Any debate on Merits-Demerits of Agreed Position and Framework Agreement will only create further divisions among Nagas : Solution will remain far away

(As unity among Naga factions is not coming on its own; it is also not coming at the instance of civil society or the so-called efforts of state legislators; -- the Govt of India after years of delayed talks is today duty bound to work for a Common Platform with its own resources and workskills)

It’s a truism that every change is not a sign of progress. 

This holds true for the hilly state of Nagaland and its people. Problems confronting the state are complex often born out of socio-political background.

In other words, some of the challenges are man - made disasters. 

The questions which arise at this juncture are – To what extent is the Neta class - the politicians should be held responsible for the catastrophe !! 

Discover a new neta-class in the form of  Rising People's Party (RPP). It is a one-man show in Nagaland state and more interesting part of the saga is that it is an outfit now being run by a failed politician. 

Obviously, frustration and desperation of different natures are visible in the latest actions.  

The paperwork of RPP is now turning into an asset for Nagaland's much well known and well established Status Quo club. 

The Govt of India for its part may have to soon examine pros and cons involved in the game of the so-called "Wolf in sheep's clothing". 

                                   This 1903 work by Józef Mehoffer depicts a wolf disguised as a sheep

A wolf in sheep's clothing is an idiom from Jesus's Sermon on the Mount as narrated in the Gospel of Matthew. It warns against individuals who play a deceptive role. The gospel regards such individuals (particularly false teachers) as dangerous. (Wikipedia) 

The state of Nagaland believes in the power of the slogan 'Nagaland for Christ'. !!

In a very general sense, all politicians across the globe can be easily called wolves in the sheep clothing.

Look at the manner the Tariff game is being played out against 'friends' from America these days.

The core idea is that a politician presents a false image to the public, often one of trustworthiness and concern for the people's welfare. 

So the RPP cannot be an exception.

Long back, a Naga politician had said - "Politicians never lie". The reaction in the tiny newsroom of Nagaland Journal's office at Kohima from its Editor Riato Jasokie Zinyu was laughter. 

 

The RPP has so far released a couple of statements on Naga peace talks. The RPP leadership is certainly playing holier than thou approach. But what's the game behind? 

Does it want unity or it wants to keep the Naga political stage vis-a-vis Solution divided? 

One thing is certain; the RPP is getting more and more personal against Home Minister Amit Shah's trusted man. This is an old game in the art of politics. 

Hit the king's messenger. But in today's world it is a futile game. This is an well informed era and Naga public should not be underestimated on their political wisdom so much. 

Generally New Delhi was accused of dividing the Nagas ? But this time around, who is trying to divide the Nagas? The Govt of India is working overtime to ensure a purposeful and result-oriented unity. 

The Govt of India (as in Aug 2025) does not have any doubt about the 'genuineness' of two preliminary pacts the Framework Agreement of 2015 and the Agreed Position of 2017. 

In gist, the New Delhi's message has been both are legitimate documents and both will be respected. This brings us to the next question - How should the central government go about the united efforts and a Common Platform ?

Maybe the RPP favours the civil society to play that crucial role of bringing all parties together. It all looks good in writing. The civil society has so far not done it. Or they were all forced to face failures.

The Status Quo Club often plays Saboteurs. 

The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has been rendered toothless.  The Gaon Burrah Federation has been mocked by players at Kohima and numerous hurdles were created.  One office bearer was also served with a show cause notice by the state government. 

Thus, suddenly to expect the civil society or any metaphysical body deliver the 'unity' is like Mirage. 

The concluding refrain in the corridors of  power in Delhi is that ultimately the Naga problem has to be resolved. 

So far the political leadership -- whatever  task given to them from New Delhi - has failed. The civil society too has failed. 

For its part, the Govt of India cannot sit idle and let the present mess and chaos more so in the terms of 'taxes' and extortion continue unabated. 

New Delhi needs to be pro-active. In fact, the charge against Centre so far has been that it is going slow or even sleeping over the issue. Why this new complain that the Centre is overstepping?

The RPP's voice and statements are understandably not of their own. The Govt of India is sure of a few source of inspiration. And hence New Delhi has successfully created a favourable atmosphere for Solution.

Like Pakistan's empty Nuke threat; the threats from a section of Nagas that Chinese help will be enlisted are also not working. 

New Delhi in circa 2025 has able to hold the bull by its horns. Pressure has mounted and finally the obstinate stance will have to make way for pragmatism.

Anyone seeming seen as opposing the Solution will be isolated in Naga society soon and so would be those power-play masters. Time for forced retirement.

The sum and substance is the Govt of India cannot keep on waiting for the civil society to bring various Naga factions together. And in the process force people to face extortion on one hand and the loot of benefits of power continue for some. 

Finally, let us come to the legitimacy of RPP statements themselves.

If RPP leadership thinks others have played and failed and today it can play a better role; the RPP should come forward and play a pivotal role from the forefront. 

Let the RPP come forward and take the full byte itself. 

If that is not happening, it should allow and encourage the Govt of India do its part and deliver Solution which is the crying need for Nagas and more importantly for the younger generation.  

ends    

Myanmar junta ends state of emergency as it prepares for elections ::: But critics dismiss these as 'fraud'

 Myanmar junta ends state of emergency as it prepares for elections

The military on Thursday nominally transferred power to a civilian-led interim government ahead of a planned election.

The junta chief remains in charge of the war-torn country in his other role as acting president.

Opposition groups have vowed to snub poll that has been dismissed as ‘a fraud’ designed to legitimise military’s rule  

The junta has began offering cash rewards to those willing to lay down their arms and “return to the legal fold” in the run-up to the vote.

Not many people seemed are impressed. A UN expert in June dismissed the military's scheme of things as “a fraud” designed to legitimise the military’s continuing rule.

Martial law declared in 9 areas due to violence risk

Coup leader remains acting president, military chief

Election expected to be dominated by proxies of military

Myanmar’s junta has announced ending the country’s state of emergency.

It has also stepped up preparations for a possible December election that is being boycotted by opposition groups and criticised by international monitors.

Reports say while no date for the poll has been announced by the military junta, but political parties are being registered.

They have also started training sessions on electronic voting machines have taken place.

The military declared a state of emergency in February 2021 as it deposed the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

The result was chaos in India's eastern border. This triggered a many-sided civil war that has claimed thousands of lives.

A large number of people have moved out of the country including to India and a few south east Asian nations.

The new order now gives the junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, supreme power over the legislature, executive and judiciary – but he has recently touted elections as an off-ramp to the conflict.

Opposition groups including former lawmakers ousted in the coup have vowed to snub the poll.  

On Wednesday, the military government said it enacted a law dictating prison sentences of up to 10 years for speech or protests aiming to “destroy a part of the electoral process”.

A census held last year as preparation for the election estimated it failed to collect data from 19 million of the country’s 51 million people, provisional results said. The results cited “significant security constraints” as one reason for the shortfall – indicating how limited the reach of the election may be amid the civil war.

Analysts have predicted rebels will stage offensives around the election as a sign of their opposition.

Analysts predict Min Aung Hlaing will keep a role as either president or armed forces chief after the election and consolidate power, thereby extending his tenure as de facto ruler.

ends 

NIA and Assam Police jointly arrest 'Key conspirator' in brutal killing of three women & children in Manipur's Jiribam

Thanglienlal Hmar alias Boya, a resident of Moinathol Dilkshosh Ghaat in Cachar district of Assam, was nabbed on Thursday, July 31, by a joint team of the NIA and Assam Police. 

The accused is a key conspirator in the 2024 case related to the brutal killing of three women and three children in Manipur's Jiribam. The incident happened in November 2024. The victims were abducted and brutally murdered by militants in Borobekra area of Jiribam district of the strife-torn state on November 11 last year.  

The bodies were disposed of in the Barak river. 

The accused, Thanglienlal Hmar alias Boya, a resident of Moinathol Dilkshosh Ghaat in Cachar district of Assam, was nabbed on Thursday by a joint team of the NIA and Assam Police, an official statement said. A mobile phone along with a SIM card was recovered by the NIA from the possession of the accused, sources said. 

The investigations have revealed that Boya was actively involved in the conspiracy and execution of the horrendous crime, the NIA said. 

The NIA, which took over the case from Borobekra Police, is continuing with further its investigation. 

Jiribam region near Silchar belt of Assam had generally remained peaceful in May 2023 when the rest of Manipur was engulfed in the worst ever Kuki-Meitei clashes. 

But the situation deteriorated in Jiribam region in November 2024. 

 The violence in Jiribam region also rests on the old menace of 'us and they' syndrome.  

Closer studies suggest Meiteis allegedly want to keep National Highway 53 and Railway connectivity between Jiribam and Imphal "totally free" from any other community influence whether Kuki/Zo/Hmar or Naga to maintain supply lines to the valley.

Of  course this is "life line for Meiteis" as other roads are either blocked easily or are vulnerable to be blocked. Needless to add, no one is blaming Meiteis alone for what has turned out in the Jiribam region.

The Kuki-Zo also have their share of the blame.

In the social media, we have lines emerging - "CRPF has turned into a force of terror against Kuki Zo tribals. The massacre of 11 innocent lives must face global condemnation. #Justice4KukiZo"

Officials say the 11 deceased are Kuki militants. 

Hence the campaign slogan or social media posting is actually a double edged statement. 

Since 2023 May, circumstances have posed multiple challenges for security forces. They are also enlisted into the ominous embraces of 'Us and Them'.  

Two Assam Rifles units were moved out of Manipur and they were replaced by CRPF.

Dwelling deep one can say, these two Union Home Ministry-administered forces are different by training itself.

However, it is also true that Meiteis want to "clean Jiribam district" from domination of any other community.

In the mid-nineties, the Naga-Kuki clashes used to be a nightmare both in Nagaland and in Manipur.

In 2001, when the Naga ceasefire was extended to parts of Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, the Imphal valley burnt for days.

ends 

NIA Court acquits all accused in Malegaon blast case

 NIA Court acquits all accused in Malegaon blast case 

"Terrorism has no religion, but conviction cannot be based on moral grounds," the special court said. 

No evidence: All Malegaon blast accused, including Pragya Thakur, acquitted

Malegaon blasts verdict: The blasts in Malegaon killed six people and injured over 100. Seventeen years later, all the seven accused have been acquitted.

**

The court further said that Pragya Thakur had become a sanyasi and had left all material things two years before the blast.

The court also exonerated Abhinav Bharat, saying there is no evidence that the group was involved in any "terror activity".

Advocate Ranjit Nayar, accused's lawyer says,

 "The accused have been acquitted in this case. I was the advocate for accused number 11, Sudhakar Chaturvedi. 

The Court said that there is no proof of the owner of the mobile phones and vehicles found at the spot. ATS investigated this case. The Court said that phones were tapped without any sanction... NCP-Congress was in power back then. 

They had to do their political gains... Now everything is clear that there are no witnesses against the accused...".

Special Judge AK Lahoti said mere suspicion cannot take the case forward and noted that the prosecution failed to establish the allegations against the accused beyond reasonable doubt.

There has been a grave incident against society. But the court cannot convict just on moral grounds," the judge said, bringing closure to a case that saw the arrest of individuals linked to Hindu right-wing groups. It gave rise to the controversial phrase "Hindu terror".

Apart from Pragya Thakur and Purohit, the others who have been acquitted are Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dhar Dwivedi alias Shankaracharya, and Sameer Kulkarni.

Six people were killed and more than 100 injured when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle (LML Freedom bike) went off in Malegaon, a town with a sizeable Muslim population, on September 29, 2008. 

The blast took place during the holy month of Ramzan.

The case was initially probed by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) before being transferred to the NIA in 2011. The ATS had alleged that the blast was part of a conspiracy involving the group Abhinav Bharat to take revenge for previous atrocities committed by Muslims on Hindus.

The ATS had claimed that Pragya Thakur, who was arrested in 2008, was the owner of the motorcycle used in the blast.

It also claimed that Lt Col Purohit, then an Army officer posted in military intelligence, helped arrange explosives and was part of meetings with Abhinav Bharat.

Issue based Politics :: Conrad Sangma's NPP wants to make a difference in Nagaland ... and thus here's some 'candid talks'

NPP Nagaland raises concern Over Dimapur–Kohima Road Conditions 

The National People’s Party (NPP), Nagaland unit, has raised serious concern over the growing risk to life and property due to recurring rockfalls, landslides, and road collapses along the Dimapur–Kohima four-lane highway (NH-29). 

The Conrad Sangma-led outfit has urged the Centre and relevant authorities to adopt permanent, science-based solutions to address the crisis.  

In a press release, the NPP pointed out that several vulnerable stretches – particularly Pagala Pahar, the KMC dumping site area, and Kisama- continued to suffer from rockfalls, subsidence, and road collapses, resulting in accidents and fatalities.

While construction and maintenance works were ongoing, NPP noted the absence of scientific slope stabilisation, robust drainage, and preventive engineering solutions which continued to pose grave risk to commuters.

Citing reports over the past few years, which indicated multiple fatal rockfall incidents and several injuries along on NH-29 Dimapur–Kohima corridor, NPP urged the government to publish authenticated, year-wise casualty data to avoid ambiguity and ensure accountability.

NPP said the highway was especially hazardous during the monsoon period, which necessitated extreme caution and strict adherence to travel advisories.  

It has submitted a detailed memorandum on July 29 to the Regional Office of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Guwahati and to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Government of India. 

The memorandum underscored the urgent need for permanent slope stabilisation measures, establishment of district-level monitoring and reporting mechanisms, promotion of community-level safety education, enhancement of roadside signage, and inclusion of local geotechnical experts in project planning and implementation.

                                          

This is a case of plain speaking from the regional party which is headed by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. NPP like the ruling entity NDPP in Nagaland is a key constituent of the BJP-led NEDA and the NDA in the national level.

Without any MLAs in the House in last two assembly elections - 2018 and 2023, the Congress is otherwise principal opposition party.

According to northeast watchers - it is estimated that nearly 85% of roads across Nagaland are in poor shape, making travel difficult and hazardous, especially during the monsoon season.  

In Dec 2024, citizens in Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, and Wokha have expressed growing frustration over deteriorating road conditions, ranging from potholes and uneven surfaces to poor drainage and dust pollution. 

Despite patch-up repairs being hastily executed often in some areas, residents and commuters say the quality remains subpar, highlighting systemic neglect by authorities.

It maintained that the fatal rockfall at Pagala Pahar on May 30 this year once again underscored the urgent need for comprehensive, science-based, long-term safety measures. The NPP lamented that temporary fixes such as traffic diversions and limited rockfall barriers had clearly been insufficient during periods of intense rainfall.  

It also called upon the monitoring mechanism established by the state government to constantly supervise work progress and ensure timely rectifications, so that no lapse or complacency by implementing agencies jeopardised public safety.

NPP said lives and safety of commuters could not be compromised due to construction deficiencies or inadequate preventive measures and expressed solidarity with the affected families and reaffirmed its commitment to pursue the issue with all authorities concerned –both the centre and state- until sustainable, lasting solutions were implemented.  

The NPP further demanded public disclosure of a time-bound action plan and the creation of a live, publicly accessible dashboard where citizens can track the progress of mitigation works, traffic closures, diversions, and safety interventions in real time. It also called upon the Monitoring Mechanism established by the Government of Nagaland to closely supervise the progress of ongoing and future works and to ensure that implementing agencies carry out timely rectifications without delay or complacency.  

Recently a few BJP and Congress leaders joined NPP in Nagaland and the Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma also visited Kohima. 

The revamped NPP will be a party to watch in the coming months and years, it is being presumed. 

 

Trump's "lip-service" on calling Modi a friend stands exposed ::::: US imposes 25% tariff on India: Govt to take all steps to secure our national interest

 Perhaps everyone saw that coming.

Donald Trump finally dropped the bomb on Wednesday, July 30, imposing a 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports to the US—plus a penalty for buying military equipment and energy from Russia. 

PM Narendra Modi may regret ever saying - Trump Sarkar !!   

Indian manufacturers across high-growth export sectors are bracing for immediate disruption. “Our main export sectors to the US are pharma, electronics, gems and jewellery and textiles and apparel,” said Rahul Ahluwalia, Founder-Director at the Foundation for Economic Development.

Even though Trump began by calling India "our friend" in his Truth Social post, his close aide Lindsey Graham's warning to BRICS countries a week ago—that the US President intends to crush their economies, including India’s— suggests otherwise.  

India’s tariff structure has drawn repeated criticism from Trump, dating back to his first term and even before he took oath for the second, with him calling New Delhi a "very big abuser" when it comes to levying duties on US products.

Even after several rounds of discussion, agriculture remained the biggest bone of contention between the two sides, with India unwilling to open up its farm and dairy sectors to the US— a political self-goal that no ruling party at the Centre is willing to commit to.  

It seems PM Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’, hungry for cheap Russian energy to fuel its needs, did not align with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” mantra, 

Months later, the idea of MIGA lay in tatters as Trump announced heavy tariffs on India. What piqued interest, however, was his signing off with MAGA—an appeal to his voter base—something he hadn’t done while announcing similar tariffs on countries like South Korea, the Philippines, or Libya.  

New Delhi said it would take firm steps to secure the interests of farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs, while continuing to engage in trade negotiations with Washington D.C.

"India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months. We remain committed to that objective," New Delhi said in a statement.

"The Government attaches the utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of our farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs. 

The Government will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest, as has been the case with other trade agreements including the latest Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the UK," the statement further read.

India’s tariff structure has drawn repeated criticism from Trump, dating back to his first term and even before he took oath for the second, with him calling New Delhi a "very big abuser" when it comes to levying duties on US products.  

Auto and components: Companies like Tata Motors and Bharat Forge anticipate a direct decline in US demand, especially for high-value vehicles and precision parts. Job losses are a looming threat as US orders dip.

Electronics and solar: Contract manufacturers assembling smartphones and solar panels are expected to face severe pricing and volume pressure, particularly since margins were already razor-thin even before the tariff shock.

Jewellery and marine exports: With over $9 billion worth of annual shipments now under the 25% slab, exporters in these sectors must either absorb costs, pass them on, or urgently find new markets.

Textiles and apparel: 

The impact is mixed. While Indian players may benefit in low-cost categories if US tariffs on Chinese or Vietnamese competitors remain high, India’s share in high-margin fashion and specialty fabrics could decline.

"India has not had a single year without polls in last four decades .... since 1986" :::: A case for One Nation One Election - experts say - ONOE can lead to 1.5 percentage point rise in GDP

(Regular elections also mean growth in crime rates !!) 

 ONOE can lead to 1.5 percentage point rise in GDP

--  Experts to parliamentary committee

India has not had a single year without elections since 1986, placing the country in a perpetual election mode. It leads to a "spillover of populist promises", resulting in a "policy contagion effect", the sources citing the presentation said.

Frequent elections fuel unsustainable welfare measures, 

N K Singh, former finance commission of India chairman, along with another expert on Wednesday (July 30) made an economic case for simultaneous elections before a parliamentary committee.

They contended that the proposed ONOE if implemented will possibly lead to a 1.5 percentage point rise in the real GDP growth.

This also means higher capital expenditure and more investment activities.

In their joint presentation before the joint parliamentary committee, which is scrutinising the constitutional amendment bill for 'one nation one election' (ONOE), they quantified the rise in the GDP at Rs 4.5 lakh crore in terms of 2023-24 figures.

However, they added that the fiscal deficit is also expected to rise by 1.3 percentage point due to higher post-election spending.

The JPC had met earlier this month and held interactions with legal experts, including former Chief Justices of India, Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud. 

Following the meeting, Committee Chairman P P Chaudhary had described the initiative as a golden opportunity for the panel to contribute to nation-building, with all members focused on preparing robust legislation.

Blogger 

N K Singh is a former Revenue Secretary and a former JD-U MP.  

Both Singh and Prachi Mishra, economics professor, and head and director of Isaac Centre for Public Policy at Ashoka University, studied election cycles in India as it had simultaneous polls till 1967 before the schedules of Lok Sabha and assembly polls were split.

    

The expected rise in the GDP figure, the sources added, is almost half of the total health budget or a third of the education budget.

Studying the economic figures when national and state elections were held together in India, including when over 40 per cent of the assemblies went to polls the same year along with the Lok Sabha, they said the capital-to-current spending ratio is 5.4 percentage points higher than post-simultaneous elections, indicating a shift towards productive and return-generating investments.

The investment ratio against the gross fixed capital formation also goes up by 0.5 percentage point, reflecting greater investment activity, especially private and foreign.

Frequent elections disrupt economic activity due to uncertainty, adversely impacting manufacturing, construction, tourism and healthcare, with migrant workers frequently returning home and affecting productivity, they said, according to the sources.

Noting that migrants comprise nearly one-third of India's population, they said multiple elections impose financial burden on them, weakening their use of their voting rights.

N K Singh 

School enrollment also goes down by 0.5 percentage point around non-simultaneous elections due to the deployment of teachers on election duty and schools being converted into polling booths, they said.

    

They argued that the diversion of police for frequent electoral duties leads to a growth in crime during non-simultaneous elections due to a longer duration of deployment.

 

Non-simultaneous elections require more imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, restricting government functioning and slowing down development work.

Prachi University of Ashoka University 

"Chinta mat karo .... PoK will be brought back" ::::: "Khauf paida ho gaya..." ..... Terror elements and Pakistan are today scared of Indian actions : Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha ::::: "Only reason terrorism spread in India was because of votebank politics of Congress"

"I can proudly say that no Hindu can ever be a terrorist".

 Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in Rajya Sabha: "...Earlier, we only kept sending dossiers, but Narendra Modi gave a reply to them (Pakistan) with airstrike and surgical strike...Khauf paida ho gaya...". 

"Congress has no right to ask the BJP questions about terrorism. The only reason terrorism spread in the country was because of Congress' votebank and appeasement politics," said Shah.  

"...I admit that even today Pakistan is able to do some terrorist attacks and there is infiltration, but the number of incidents is reducing. 

The Narendra Modi government is committed to ending terrorism and infiltration."

 "We attacked their (Pakistan) terror camps, terror launching pads and terror training camps, but they (Pakistan) considered it as an attack on their country. 

As a response, on 8th May, Pakistan attacked residential areas in India and defence installations. 

On 9th May, India attacked and destroyed Pakistan's 11 defence installations and airbases...After this, Pakistan was not in a position to fight back...", the Home Minister said responding to the two-day debate. 

On Jammu and Kashmir, he said:

"...Today, standing in this House, I promise that Jammu & Kashmir will be free from terrorism. This is the resolve of the Narendra Modi government."

"...Yesterday, you (Congress) were asking why they(Pahalgam terrorists) were killed on this day? (July 28th) 

Why should they not have been killed yesterday? 

Because Rahul Gandhi was supposed to deliver his speech? It doesn't work like this. The entire country is seeing that Congress' priority is not national security and ending terrorism but it is politics, their vote bank and appeasement politics...", he said.

Opposition MPs staged walk out in Rajya Sabha after their demand for the PM Narendra Modi's reply in the House on Operation Sindoor was turned down by the Govt. 

"Congress MP Prithviraj Chavan has said that the government knows nothing except naming operations on the basis of religion. 

But the Congress doesn’t understand that 'Har Har Mahadev' is not just a religious slogan...They see everything from the angle of Hindu-Muslim," he said. 

On another Congress leader P Chidambaram's remarks, he said:

"Chidambaram said that it cannot be said that Operation Sindoor was decisive. I would like to respond to him, even though he is not (present) here. 

Were the 1965 and 1971 wars decisive? If yes, then why did terrorism continue to spread? 

Until the enemy is either afraid or reformed, there won’t be a decisive end. For all these years, no action was taken to intimidate them, so why would they be afraid? ... I can proudly say that no Hindu can ever be a terrorist."    

“Mr P Chidambaram demanded my resignation and questioned the Indian government’s Operation Sindoor. 

He repeatedly challenged the evidence that those involved in the Pahalgam attack were Pakistani terrorists. Today, I want to ask him, who was he trying to protect? Pakistan? Lashkar-e-Taiba? 

Or the terrorists themselves? 

Aren’t you ashamed of this? But by God’s grace, on the very day he raised these questions, all three terrorists were killed.”

Shah also stated:

"They (Opposition leaders) are asking on whose request the ceasefire happened, it didn’t happen on anyone’s request. Pakistan, brought to its knees, called our Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) and pleaded to stop. 

From the very beginning, our intention was not war, nor did we want to harm the people of Pakistan. Prime Minister Modi immediately said that if Pakistan is willing to stop, then let it stop. 

But even now, Rahul Gandhi is trying to escalate the matter and questioning it... Some people even raised doubts about who exactly was killed."

Lok Sabha approves Statutory Resolution clearing extension of President's Rule in Manipur :::: "Govt is actually in action"

Lok Sabha on July 30, Wednesday passed a resolution approving extension of President's Rule in Manipur by another six months beyond August 13.

President's Rule was imposed in the north eastern state on Feb 13. 

The central government has asserted that peace is prevailing in the northeastern state.

"What can be a bigger proof of peace returning there than the fact that since President's Rule was imposed, there has been only one fatality with no casualties in the last four months," Union Minister of State Nityanand Rai said.

It is important to have President's Rule in Manipur for ensuring that peace is established, he said.

After Feb 9th when the Chief Minister had resigned, many complained that why he was still being allowed to continue in office in the "care-taker capacity". Hence on Thursday, Feb 13th as the proclamation of Presidential Rule under Article 356 was announced, local residents in Imphal and Churachandpur heaved a sign of relief.

file snap: Imphal market

As Chief Minister and blessed with high command's blessings N Biren Singh had tried to emerge as a champion of the Meitei-cause. His plans boomeranged. 

After Congress veteran Okram Ibobi Singh was voted out of office in 2017, many thought Biren will inherit that position. 

For sometime it appeared, Biren was able to do so. In fact, in 2019 - after the discussions on Naga issue had ended; he had taken a Meitei delegation to Amit Shah and insisted that nothing should be done to influence the geographical or territorial boundaries of Manipur state. 

The Home Minister did not fail to respond to the delegation's plea. But after 2023 violence continued unabated, finally the Centre had to react rather firmly.   

"Biren Singh has/had a bad habit or he is too frank... he started blaming Meiteis - his own people - for demanding ST status for triggering the violence and some time he would blame the foreign immigrants. 

All these were to cover his own failure and these have combined together to write his political obit at least for the time being," said a local analyst in Imphal in January this year. 

For policy makers in Delhi it is always difficult to diagnose the malady in northeastern states.

In most cases, the ‘wrong ideology of others and the right logic of ours’ -- "we and they" dyndrome motivate the root cause of identity politics. 

The problems in Manipur since 2023 – what has been generally called clashes between Meiteis and Kukis – fall under such a broad perspective. 

Fresh violence erupted in June after reports claimed the arrest of a leader from the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol.

 

The protesters torched tyres and old furniture in the middle of the roads, gheraoed the airport entrance, and clashed with security forces.

The CBI had arrested a member of Arambai Tenggol (AT) at Imphal Airport on June 8th. 

The accused was involved in various criminal activities related to Manipur violence in 2023. The information related to his arrest was also given to his family members. The CBI is investigating Manipur violence cases as per the direction of the Supreme Court. 

This organisation is a post-May 2023 phenomenon and it is an armed organisation. It is also seen as a revivalist body seeking to re-establish the native Sanamahi religion among the Meiteis.

However, sources say the government is actually in action. 

On the other hand, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 8th arrested three Kuki insurgents in a case related to a deadly attack on security forces that had killed two police commandos and injured several others in Manipur last year.

ends 

"I cannot think of any agreement in world where a country allowed its major rivers to flow to the next country", Dr Jaishankar on Indus Water Treaty

  External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said in Rajya Sabha:

"... The Indus Water Treaty will be held in abeyance until Pakistan irrevocably gives up its support of terrorism... Blood and water will not flow together..."

"The Indus Water Treaty in many ways is a very unique agreement. I cannot think of any agreement in the world where a country has allowed its major rivers to flow to the next country without having rights on that river. So it was an extraordinary agreement and, it's important when we have put it in abeyance, to recall the history of this event.

 Yesterday I heard people, some people are uncomfortable with history. They prefer that historical things be forgotten. Maybe it does not suit them, they only like to recall some things...".

Jaishankar said, "The then Prime Minister said let us do this treaty because the Indian government should consider the interests of Pakistani Punjab. Not a word was spoken about the interests of our own farmers in Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh".

"The Indus Water Treaty will be held in abeyance until Pakistan irrevocably gives up its support of terrorism. Blood and water will not flow together," the Minister said. 

"Holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance was an important step taken by India. I would want to repeat what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: Blood and water will not flow together. There can be no engagement with Pakistan unless it dismantles the terror infrastructure operating from its soil," Dr Jaishankar said. 

 "... In the last decade, we have been able to put terrorism on the global agenda... Whether it is BRICS, SCO, QUAD or at the bilateral level...".

"Tahawwur Rana, who was wanted for 26 years, finally has been brought back by the Modi government and is today facing trials in this country...".

"We were told for 60 years that nothing can be done. Pandit Nehru's mistakes can't be corrected. The Narendra Modi government showed it can be corrected. 

The Article 370 was corrected. The Indus Water Treaty is being corrected, it was being held in abeyance until Pakistan irrevocably gives up its support of terrorism. 

We had warned that blood and water can not flow together, today, we are demonstrating that we say, we will do. Blood and water will not flow together." 

The Minister also said:

 We have responded to the Pakistan attack, and we will keep responding whenever it attacks

On May 9, US Vice-President informed PM Modi about Pakistan's plan of massive attack on India. 

Pakistan attacked, and India gave fitting and appropriate response:

Why Congress insisting on 'Trump angle' on Operation Sindoor ceasefire so much ?? Why lead India-US towards a diplomatic confrontation ??

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke for two hours in Lok Sabha.

Three other ministers spoke including foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar. It is clear New Delhi was not pressurised by any country or leader to enter ceasefire. But the Congress and its ecosystem wants something else.

One die-hard Congress friendly says Modi remained "mum" on Donald Trump claims. One wonders - why they want a specific reference to Trump by Indian leaders in authorities.

The Modi government is applying statecraft and diplomatic strategy to avoid reference to the US President.

The predicament has to be understood. After all, Trump is President of the US and he could be snubbed without taking name.

Messaging is more important.

In fact - all three PM Modi and his Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar have made it clear that the ceasefire was announced on May 10th only after Pakistan's DGMO made a formal request.

Rahul Gandhi could not hide his ill-intent and political motivation.  

“If he (the Prime Minister) has the courage of Indira Gandhi, let him say here that… you did not make the ceasefire ” Rahul said.

The Congress leaders almost want the government of India to go into a direct confrontation with the US President in office. This is not being ignorant. This is not being too brave and crude simpleton.

There is an ill-conceived motive :

Let Modi have a direct confrontation with the White House and we can then jump for the fun. 

So far the Govt of India is treading the right path. Be assertive that no one intervened or interfere to force the ceasefire but at the same time there is no need to open any personal oneupmanship front with the US President. 

As it is we are in a much vulnerable era.

The tensions in the Middle East, the unending Russian-Ukrainian war, and Trump’s threatening tariff are making the international system more complex. 

It's a fact that policies valuing India as an indispensable strategic partner for the United States have come to enjoy bipartisan support in Washington. This structure of the Indo-American relationship underpinned the faith of India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar when he said prior to the US Presidential election that -- 

“We have actually seen steady progress in our relationship with the U.S. over the last five presidencies. Including an earlier Trump presidency. So, when we look at the American election, you know we are very confident that whatever the verdict, our relationship with the United States will only grow".  

This underlining is crucial.

During the Joe Biden stint there were some hiccups and they should not come back to dominate proceedings. Moreover, the US is already trying to keep Pakistan on its side vis-a-vis Iran. This balancing will be a tough call.

As it is there are areas of mild friction between the US and India. The BRICS angle is important to this effect and so is India buying oil from Russia.

All these when the crucial trade talks are yet to be worked out and given a final shape. 

There have been other areas of differences during the Biden era. When ED arrested Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, the US State Department had issued a statement, encouraging “fair, transparent, timely legal processes”.

 Needless to say,  an angry Modi government strongly rejected the US  intervention. In addition, the US Department of Justice charged not only an Indian national for killing of a Sikh in America; but also a former official at RAW who was alleged to have given the orders.

So cautious optimism is the path and smart balancing work is necessary.

But Indian opposition is seldom above political considerations.

The constant defeats in elections have made Congress frustrated and this is making Rahul Gandhi more and more desperate by the day. 

Prime Minister Modi makes its worse. He rubs in : "Not only me ...entire country is laughing at you". He told Congress lawmakers in Lok Sabha on July 29th.

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The cautious path is therefore advisable than falling into opposition's trap of Modi joining issue with a maverick politician named Donald Trump. 

The general refrain is that the Modi administration is 'positive' about Trump 2.0, but there is an uncertainty of how the Trump administration will continue to treat India-related issues.

Modi loves making use of his charm and skills. He took Trump’s “MAGA” (Make America Great Again) slogan to describe his own goal of making India a developed nation as “MIGA” (Make India Great Again).

In presence of Trump, Modi also stated that MAGA and MIGA together would become a “Mega" partnership.

This should have delighted the US President.

ends