021

while Delhi topped the list among the Union Territories with 7,783 crimes against children in 2021.

The total crimes against children rate at the national level went up from 28.9 per cent in 2020 to 33.6 per 

cent in 2021. The NCRB data revealed a disturbing picture as 140 children were raped and murdered in 2021, 

while another 1,402 were also murdered. 

At the national level, a total of 4,28,278 cases of crime against women were registered during 2021, showing an

increase of 15.3% over 2020 (3,71,503 cases).  Majority of cases under crime against women under IPC were 

registered under ‘Cruelty by Husband or His Relatives’ (31.8%) followed by ‘Assault on Women with Intent to Outrage 

her Modesty’ (20.8%), ‘Kidnapping & Abduction of Women’ (17.6%) and ‘Rape’ (7.4%). 

In all India figures, a total of 1,49,404 cases of crime against children were registered during 2021, showing an

increase of 16.2% over 2020 (1,28,531 cases).

The NCRB report states that the genesis of crime can be traced to interplay of various social, economic,

demographic, local and institutional factors. The presumption that crime occurs because of the failures of 

police therefore exhibits a lack of mature understanding of the theories of criminal behavior, it notes.

It further said that any comparison among states/districts/regions/social groups etc. on the basis of these 

published data alone will be too simplistic and is best avoided.

ends  

 

"...the law cannot allow for exceptions" ::::: Donald Trump indicted by grand jury over hush money payment to Stormy Daniels

Donald Trump indicted by grand jury over hush money payment to Stormy Daniels

 (In India, a big fuss is being made on why should a convicted Rahul Gandhi, a creature of a dynastic politics should be disqualified, elsewhere even a former US President Donald Trump has been convicted.

More importantly, there is a list. A former German president Christian Wulff was indicted on corruption charges – and later cleared. Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was indicted for bribing a judge.)  

"So it finally happened. Trump has been indicted. For Democrats and scattered anti-Trumpers on the right, it will probably feel not nearly as satisfying or generate as much schadenfreude as they imagined. In fact, it might seem positively anticlimactic.

"After all, Trump did not get indicted for his political crimes and misdemeanors. Other investigations may still catch up with him. But the fact that there is no choreographed political theater is precisely how democracies tend to work: messy, piecemeal, ensuring that there is no impunity," says a report in 'The Guardian' 

"Trump sycophants like Elise Stefanik and Andy Biggs complain that the country is becoming authoritarian and like “the third world”. Never mind the underlying racism of such pronouncements – the absence of spectacle proves that they are wrong, as does that fact that countries who fare far better on global democracy rankings than the US have not hesitated to go after former leaders for wrongdoing," says 'The Guardian'. 

Former German president Christian Wulff was indicted on corruption charges – and cleared. Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was indicted for bribing a judge and for campaign finance violations; he was convicted and sentenced to prison (his appeals are pending). Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, a kind of Trump before Trump, was sentenced to four years in prison.

 In France, it would have once been unthinkable that a president – who, on one reading of the original, rather royalist conception of the Fifth Republic, embodies the country as a whole – could be treated like an ordinary criminal. But that is the point: the law cannot allow for exceptions; in both democracy and according to the rule of law, we are meant to be equals.

“This evening we contacted Mr Trump’s attorney to coordinate his surrender to the Manhattan DA’s Office for arraignment on a supreme court indictment, which remains under seal,” said a statement from Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg’s spokesperson. “Guidance will be provided when the arraignment date is selected.” 

 Mr Trump, 76, denies wrongdoing. He is the first serving or former US president to face a criminal charge.

The office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who has been pursuing the investigation, confirmed that it had contacted Mr Trump's attorney to "co-ordinate his surrender" on unspecified charges.

The ex-president, who lives in Florida, is expected to fly to New York on Monday and be arraigned in court on Tuesday, two sources familiar with the matter told CBS News, the BBC's US partner.

The charges in the indictment will be read to him at the hearing, which is set to last about 10-15 minutes. The United States Secret Service - which is tasked with protecting serving and former US presidents - will be in charge of security for the court appearance, says BBC.  

Ms Daniels claims she and Mr Trump had sex, and that she accepted $130,000 (£100,000) from his former lawyer before the 2016 election in exchange for her silence on the encounter. The former president has denied he had any sexual involvement with Ms Daniels since the allegations surfaced in 2018.

Ms Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, has said in media interviews that she met Mr Trump at a charity golf tournament in July 2006. She alleged the pair had sex once in his hotel room at Lake Tahoe, a resort area between California and Nevada. A lawyer for Mr Trump "vehemently" denied this at the time.

"He didn't seem worried about it. He was kind of arrogant," she said in response to an interviewer's question asking if Mr Trump had told her to keep quiet about their alleged night together. Mr Trump's wife at the time, Melania Trump, was not at the tournament and had just given birth.

Getty Image/BBC : Ms Daniels

Vice Prez Jagdeep Dhankhar targets Rahul candidly, flags off powerful leaders trying to 'run down' India

 Vice Prez Dhankhar flags off public leaders trying to 'run down' India

New Delhi 

In a  candid speech but rare of its kind, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has flayed powerful people of trying to run down own country and said there is a ecosystem that is working to combat India's emergence as Global power. 

"An ecosystem is being shaped to combat India's emergence as Global power. It is the favourite theme of some outside institutions to attack India's legitimacy as a nation state and it's Constitution, ignoring ground reality," the Vice President said in his speech at the News18 Rising India meet.

He said, "You will not find a parallel in the world that people holding the positions of power would go to other countries to run down their own country. We all need to reflect on this."There is a need to be cognizant of virtual intense warfare against India's integrity by "well orchestrated global machinery" functioning within and outside country, he said.

Text/Extracts of Vice President's speech:

•           Indeed, a marquee event. All the more significant, being hosted in Amrit Kaal.

•           It is eminently befitting and soothing that focus and attention is being bestowed on our real heroes at a time when India is on the rise as never before and the rise is unstoppable, earning unprecedented global recognition and respect.

•           As a mark of respect to our heroes let’s pledge to take pride in our historic accomplishments and be ever proud Indians.

•           Always keep Nation First. No interest, business or otherwise, can be above national interest.

•           The theme of the Coffee Table Book unveiled a while ago "Voice of India-Modi and His Transformative Mann ki Baat" is very apt.

•           Mann ki Baat in a sense has impact-fully captured the imagination of the people, it being honest discourse and seamless connect with the masses.

•           I appeal to media for wider dissemination of the coffee book content and highlight success stories of Real Bharat that exemplify our age old value system, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (वसुधैव कुटुंबकम).

•           Friends today we have the most functional democracy in the world. We are the largest and mother of democracies. Our constitutional institutions are spinally strong and independent. We are proud of judicial system.

•           None in the world has legitimacy or credentials to lesson us on this aspect.  Those so engaged need to look within and revisit their thoughts. 

•           It is painful that some amongst us are engaged in thoughtless orchestration of sinister campaign to taint and tarnish our democratic institutions.

•           We find sinister forces, within and without, functional with pernicious agenda to sully and downsize our growth trajectory; taint and tarnish our democratic institutions and rundown our success.

•           You will not find a parallel in the world that people holding the positions of power would go to other countries to run down their own country. We all need to reflect on this.

•           We all need to be cognizant of virtual intense warfare against India's integrity by well orchestrated global machinery functioning within and outside country.

•           One can see an entire ecosystem aimed at handicapping our growth. Attacking India's legitimacy as nation state, its constitutional institutions including the Parliament is becoming favourite past time of some outside the country. 

•           An intense assault on India's values, integrity and its institutions is emanating from well maintained incubators.

•           I wouldn’t say much but would draw your attention – look at South Asia Studies in an ivy league university. This is being funded by our billionaires, even the government in 2008 funded it. But look at their activities, with respect to our nation and with respect to our neighbouring nation. It is matter of concern should we be funding those whose agenda is to thoughtlessly run down this nation?

•           An ecosystem is being shaped to combat India's emergence as Global power. It is the favourite theme of some outside institutions to attack India's legitimacy as a nation state and it's Constitution, ignoring ground reality.

•           Such orchestrated narratives are disseminated in high decibel by section of media and intelligentsia in a manner that even Goebbels pales into insignificance.

•           It will be a befitting tribute to our real heroes of freedom movement and thereafter to ensure the relentless crusade against corruption fructifies in legal finality.

•           It is unfortunate that legally sanctified crusade against corruption is sought to be combated by partisan stance and individual concerns. How can issues of corruption be seen with pollical prism?

•           It is time for all of us to realise, none in democracy can claim on any ground whatsoever, to be above the law and beyond the reach of the law.

•           It is time all reconcile to this level playing field reality. Always remember "be you ever so high, the law is always above you."

•           Issues, including arising out of judicial verdicts, have to be systemically addressed.

•           “One doesn’t fight a patient’s ailment by holding placards and sounding slogans against the germs.” Picked this from book I am presently reading. Let’s debate and diagnose the problem and then act. 

•           In recent years, there has been due and commendable recognition to our unsung heroes obscured in our history.

•           Friends, in recent years the tangible transformation of governance system has led to emergence of transparent and accountable ecosystem.

•           Power Corridors, for long infested with people engaging in liaising and whatnot, have now been sanitized. It used to be a lucrative industry at a time.

•           A sea change has also been reflected in bureaucratic positioning, with there being eclipse of concept of “plum posts.”

•           It is tribute to our heroes, sung and unsung, that  wholesome transformation is taking place owing to series of governmental initiatives and policies enabling citizen to fully exploit their potential and talent.

•           New vistas of opportunities are now available. It is in this backdrop that our track record in producing more than 80,000 Start Ups and more than 100 unicorns is envy of the world.

•           India today is a global destination of investment and opportunity in otherwise stressed global scenario.  

•           It was a moment of pride for us all in September 2022 when India became the fifth largest global economy, overtaking our erstwhile colonial rulers - the UK. By turn of the decade India will be third largest global economy.

•           Friends, I have an earnest appeal to make, in particular journalists and intelligentsia, to generate the climate so that our parliamentarians, in temples of democracy, exemplify high standards worth emulating by people at large.

•           These temples of democracy, legitimate constitutional theatres for dialogue, debate, discussion and deliberation are plagued by disruptions and disturbance.

•           Disorder has become the normal order in the Parliament. Nothing can be more worrisome than this.

•           It will be a real tribute to our heroes - sung and unsung, that we do all to nurture and blossom our democracy gifted to us by their sacrifices.

•           This can best be achieved and democratic values and public interest optimally served when the legislature, the judiciary and the executive discharge their respective obligations scrupulously confining to their respective domain and acting in harmony, togetherness and tandem.

•           There will never be a time in a dynamic democracy, which our nation is, when there will be no issues between these institutions. There are bound to be issues. These are required to be resolved taking recourse to collaborative stance.

•           A structured interactive mechanism among those at the helm of these institutions - the Legislature, the Judiciary and the Executives needs to be evolved so that issue resolution is wholesomely effected.

•           I am a foot soldier of judiciary and have been a senior advocate for three decades. Have held positions as President of Bar Association. How can I even, for a moment, can ever contemplate that I will do something which will damage the institution? I would use this platform that let those at the helm of constitutional institutions not communicate in public domain.

•           Friends, I share, with millions of countrymen, deep sense appreciation for the real heroes of Bharat and express sense of gratitude for Network 18 for devoting this program to them. We shall be ever indebted to them.

•           Thank You! Jai Hind !

 

Wary Of China, Funds crunch-hit Pakistan opts out of Democracy Summit

 Wary Of China, Funds crunch-hit Pakistan opts out of Democracy Summit 

(Paradoxically, is this very “democracy” that has provided legitimacy to bad governance in Pakistan? What Pakistan apparently is something that looks like democracy, but does not work like one, says an article in a leading Pakistani newspaper.) 

New Delhi 

Between China and Democracy, Pakistan sticks to its dependence on Beijing and skipped the Summit of Democracy. 

At a time when debt-ridden Pakistan needs Chinese help and an IMF bailout package, Islamabad has chosen not to attend the 'Summit for Democracy' hosted virtually by US President Joe Biden. 

Two strong allies of Pakistan, China and Turkey were not invited to the virtual summit. Pakistan's participation in the summit has been a subject of intense debate nevertheless.

"The Summit process is now at an advanced stage and therefore, Pakistan would engage bilaterally with 

the US and co-hosts of the Summit to promote and strengthen democratic principles and values and work 

towards advancing human rights and the fight against corruption," Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson 

told the media.

However, the Foreign Office thanked the US for inviting Pakistan to attend the Second Summit for Democracy.

"We value our friendship with the US. Under this Biden Administration, this relationship has widened and 

expanded substantially". Cash-strapped Pakistan is awaiting a much-needed USD 1.1 billion tranche of funding from the Washington-based global money lender, IMF, which was originally due to be disbursed in November last year.

The funds are part of a USD 6.5 billion bailout package the IMF approved in 2019, which analysts say is 

critical if Pakistan is to avoid defaulting on external debt obligations.

Pakistan received USD 500 million from China earlier this month.

Meanwhile, an article in a Pakistani newspaper paints a gloomy picture about democracy in Pakistan.

"In Pakistan, democracy remains both illusive and elusive. What we have is something that looks like democracy, 

but does not work like one. Democracy is a dynamic, not static, process but Pakistan’s “democracy” is stuck," says

the article.

Since 2021, the Summit for Democracy process has brought together hundreds of leaders from governments, civil society, and the private sector committed to strengthening democratic governance, protecting human rights, and advancing the fight against corruption.

"Participating governments have made hundreds of commitments to reform laws and policies, bolster transparent and accountable institutions, and contribute additional support to democratic reformers, journalists, and activists. Non-governmental organizations have used the Summit for Democracy platform to expand their own vital work of protecting the most vulnerable and holding their leaders to account," says a joint statement issued by Biden and Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Extract from an article in 'Dawn'

In her book, ‘Thieves of State’, Sarah Chayes focuses on corruption in Afghanistan. Sarah, who spent a decade in Kandahar, concludes that the concerns of most people did not have much to do with democracy. Pakistan is, of course, no Afghanistan but the book has a message that applies here as well.

Democracy is no doubt the best form of government but go and ask the masses in societies that are grappling with serious state and nation-building challenges what is most important in their lives. What is important for them, they will tell you, is social and economic justice, human security and dignity and the hope for a better future. And they will like any government that provides this kind of life.

A USAID official once asked me what the people of Pakistan want. Development or democracy? Prompt came my reply — if democracy brings development, they want democracy; if it does not, they want development.

Basically, you need a democracy that satisfies the human aspirations for freedom as well as improves the quality of life for citizens at large. -- (Democracy in Pakistan: Of the elite, for the elite, by the elite)
--- Civilians and the military have taken turns to rule Pakistan, but the system, arguably, has remained the same, ‘unscathed’ by democracy. Touqir Hussain

 

ends 

How healthy is the health of Nagaland PSUs?

 How healthy is the health of Nagaland ?

 "No one will take Sugar Mill even free" - Late Khekiho, 1995

New Delhi 

"In his keen memory he stored

His silences like mistresses

And it isn't my intention

To disturb the symmetry of holes".

- 'Remarks of An Early Biographer'

The debates on economic issues, budget making and the road map to the future are the flavours of the season. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's Budget speech has made news and has been lauded. Maybe even the Budget speech writers among Babus did not expect such a response. But the appreciation is essentially driven by political motives. 

'Nagaland Page'

Blogger 

We do not mind that, but discussions on certain vital economic issues and matters concerning industrialisation are also must.

There is no doubt that the economic growth and development of a modern but small state like Nagaland is inextricably linked to the small scale and medium sized industries. Private participation is must and on this the Modi government's initiatives on 'Make in India' and 'Act Local and Think Global' also could be scrutinised closely. BJP national vice president M Chuba Ao in his statement has referred to Atmanirbhar Bharat - the saffron party's slogan of self reliance and this is vital. 

For someone like me who has covered Nagaland in the 1990s, it is important to admit that nothing much

was done by successive state governments, or rather the efforts did not yield expected results. Before

trying to diagnose the causes of the malady, one can refer to the Assembly debate of 1995. The Non Payment

of salaries to employees of Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation and 

Production issues concerning the Sugar Mill at Dimapur had figured prominently. Notably on one occasion both

the issues were raised by former NSF President R Paphino, a dynamic legislator belonging to NPC. 

Responding on behalf of the Industry Minister, the then Chief Minister S C Jamir had said that the Dimapur Sugar

Mill had turned into a 'very very sick unit'. He listed out four point charter of ailments which according to him had

plagued the Sugar Mill. -- One, excessive number of workforce, secondly, encroachment into land for sugarcane

cultivation, third, gross failures to pay sugarcane growers for raw materials and fourth, improper transportation

of sugarcane and related problems. 

Late Khekiho Sema was an Independent legislator and his flamboyant

style he had said - "Even if it is given free, there will be no one to accept the Sugar Mill". 

Predictable to Naga mannerism, the entire House burst into peals of laughter. Chief Minister Jamir was definitely unhappy

and for a change his friend but political rival Vamuzo almost sympathised with him when he said the 'mismanagement'

in the Sugar Mill was chronic. Of course he said during the UDF/NNDP stint it was doing well and there was another problem

that "the land allotted to people for cultivation of sugarcane was used for other purposes".

Members also maintained that with the work culture doing a vanishing act, the industries could not come up. I had met

S C Jamir (in 1995) on the issue and tried to raise some uncomfortable questions related to not tapping the potentials

of small scale industries in Nagaland over the years. Some of the issues that came up during discussions were 'rampant

dishonesty' associated with subsidies. I was told that about 30 percent of small scale units that benefited from subsidies

were 'not traceable' as if some magic spell had vanished them. Over 25 percent of such units were closed permanently

and some still enjoyed the 'benefits and aid' from various financial institutions without even thinking on how to repay the

loans.

Well, many years later some of these issues related to the poor state of industrialisation still exist. Extortion though

is a very serious issue, the Chief Minister and his 'dedicated G-60' will not like to raise it for the time being. But extortion

is only part of a problem. In fact, it will not be erroneous to say that Extortion itself is a good industry by itself post

1998. 

During his election rally in February in Dimapur Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue displaying his

concern. Earlier R N Ravi had raised it and he was got rid off.  

Now, what the Prime Minister of India flagged off is not discussed in the Assembly. This means something is wrong 

somewhere. Either Modi was right or he was wrong; and if PM was wrong; any NDPP MLA could have 

censured the PM in the House.

But extortion is a reality and it's in the air people breathe. 

But on extortion, now the PM has to back his Feb 24 speech with concrete actions. The onus will of course

fall on Chief Minister Rio and his Home Minister and deputy CM Y Patton, who is also the BJP floor leader. 

In his statement, Chuba Ao raised the issue of a growing number of police forces. But we know the Khaki force

was not able to act against extortion menace. 

The 'opposition-less' House missed the opportunity to discuss and debate all these while they dedicated

the deliberations to appreciate Mr Rio's Budget presentation. Maybe the debate would have raised some

hopes for the helpless voters that people's representatives were willing to speak about real issues 

concerning common people in Nagaland. 

Before I conclude, one would like to refer to a statement made by a former Union Finance Minister, Prof 

Madhu Dandavate. "All talks of closing down the loss making sick public sector units is as meaningless

as killing those citizens who are sick". In Nagaland context too, the solution to the stalemate in public sector

units did not lay in closing them down. Instead there should be efforts to overhaul them.

Lastly, a sound atmosphere for SME development is linked to lasting peace and the end of militant-military

conflicts. Divergent interests have come into play in the peace parleys that began in 1997 and 'officially' 

concluded in October 2019. The status quo is only a reflection of distrust and the new government in Kohima 

will have to restart the tightrope walking to help carry forward the negotiations. 

It will do well not to try to bask in the reflected glories of some appreciation and laudatory

words by some MLAs on the Chief Minister's Budget speech. Economic growth of Nagaland is linked

to the Solution to insurgency cobweb and not in keeping the status quo.

ends 

"CBI during UPA had forced me to frame Narendra Modi", says Amit Shah

 

That CBI and ED could be abused and misused is something well known to Congress, which was in power for long.

This is precisely what Union Home Minister Amit Shah suggests as in a programme with News18, Amit Shah recalled how the CBI during the UPA regime was “putting pressure” on him to “frame” Narendra Modi, then Gujarat Chief Minister, in an alleged fake encounter case in the western state. 

Speaking at News18 'Rising India Summit' on Wednesday, Shah recalled the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case filed against him when he was the Gujarat home minister. He was responding to a question on Opposition's charge that the Narendra Modi government is “misusing” central agencies to target them.

"I was accused in a fake encounter case. They used to tell me to take the name of Modi and I will be freed. In more than 90% of questions, they (agencies) used to ask me to name Modi and then I will be freed. But I refused and was jailed," Shah said at the event. "90 percent questions yehi hota tha...kahe ko pareshan ho rahe ho Modi ka naam le lo, aap ko chhor denge"," Shah recalled.

The Home Minister said despite this, the BJP never raised a hue and cry and never resorted to protests wearing black kurta, dhoti and pagdi. "It was Sonia Gandhi heading the Congress and Manmohan Singh was the PM. Several innocent police officers were framed," Shah said, adding,  "A Mumbai court acquitted me and said in its decision that I was framed in a fake case for political reasons, but we never resorted to protests."

Shah also spoke on Rahul Gandhi's conviction in a criminal defamation case by a court in Surat and said the Congress leader was not the only politician who was convicted by a court and lost membership of the legislature.

"....we did not protest or wear black clothes or stop Parliament’s functioning. An SIT was formed against Modi which the Supreme Court itself dismissed," Shah further pointed out. Shah said instead of moving to a higher court, Rahul Gandhi has been trying to create hue and cry and blaming Modi for his fate. 

Shah said Rahul Gandhi should go to a higher court to fight his case, instead of trying to blame the PM. He said the Congress was spreading misconception; conviction can't be stayed. “The sentence can be stayed if the court decides,” he said.

Shah said 17 prominent leaders, including Lalu Prasad, J Jayalalitha and Rashid Alvi, had lost their membership because of a 2013 Supreme Court order during the UPA government, which said an elected representative would lose his seat immediately after conviction. Still, no one protested wearing black clothes because it is the “law of the land”, he said.

“Listen to the full speech of Rahul Gandhi, he has not only spoken abusive words for Modi ji. He has spoken abusive words for the entire Modi community and OBC society,” Shah added.

Asked about the notice to vacate his bungalow, the home minister asked why should there be “special favour” when the Supreme Court had said to act as soon as the conviction comes into effect.

'Organiser'

Asked about Rahul's comment on Savarkar, Shah said Veer Savarkar was the only freedom fighter who was sentenced to two life terms in Andaman prison. “Such language for such a freedom fighter should not have been used,” he said adding that Rahul Gandhi should read his grandmother's speech on Savarkar. “His own party people are advising him to not speak against Savarkar,” he said.

Shah claimed the BJP would comfortably cross the halfway mark in the upcoming Karnataka assembly election, and form a government with a clear majority in the state.

Ruling out any alliance in Karnataka, Shah said, “The BJP will definitely cross the halfway mark and form the government with an absolute majority in Karnataka. We will win record mandate.”

No foreign diplomat raised issue of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification, says Jaishankar

Nirendra Dev

New Delhi

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said no foreign diplomat has raised with him the issue of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Lok Sabha.

Speaking at the Rising India Summit of Network18, Dr Jaishankar said the fact of the matter is the disqualification of Congress MP was only an outcome of a law "supported" by the Congress party in the past. 

The Minister said Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as member of Lok Sabha happened as he refused to express regret about the disparaging remarks he made against an OBC community at a public meeting four years ago.

Meanwhile, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju in a tweet on Thursday, March 30, said the Indian judiciary can never be influenced by "foreign influence".

"Thank you Rahul Gandhi for inviting foreign powers for interference into India’s internal matters. Remember, Indian Judiciary can't be influenced by foreign interference.  India won't tolerate 'foreign influence' anymore because our Prime Minister is Shri Narendra Modi," he tweeted.

In another development, former IPL founder Lalit Modi has threatened to sue Rahul Gandhi in UK for calling him fugitive.

 "I have decided to take Rahul Gandhi to court in UK right away. I am sure he will have to come up with some solid evidence. I look forward to seeing him make a complete fool of himself," Lalit Modi tweeted.

He also wrote - 
" I see just about every Tom dick and Gandhi associates again and again saying I am a fugitive of justice. Why? How? And when was I to date ever convicted of same? Unlike Pappu aka Rahul Gandhi, I am now an ordinary citizen saying it and it seems one and all opposition leaders have nothing else to do so they too are either ill informed or just vendetta prone"

Lalit Modi also mentioned names of some prominent Congress leaders and those close to Rahul Gandhi family who allegedly have properties abroad. 

Ends

Rahul Gandhi episode and The Budget reactions in Nagaland --- How much of these are based on the foundations of Flattery?

 Flattery - a victimless crime

New Delhi 

The Budget reactions in Nagaland or Rahul Gandhi episode - How much of these are based on the foundations of Flattery? Unchallenged dominance of a leadership can often render an individual or a dynasty unaccustomed to dissent. 

Sycophancy and Congress party in India go synonymous with each other for a long time.

The dynasty is right as a political theorem has been even accepted by a special variety of intellectuals - the 'ecosystem' as often called.

Otherwise how come very few among the 'ecosystem' have come out to pin point that taking a OBC community's name was erroneous. Reports say during hearing at Surat, Rahul Gandhi and his
advocates were asked if he would tender an apology, the Crown Prince refused. Asked the same question at his post-disqualification maiden press conference, the former Congress president took
Veer Savarkar's name. 

He also blasted a Congress beat journalist. Now judge the degree of flattery --- many in his party say Rahul Gandhi was absolutely right in taking Savarkar's name who has an iconic value to the proponents of Hindutva politics.

But there is Flattery on the other side as well.  Let us confine the debate to Nagaland Budget and Neiphiu Rio should be more than happy that his presentation for fiscal 2023-24 has been lauded by 'all and sundry' from the opposition-less club. The 'Nagaland Page' headline told the entire story - 'Opposition Less MLAs hail Budget'. of course, a journalist is never at liberty to write - 'what else they could have done'.

Of course MLAs such as Achumbemo Kikon of NPF was expected to be different. There are other stories. The NDPP nominee whom he unseated Mmhonlumo Kikon -- could be now one of the options before J P Nadda to appoint as new BJP president in Nagaland. 

But essentially this piece is dedicated to human weakness and inherent vice called Flattery. Editor of 'Time' magazine Richard Stengel in his book 'You're too Kind : A Brief History of Flattery' says Flattery is a 'victimless crime' which can please both the flatterer and the flattered. However, he was right when he said that Flattery is also a social epidemic which has claimed the biggest victim - the selfless praise.

By this argument even if some MLAs want to genuinely laud Rio's Budget, as naughty media persons we will do post mortem of such a critique. 

But before that I am pondering over one question - when media Nagaland had played the role of Opposition. 

"Most often, though, flattery these days is just a harmless deception, a victimless crime that often ends up making both the giver and the receiver feel a little better", wrote Stengel. We may argue that while Flattery is considered 'bad', but the social scientists believe that it has played an important role in the growth of society and dates back to primitive ages. Stengel also commented that Flattery perhaps had its origin in the behaviour of Chimpanzee, which is very good at imitation.

Yes, to many imitation is the best form of Flattery and hence Congressmen and women will not hesitate to hail Rahul Gandhi even as he has committed blunders like tearing off an official ordinance or resorted to unparliamentary conduct in Lok Sabha when he rushed to Prime Minister and embraced him. The Crown Prince is always right -- just like for a married man the spouse is always right !

Stengel also argued that Flattery came into disrepute by the middle ages and Latin poet Dante considered it bad enough for condemnation to hell. Indian Archaeologist Manish Chandra Joshi had said that Flattery was institutionalised during the times of Monarchy. Is Opposition-less close to hero worshipping if not monarchy?  

Let us come back to Stengel's argument once again, and he said Flattery thrives in hierarchical settings like royal courts or even Fortune 500 boardrooms. 

Well, most Congress leaders will also agree in private that studies show Flattery works best on those who already have high opinions of themselves.

Neiphiu Rio's colleagues may not know. Mr Rio - as we know him - is humble enough and he never will have a very high opinion of himself vis-a-vis preparing and presenting an economic exercise called Budget making. But problems lie with the old political syndrome - 'sycophancy'. 

The desi term is Chamchagiri and it is the first step towards your fall from the top. The Indian Netas have proved it time and again or time has proved it for the political class numerous times. Jokingly aka, Flatteringly yours.

Blogger's daughter Tanvi at Gandhi Ashram 

ends 

'Party-less Govt not at all a healthy trend' - says S C Jamir ::::: Usual stuff in maiden Budget speech of new Govt in Nagaland: CM Rio talks about playing 'active facilitators' in peace parleys

Time has come that any pious fraud which is hindering the peace process requires to be shown up in its true colors and its evil effect and design exposed, says former Nagaland Chief Minister S C Jamir 

Veteran leader pushes for an unanimous resolution of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to expedite talks and signing of a final peace agreement.

 

(Extracts from an article by S C Jamir) 

A new concept of a Party-less or Opposition less Government is another queer or outlandish experiment in the State of Nagaland. Initially, it was proclaimed that formation of a Party-less Government in Nagaland was to help hasten the Naga political settlement but there was no positive result to achieve the objective. 

Election was held and after declaration of results all elected MLAs irrespective of different political parties came out officially supporting the ruling government which is nothing but hangover of the Opposition-less idea . 

It is a clear manifestation of their sole objective to be a part of the treasury bench only which as a matter fact is a negation of democratic norms. I thing party-less government is a new and peculiar political lexicon in a democratic government which is found only in Nagaland. 

Politically,this is not at all a healthy development for the future of Nagaland. Should the Naga leaders both overground and underground truthfully and sincerely work for an objective that is real , things will begin to get out of their muddles. Chasing mirage will create more and more confusions in their minds as well as the people.

Pages of yesterday can not be revived because millions of yesterdays have merged into eternity but today and tomorrow are still in our hands and both the pages are blank. It is entirely up to us to decide what kind of history should we write on these pages.? Proverbs 14:34.” Righteousness exalted a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” For a better and regenerated Nagaland , Truth must be the cornerstone . Nothing so common now-a-days in Nagaland as to hear from different sections of the community such as the Church leaders, politicians and educated men and women, advocating eloquently the cause of truth , duty and reformation but in reality noting is noticeable in human society. 

It is difficult to make out how many of them who really feel and faith in their hearts of what they say to be the right way ! The hour of trials over the years have proved that the zeal which leaders which have been exhibited for the cause of the people is viewed in mere vapory sentimentalism. 

The people are silently watching how many intellectuals and leaders of different political colours have been converted into moral pygmies under the overpowering weight of materialism and how strikingly has their boasted sense of truth melted away into nothingness.

Blogger 

There is a tremendous realization in the minds of the majority of the people of Nagaland that chasing a mirage shall neither redeem nor salvage the people of Nagaland. They are anxiously waiting for a new dawn wherein Naga polity can measure up with the rest of the civilized society. 

While designing and fashioning then future, we should also remember that the past cannot be the ruler of the present, and also the new concept of the polity must give way to something higher and better and more in keeping with the contemporary realities. 

It is of utmost importance to the Nagas to harmonize, if possible, such conflicting opinions and hopes and determine, honestly and dispassionately, where all of them should unite for the common goal, and , to enable the hearts and minds of contenting groups or parties may be brought together, and made to pursue the common path which leads to the better and brighter future of Nagaland.

The leadership of the Nagas should be guided by realism and pragmatism while fashioning the future of Nagaland. Geographical location, size of the area, population, resources and man power etc should be taken into account while working out to build the state of Nagaland. 

It has been the common error in the past that many a time, we generally speculate about the future, we dwell more on what men wish than what facts warrant. It will never help achieve the goal nor help to soar into the height of fancy, and behold, grand and magnificient, adorned with all the riches of colours available under the sun which are our imagination could conjure up. 

It is time perhaps to keep ourselves grounded to realities of contemporary settings. We ought to avoid all imagining schemes and poetical sentiments, we are to be guided by the light of facts as available around us. 

It will be foolish to speculate about the future without the aid of the past; for it is only from induction of facts which have actually happened that we can devise with tolerable accuracy what may happen in future.

What are the stark realities of the present political quagmire in Nagaland ? There are multiple factions of the underground but all of them spring up originally from the one and the same root, but soon branched off in different and opposite directions. All of them born of the same parentage, they vary in the course of their development according to the influence they respectively received. 

Some of them have to borrow from Chines political ideology-“ Power emanate from the barrel of the gun.” More than 20 years ago, may be at the appointed time,political wisdom dawn in the minds of the underground leadership to find and explore an honourable political settlement and subsequently ceasefire was declared in 1997 to embark on negotiations with the GOI for a final settlement. 

After years of discussions and deliberations at different times and places, it was mutually agreed between the Govt. of India and the underground groups to commit all the agreed points into writing to be the basis of formal political agreements to bring the Nga political problem to a logical conclusion. 

Accordingly Frame Work Agreement of 3rd August 2015 between the NSCN( IM) and the Government of India was signed in the presence of the PM Narendra Modi, HM Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and n the other side by none other than Th.Muivah, The General Secretary of the NSCN(IM) and late Isac Swu, the President of the NSCN(IM) also appended his signature on the body of the said agreement from his sick bed. Another agreement known as Agreed Position was signed on 17.11.2017 between the GOI and the NNPGs. 

All these exercises were made after thorough discussions and considerations of all political implications. Lastly, its significance is the unanimity at the time of signing the agreements. The public of Nagaland will surely presumed that the two agreements were signed consciously and with full knowledge and understanding of its contents. Moreover, under the contemporary political realities, the agreements would serve the best interests of the people of Nagaland and the country.

Notable commitments of the GOI.

The Prime Minister of India had said that Naga problem would be resolved within eighteen months. Accordingly to demonstrate that spirit and commitment two agreements were signed.

In the last Nagaland Assembly election in 2018 the BJP had categorically and publicly announced “Election for solution”. Even though another election of 2023 has been already completed and a new Govt. has been formed, this declaration is yet to see the light of the day.

The sanctity of the two agreements needs to be respected by the signatories. Political agreements once officially signed , it should be implemented both in letter and spirit. Extraneous issues should not overshadow the sanctity of the agreement.

Time has come that any pious fraud which is hindering the peace process requires to be shown up in its true colors and its evil effect and design exposed, that it may be publicly proscribed and execrated. 

It is awful to contemplate the gravity and magnitude of the deception itself , and the amount of damage done to the morality of the Naga polity.

Now that a new Government is on the saddle with fresh mandate from the people of Nagaland, the people are expecting that with the full and solid backing of this new Government both the GOI and the Naga Underground to finally resolve the Naga political problem within a time frame. 

A unanimous resolution of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly will be the legitimate voice of the people of Nagaland to urge the signatories of the two previous agreements to come forward and ink the final agreement for a lasting solution.

Nagaland: CM Neiphiu Rio talks about playing 'active facilitators' in peace parleys. Says his government will make "every possible effort" in taking the political dialogue in the desired direction. 

In the Budget speech, CM Rio, who holds Finance portfolio, and has been in power almost for two decades barring a small spell since 2003, says the Hornbill Festival will be "improved and internationalized". 

"...experimental tourism to be integral parts of our tourism strategy".

The Chief Minister says his government will continue to push Naga Soft power and brand Nagaland so that the state "stays at the top of India's international tourism calendar". 

Assam Assembly resolution on BBC should trigger debate

New Delhi 
That Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has plenty of powerful friends in
Nagaland does not make any news. That Himanta plays 'saviours and guides' to
Naga leaders are also nothing new.

Himanta has a knack of hitting headlines. This is also no longer news but lately as a dedicated BJP disciple, he played a major role in adopting a resolution in the Assam assembly against the BBC for the controversial documentary 'Modi Question'.

CM Sarma tweeted: "Let it be made clear in no uncertain terms that in New India there will be a democratic but proportionate response against those who profit by tarnishing Bharat’s image. Freedom of expression is not a license for deception.”

How will his friends in Nagaland react is anybody's guess? A mere documentary on the Indian Prime Minister is hardly a matter of public discussion in the north east including Assam and Nagaland. In this region, the BBC or for that matter various reputed national and western media have been highlighting the issue of human rights violations.

A few years back a paper presented in a seminar in Delhi by a security specialist had maintained that: "Containing and, if possible, eliminating militancy will always remain the best solution to eliminate the root cause for human rights abuses". This brings us to the talking point.

Insurgency is a matter of concern in this region and so is the issue of human rights excesses. The resolution against BBC is seen in many quarters as an effort to muzzle the media. Should Himanta's friends choose to maintain a strategic silence on this key issue?  

Indian security forces have been involved in counter insurgency operations in the North East and also Jammu and Kashmir since the 1950s. 

Records say the 'first low intensity conflicts' for Indian forces started in 1956
when troops were inducted in Naga hills for the first time.

We do not have any argument here that the BBC is all virtuous. Like most other western media, the BBC too has its faultlines. Not long ago, to many 'low intensity conflicts' elsewhere there have been muted reactions from the western world and media outfits. The UK's track record in Northern Ireland is far from glorious. We also know pretty well that the US has always had an uneven approach which has diminished Washington's image and credibility.

It played double standards in China and gave Beijing the Most Favoured Nation status without considering the human rights abuses issues.

There is adequate research at various levels including by Indian military and strategic experts that goes into reasons, organisations and history of various insurgent outfits that can help find mechanisms to contain armed conflicts
and terrorism. Assam has its share of militancy history and also 'human rights' abuses. So has been the case with Nagaland.

In 1997, Lt Gen S S Grewal, then GoC at Rangapahar, had told me at Kigwema village, that insurgency in the region can be 'eliminated' sooner than later if local support and media oxygen is handled well. 

But he also strongly made a cause for dialogues. His diagnosis was on little deeper issues than any military man usually did. "The Army strongly believes that the problems in the north east, be it Nagaland or elsewhere is related to aspirations of the people, land problems, and assertion for more power for ethnic groups. Ideal
thing therefore is negotiation. Efforts must be made to actually find out what is exactly allowing these insurgents to pull along, despite hardships".

The moot point of recalling the statement given a few months before the ceasefire started in August 1997 is that lambasting the messenger as done by Assam assembly vis-a-vis BBC does not serve any purpose.

In Nagaland too, there are many quarters who believe 'silencing' the media is the best option. Such a thought process prevails at multiple levels.

 
Those in power in Kohima tend to believe that critics are real detractors. The philosophy of opposition-less dispensation is also built up on this theory. The alleged corruption menace maybe is only a by-product.

Nevertheless, on the face of it, let us admit that for a democratic country like ours with a vast geographical, ethnic, cultural and economic diversity, it may not be possible to entirely eliminate militancy. The same argument should stand also for 'different opinions' on various issues. 

Of course, castigating BBC documentary makes political sense for BJP at the national level as well as for Himanta 

Biswa Sarma in Assam. That may be one way of looking at things. But closer home in Nagaland, human rights abuses

will be around and the common people will continue to need the support of media -- western as well as desi and 

local. 

Human rights violation in the context of low intensity conflict at both the levels -- the security forces and also militant

groups in various states -- is a highly complex and sensitive issue having moral, legal and socio-political implications.

Let us see, therefore, how many Naga friends and 'benefactors' of Himanta Sarma's benevolence will agree or disagree with

him on the BBC documentary episode.

ends