Nagas of Manipur are more 'pragmatic' !

 Nagas of Manipur are more 'pragmatic' ! 

Normally when a Naga minister applauds Modi Govt ... it will mean casual remarks

New Delhi 

NPF Manipur unit president Awangbow Newmai has lately urged the Congress party to offer constructive suggestions to restore peace in the violence-hit stateand suggested that indulging in political rhetoric does not make sense.

Much importantly, Newmai, also a minister under the much criticised CM N Biren Singh,also referred to the 1993 Kuki-Naga clashes and claimed that the present state government, in close coordination with Central leaders and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been working diligently to control the ongoing crisis. 

He accused the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party of politicising the present crisis and even maintainedthat the then Congress government (under Narasimha Rao) had ignored the 1993 holocaust. 

This mild rebuke was essential because lately the Congress party especially at the nationallevel is trying to corner Modi on the 'Manipur mess' of 2023. It all coming after four decadessince Naga-Kuki class is also vital.Newmai suggested that if the Congress truly wants to promote peace in Manipur, they should first apologise for their lack of action during the Kuki-Naga ethnic clash.

During the maiden Parliament session, the Congress scored a few brownie pointson Manipur and virtually forced the Prime Minister to make a statement on theManipur situation in Rajya Sabha.Blame giving and credit seeking is an elementary truth about politics. All stakeholders,the NPF Manipur unit, the Congress party and even PM Modi and his Chief MinisterBiren Singh are playing their roles cleverly revolving around the old games of politics.

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But in the meantime we know the common people are suffering. Rahul Gandhi recentlyvisited the state and as per one BJP leader (incharge Manipur), PM Modi may also visit.

However, Chief Minister Biren Singh has not yet indicated for his part anything about Modi'svisit. That means things still need to be ironed out.

Differences between Meiteis and Kukis are manifold and immense.

But the trouble in Manipur -as maintained earlier has serious implications forNagas and Nagaland state in more ways than one.Therefore, NPF Minister making a statement and in reference to the 1993-94 violent clashes between Nagas and Kukis are worth scrutinizing closely and threadbare.

The fact on ground is that the Naga areas of Manipur cannot afford to become a hostile sub-region 'either way' bordering the state of Nagaland. But Imphal or the Meitei leadership must also regain the vital Kuki trust by respecting the community's sentiment and a role in territorial integrity of the state. 

There will be a need for generous aid in the reconstruction of war-torn infrastructure. The state Governor Anusuiya Uikey and the centre must maintain a genuine neutrality and only that can support a win-win solution that protects the vital interests of both or rather three major communities -that is Kukis, Meiteis and Nagas.

Unlike Nagas of Nagaland state, the general impression in New Delhi among strategic expertsand analysts is that the Nagas of Manipur are more pragmatic. And that is something well appreciated by New Delhi's mandarins as well.

Just note the timing of NPF leader's categorical outbursts against the Congress forthe alleged politicisation efforts of 2024. It coincides with 'big brother' NDPP in Nagalandis not really comfortable with the Modi government especially after the Lok Sabhapolls.

Broad hints have been dropped that things will have to be worked out for an earlySolution pact with Naga insurgents.The dialogue process is practically over and if adequate pressure is mountedon NDPP stakeholders; one never knows what will NPF Manipur do.

People's mandate is always important. The fact that NDA could not win any of the threeseats in Manipur (2) and Nagaland has left the BJP high command furious.

There’s always a cause to relish Supongmeren's victory. It may be a good reminderthat resistance is never futile.

The leadership of NDPP-BJP in Nagaland has muddled through over the last five years on what they should specifically do as 'facilitators'. The elected Naga MLAs do not mindspending crores to become legislators. Is it only for the cause of a peaceful Solution?

A wiseman says there’s little excuse for complacency.

ends