This is not an attempt to rewrite history. But objective understanding of things suggest that a Decisive Politics is Good Politics and at a subsequent level, the Good Politics will lead to good economics.
Are Nagas prepared to herald a new era of economic prosperity?
India's Act East Policy is unable to move ahead without peace and development in northeast. New Delhi is realising how 'delay' in implementing Solution on Naga issue did not bring any major dividend. The past six years since October 2019 - when talks were finalised - have been dominated by an erroneous assumption that someone else (a chief protagonist in Kohima) will help expedite the Solution.
Guns came to them by accident: Young Dreamers 
Take the right diversion
Now that, it has not happened; the Govt of India must diagnose the disease and take corrective measures. Some damages have been done already. It is time for a quick course correction. But that does not look happening sooner than later.
One fallout is understood ... leaders have started deserting BJP and importantly a few players who quit the Lotus party had joined it when the Hindutva outfit was a decade away from power in Delhi. This talks of frustration.
But it is also like a mirror to what a mess the socio-political conditions the state has landed. The trips from Tokyo to Moscow hence appear more like tourism bonanza instead of working as springboards to garner revenues and visitors.
But social leaders are silent. That's the power of Bolero politics.
In New Delhi, the official apparatus has political will and courage to demonstrate it. Things have started moving fast. The casualties in ULFA camp is like a warning for those who would display bravado and otherwise do all sorts of politicking with the help of a pliable protagonist in office.
The entire system was hijacked by the Status Quo club. The moot point is why such 'courage and decisiveness' have not been into play by Delhi over the last few years. The work on a Common Draft had begun recently and now the onus is on those who matter on the ground. The NNPGs should be more than firm at this juncture.
The space should not be left for any armed-chair metaphysical expert. The parliament or the legislature decide the fate of the voters who elect performing or even negative-performing leaders.
The other inherent problem is in the mind. It's related to 'perception' about power politics. Therefore, Nags would do well to thwart the intent of any self-style and self-seeking individual or group of unauthorised individuals who are trying to make a good business out of propaganda and distorted narratives.
The debates and discussions pushed in Naga life in the name of much cherished Plebiscite of 1951, a defective memorandum submitted in 1929 and the declaration of Naga independence at this juncture in 2025 are all unwarranted. History is part of human legacy; but to bring it back as festering wound is something to be avoided in the new century.
Moreover, to revive the old debates is a skillfully crafted design which may strategically neutralise the importance of Framework Agreement and Agreed Position. This will also present Nagas at the negotiation stable as a divided house and indecisive community.
Home... away from home
Be cautious about 'functional defeats' as is being planned. For its part, New Delhi is aware it has entered the most critical phase.
August 2025 could well rank right after August 1997 as the second most decisive month for Nagas as well as the Govt of India. In 1997, the ceasefire was announced and after few months first interlocutor Swaraj Kaushal was appointed by the Vajpayee government.
Now it's time to wrap up. The last 28 years of parleys and patience should serve as an experience which has enriched Nagas. It was a good experience and en effective learning process for New Delhi as well. Even if some people are provoked; it is assumed the period of talks would have left common people enthralled. When the Statehood pact was negotiated in the 1950s and 1960s, education was not much.
Today with high literacy rate and a pretty good percentage of Naga population taking interest in matters related to Naga future; people should keep fingers crossed and hope for better days ahead.
Today there is a greater expectation of India's role in the comity of nations. India is pro-active, bold and innovative. Naga youths in Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam should be proud fellow passengers in this journey.
The Viksit Bharat of 1947 is unthinkable without active participation of youths from north east - Nagas included.
The real transformation should be visible in the firmness shown related to achievements in science and technology.
Important phases of transformation are on cards in economic growth, soft power and in relations with the neigbourhood and the world. The knowledge of IT, English language and a sharp mind to handle machines and automobiles should be channelised in the right direction and should not be misused just to spread hatred against one community or the other.
ends
Blogger with young Naga rebels
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