Welcome to first glimpse of COLD WAR between MHA - that is Amit Shah and the NDPP-BJP regime in Kohima.
It is apparently learnt that an atmosohere of confrontation may be soon built up. A group of "foreign invitees' both from European nations and Myanmar in the neighbourhood have been asked to visit Nagaland and attend the March 21 meet organised by a prominent Naga group.
The invitation has been accorded to attend the March 21 - the Naga Republic Day function. New Delhi has "inputs" suggesting that the honoured guests may try to enter Nagaland and Northeast region without proper paper works that is the PAP.
Hence, precautionary measures are being taken and police and other concerned forces in West Bengal have been alerted to "prevent" any such misadventures.
"We presume centre feels church and other influential organisations may be used to ensure smooth entry of some people who may not be allowed to enter Nagaland and any other northeastern state. So we may oblige New Delhi as responsible security organisation," an informed source told this blogger from north Bengal.
The Home Ministry showing confidence with Mamata Banerjee-ruled West Bengal government shows everything may not be so healthy and smooth between New Delhi and Kohima.
The Protected Area Permit relaxed in Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur in 2011 has been reintroduced since December 2024.
Foreigners require this paper to visit northeastern region.
The ethnic violence in Manipur between Kukis and Meiteis left another major and vibrant community - the Nagas - unnerved.
There are various Naga communities in Manipur. Like it happens with every community - some Naga communities are 'dominant'; others are not.
If the Meiteis and the Kukis have clashed lately; in the 1990s the Kukis and the Nagas had issues over land domination and on other parameters like jobs. The result was even indiscriminate killings of Kukis in Nagaland by militant group National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak Muivah faction) -- NSCN (IM).
Manipur itself has more than 30 ethnic groups. Nagas and Meiteis have clashed in 2000 when the Vajpayee government agreed to extend ceasefire with NSCN-IM to the state of Manipur.
In short, there are wheels within wheels.
Come to 2025, a few organisations like Naga Hoho are being pragmatic and progressive. They have shunned the Status Quo club who do not want Solution to the Naga issue. The village elders in Nagaland - the Gaon Burrah Federation has been working tirelessly almost for a decade now to ensure Solution through 'consensus' from all sections of Nagas.
This makes March 20 meet significant.
There are already elements within Naga Hoho who are critical of incumbent president Sulanthung Lotha.
To be hosted and anchored by the GB Federation, the crucial 'consultation meeting' on March 20 is likely to be attended by Naga Hoho, Senior Citizens Association, all Naga underground groups in Nagaland and also NNPGs (which has already inked Agreed Position in 2017) and also ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland.
Naga leaders and groups from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh too have been invited reportedly.
Now the talk is -- that an influential Manipur-based body is being pressurised not to attend. If this move from the 'deep state' succeeds; the Status Quo club and their contacts/assets would be too glad.
This will automatically mean that -- Nagas of Manipur (a sizable of them at least) will be automatically excluded. This is highly motivated move because the Nagas of Nagaland and all important Naga bodies in the state of Nagaland always have clamoured for an inclusive and practical formula to resolve the age-old Naga political issue.
In 2020 within weeks the Governor R N Ravi announced on the floor of the assembly that talks have formally ended; a key functionary had told me that: - "Everybody wants Solution... except a few. Everyone also wants INCLUSIVE Naga solution for all Nagas on Indian side of the border possibly with multiple separate arrangements as the community is spread across different states in the north east".
Hence, it goes without stating that it will be in the interest of various (and also influential) Naga bodies in Manipur to participate at the March 20 meeting.
I spoke to a few Naga leaders (not in any militant organisation) in Manipur and the common refrain from the interaction has been that it will be 'advantage UNC or other bodies' if they attend March 20 deliberations. I was convinced after talking to these individuals (of course in their private capacity) that --
the Naga organisations in Manipur need to understand the 'overall perspective' rather than blaming either New Delhi or Imphal or even Nagas of Nagaland for the mess everyone is !
There are a few other angles in the entire plot.
The Nagas of Manipur will have to be pragmatic to understand that the problem in Manipur is serious thing.
The Kuki and Meitei differences may need years ifnot decades to cover up the gulf of differences !
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| Zos in Churachandpur - almost 'done with' brotherhood in Manipur state |
In such a challenging and complex situation, the Nagas in Manipur will have to do the balance walk.
A 'right balance' will have to be stuck with the Centre too. Participating at the March 20 meet will give a positive hint that the UNC or other Manipur-based Naga organisations were/are also progressive and willing to cooperate with the Govt of India.
If they miss the bus; it would leave only a negative fallout.
Moreover, even from the perspective of New Delhi - it is clear that the dispensation under Narendra Modi is giving 'serious consideration' to conflict resolution in Manipur.
Hence, it is only important/crucial for Nagas of Manipur to take a decision -- otherwise they may be left out like the proverbial saying 'wounded tigers'.
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| a glimpse of Naga hub in Manipur: Ukhrul town |
There are a few other practical issues.
Non-participation at a meet which has New Delhi's blessing will make Nagas of Manipur vulnerable lot during the impending army operation in the backyards.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has categorically stated that strict actions will be taken against any group or individuals if they still possess arms.
Two deadlines for surrender of arms have ended even there were reports that armed Meitei groups from the valley have developed operational links with a few Naga communities.
Ends
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