Tumultuous year - 2023 - for North East India .... Manipur hit headlines for 'wrong reasons' :::::: Meghalaya BJP celebrates ‘Good Governance Day’

Another tumultuous year - 2023 - for North East India .... Manipur was amongst headlines for 'wrong reasons' and Mizoram took on a corrective path putting pressure on the new dispensation under new Chief Minister Lalduhoma.  

In neighbouring Nagaland, the state was back to its new normal -- nothing much can happen, no need breaking the head type syndrome haunting many people.  

In the first few weeks of the year, the question whether state assembly elections would be held on time echoed .... until the announcement came giving a relief to the status quo club. Mr Chingwang Konyak continues to have the last laugh as the NDPP chief. India's ruling party BJP in Nagaland looks 'outsourced' and continues to do so !!  

By the time year ended, veteran S C Jamir dashed off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and so did the influential Gaon Burrah Federation. The NGBF leaders even called on Governor La Ganesan. But not many are optimistic about any Solution coming !

Lalduhoma: New Mizo CM 

Importantly, the outcome in Mizoram elections actually leaves a political lesson about Manipur and how the ethnic conflicts between Meiteis and Kukis ought to be seen. PM Narendra Modi was to address a poll rally in Mamit, around 80 km from Mizoram capital Aizawl, on October 30. But he had to opt out from the programme as for a rare occasion the 'popular' Prime Minister staying away from Mizoram in the election season leaves a very powerful message.

 

The then Mizoram CM Zoramthanga -- apparently playing back to his own vote bank gallery - refused to share a stage with PM Modi during the campaign for assembly elections. "The people of Mizoram are all Christians. When the people of Manipur (Meities) burned hundreds of churches in Manipur, they were (Mizos) totally against that kind of idea. To have sympathy with the BJP at this time will be a big minus point for my party," Zoramthanga told BBC News in an interview.

"It will be better if the prime minister comes alone and he shares the platform by himself, and I take the stage separately by myself," Zoramthanga had said. One could not be more bitter about a Prime Minister in office.

This also brings us to a crucial aspect of politico-administration in the northeast. The North East tribal Christians will be more than delighted to see a Solution to the pending Naga issue, and it is thus the Salvation route for the Prime Minister vis-a-vis the anguish among the people in the region.

Local citizens in state capital Aizawl say there will be lot of expectations from the new ZPM government and the new chief minister Laldhouma, an ex cop, will find the going tough. Locals also say while the state was "awaiting" change in corridors of power. The mandate against the MNF is somewhat unusual.

One is aware of the strong elements of 'us' and 'they' syndromes in the region.

A large number of people were killed in Manipur in the clashes between Meiteis and Kukis and Zos; while scores of others have been injured. Thousands have fled Manipur with over 8,000 people now taking shelter in Mizoram. Kukis share ethnic bonding with the Mizos and hence the demand for Greater Mizoram also rekindled.

One can say the state of Manipur as a whole and three segments of societies -- the Meiteis, the Kukis and Nagas - cannot be seen flirting dangerously with civil unrest. The northeastern region has seen enough of such clashes and enough of so-called ethnic 'cleansing'. Biharis, Bengali Hindus and Gorkhalis have been at the receiving end in Shillong in Meghalaya and people left for good.

Forget tribals-non tribals; episodes like the Reang-Mizo differences and Naga-Kuki issues of the 1990s were really unfortunate. It is time sanity prevails and the 'sincerity' displayed by all will be important achievements.

Now can there be 'stability' in near future in Manipur or other parts of northeast when political volatility ruled the roost?

There is another untouched subject the 'economic fragility' that too characterised 2023 for the northeast. 

Assam Rifles personnel pacifying women: Manipur

BJP celebrates ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ and ‘Good Governance Day’, appeals for public participation in nation building

On the 26th of December, BJP Meghalaya marked the supreme sacrifice of Shri Zorawar Singh and Shri Fateh Singh, the young sons of Guru Govind Singh ji, with a sparkling program ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ at the state party office. Following this event, ‘Good Governance Day’ which is meant to mark the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was also celebrated. 

Veer Bal Diwas was jointly hosted by BJP Meghalaya Mahila Morcha and BJYM, the party’s youth wing. Speaking on the occasion, President of state BJP Mahila Morcha Sukhi Pariat said, “today as we observe Veer Bal Diwas, we look back at our history with pride and gratitude towards our ancestors and we gaze at the future with hope, confidence and strength. The ideals of a great India are now being realized under the leadership of our honourable Prime Minister, Narendra Modi Ji and we all must be ready to contribute towards creating a powerful, prosperous India.”

President of BJYM, Mr. Mewakar Lyngdoh said, “I urge those youths who have fallen prey to drugs to continue to fight back with courage and that we are here to support your fight to come out of it. We shouldn’t lose hope and give up easily, we should draw inspiration from these two martyrs to have the courage to fight our own individual battles and continue to spread positivity around us.”

At the end of the program, children were taken for a visit to the Gurudwara by the Mahila Morcha members.

The gathering for Good Governance Day was addressed by prominent citizens and party members including Cabinet Minister Mr. A.L. Hek, Chief Spokesperson Mr. Mariahom Kharkrang, National Council Member Mr. David Kharsati and Dr. Fenella Lyngdoh Nonglait.

Mr. A.L. Hek while speaking on the occasion reflected back on the G-20 theme and said, “One earth, one family, one future encapsulates the very essence of good governance. We must look upon every person as a family member and work towards promoting wellness at an individual and society level.”

Mr. Kharkrang talked about how good governance is not limited only to Govt. servants but must be participated in by every citizen to ensure a better India, a swach Bharat or clean India. “Every BJP karyakarta must take give in-depth information about central schemes to those who need them and thereby contribute to good governance,” he added.

Mr. David Kharsati reminded the gathering about the special Christams program that the Prime Minister attended. He said, ‘This is example of true secularism where every religion and culture is respected and there is progress for all communities is what Good Governance signifies.”