Mohan Bhagwat and Modi are on same page when it comes to mainstreaming of Hindutva politics !! ::::: RSS chief says no one needs to resign by 75 years

Mainstreaming of Hindutva politics is something dear to Narendra Modi's heart and this is where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat too is with him. 

Those who presumed that Bhagwat will pass diktat that Modi should step aside after Sept 17th 2025 -- the 75th birthday -- were highly depressed. Some might have been let down. But those who know proponents of Hindutva politics also know how things actually work.

Ideology and the common 'mission' comes more than anything else. 

There could be differences in opinion 'mat-bhed' between Modi-Amit Shah duo or BJP leadership and the RSS but it is a fact of life that the Sanghparivar has never had it so good in this country since independence.

Bhagwat is taking things to the next stage and here PM Modi is not only with him; Narendra Modi is an asset to pursue the relentless journey for the greater cause of Hindutva and taking it overseas. 

 

There are number of Governors and Vice chancellors from the RSS background. There are RSS-backed guys who are dominating scenes in sectors such as Education. 

India culture and Hindutva politics has spread across the world from Australia to America in the last 11 years of Modi era. 

Since Modi came to power in 2014, there have been highly successful efforts to mobilise the vast Indian diaspora in support of the BJP and also spread Hindutva philosophy particularly in the UK, US and Australia, through use of various strategies and tools including social media.

The International Day for Yoga was a major coup staged by Modi in the United Nations. In the United Kingdom; Rishi Sunak rose to become the Prime Minister of a country -- which was not only ruled India once but which partitioned the sub-continent.  

A Hindu Rashtra cannot be defined using the parameters of the western concept of a nation state, it has nothing to do with politics or power, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said in Delhi addressing 'Vyakhyanmala' event, organised to mark the centenary year of RSS. 

Modi earlier on the Independence Day praised the RSS from the ramparts of the Red Fort. These things were hardly thinkable even a decade back. 

The rise in global support for the BJP or Modi has also coincided with a rise in prominence of Hindutva groups and charities in the US and other countries too. 

A Hindu temple could come up in a Gulf country with the approval of the ruling dynasty. 

Moreover, some of these Hindutva groups have been accused of trying to undermine academic freedom on university campuses by targeting academics whose work has focused on India’s Islamic history. 

In September 2021, organisers of an academic conference on Hindutva held in the US made news for wrong reasons. The 'Hindu nationalist ideology' has also begun to rear its head in the UK.

 

“Sangh was not a party to any protest or opposition... when someone asked Guruji (MS Golwalkar; the man who built the organisation) why a Sangh Shakha was needed in areas with no Muslims or Christians, he said a Hindu Samaj and a Shakha would exist even if there were no Muslims anywhere in the world,” Bhagwat said.

“We do not believe in unity from uniformity... There is no Hindu versus others. Inclusivity has no outer limit. We can have mathed (differences of opinion) not manbhed (discord). Even those who oppose us are our own,” he added.

These are like saying the RSS is rather spreading the true spirit of democracy as the western world understands.

Mohan Bhagwat also said that the DNA of people living in India for the past 40,000 years is “one.” 

The mainstreaming of Hindutva politics has been happening since 2014. The three-day lecture series of RSS chief made it clear that now he wants the 'next stage' -- mainstreaming of the RSS.

Bhagwat understands the importance of the fact that he is heading the organisation when India has a Prime Minister like Modi - a former pracharak.

Modi has been always a proud proponent of Hindutva politics -- something even perhaps image-conscious Atal Bihari Vajpayee lacked. 

Bhagwat understands the great power of Modi-Shah duo and also appreciates that it is this team that created ground for making a monk Yogi Adityanath the chief minister of India's most populous states - that sends 80 MPs. Yogi need not be a RSS man but he is a strong champion of the cause of Hundutva.

The wrongdoers in UP and more so if they are Muslims 'fear the writ of the government today'. This is an achievement for the Hindu school of wisdom and power.  

The BJP openly prescribes to Hindutva and proclaims it is a cultural agenda to promote India’s heritage and Hindutva-brand of history and culture.

The mainstreaming of Hindutva politics also means taking actions against  “love jihad” and stalling conversion. 

It has led to new laws being passed under Modi around 'citizenship' and marriage which have been described as discriminatory to minorities but symbols of victories of the Hindutva politics.

Ram temple is a reality. Article 370 has been done away with in Jammu and Kashmir and in many states Uniform Civil Code is unfolding gradually.

The resurgent Hindutva forces under RSS and BJP have joined hands and are targeting power in difficult states such as Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

It has won two consecutive assembly elections in Tripura ousting the Marxists. 

ends 

 

No Indian leader made things appear 'personal' with Trump !! But it's a fact 'normalisation' in ties between Modi and Xi Jinping started in Sept 2024

India's opposition parties and 'Sickular' detractors of Narendra Modi are trying to push a line that like a helpless wanderer India ahs 'emvraced' China pretty fast just because the US has abandoned it mid-way.

But it is also true in diplomacy things do not move so fast as TV anchors could imagine. The improvement of of ties between Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi had actually began in September 2024.

The efforts and lengthy painstaking negotiations have ultimately given hopes of delivering dividends.  

Of course the 'legacy' between New Delhi and Beijing is hardly of mutual satisfaction and trust.

The two Asian giants have lived through the process of living in fear, mistrust and acrimony. One or two more 'negative adjective catalysts' maybe comfortably added.

As news about Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi talking about fighting terror menace spread like wildfire in social media and also the electronic medium; one native analyst (desi) said to expect China protecting India against terrorism is like 'trusting the cat to guard the milk'.

But even my friend like many others agree that we need to thank Donald Trump that India (traditionally a status quoist and safe-playing stakeholder) has unleashed a tremendously new geopolitical power relations games.

Of course - it's somewhat risky. More so because it is immensely dangerous to trust China. But when a so-called 'friend' the US could betray to the extent that there is almost a "trade embargo' -- it is always advisable to try to select your new friends notwithstanding the risks. 

Now take a close look at PM Narendra Modi's visits to Tokyo and Tianjin. Needless to say the two hubs could not be more different geopolitically. The port city Tianjin is hosting the SCO Summit. This hub once served 'imperial Beijing'. But in 2025 - China’s rise as a challenger to American primacy in Asia is represented by Tianjin.

Tokyo like the Japanese history and contemporary leadership is totally different.

New Delhi has its mission well defined. It needs Japan for technology and investments in infrastructure. This given the fact Japan, Australia and India along with the US had floated the Quad in 2017. Japan is also a long-lasting ally of the US since the second World War. 

With China; India is eyeing a proper connectivity and of course good cooperation on security and trade.  

President Xi Jinping has said that this year's SCO summit carries the important mission of building consensus, unleashing cooperation momentum, and mapping out a blueprint for development.

The Chinese media is hyping out the new terminology "SCO plus" and there are merits in doing so.

The SCO Summit will see the largest gathering since its establishment and this mirrors the strong cohesion as against the new global turbulence kicked off by whimsical style of functioning of one man.  

The SCO has advanced the multilateral framework in 2025 and also has reshaped its concepts and pathways.

The SCO has also become both a staunch defender and a benchmark practitioner of multilateralism --where two fighting giants (mutually friends) Russia and India are looking for effective and purposeful international engagement.

These perceptions - thanks again to the US - are under  erosion worldwide.

In Tokyo, Modi signed a raft of agreements to intensify commercial, technological, security and human-resource cooperation with Japan. This was much easier.

Dealing with China in China on the backdrop of setbacks in ties since 2020 is much tougher game ball.

It's fact that Trump has compelled these two Asian actors to recalibrate the ties.

Both India and China have faultlines. Those need to be set aside and both the nations should work new-relationship based strengths and try to compliment each other. 

The opening up of the Kailash Yatra to Indians is a key confidence-building measure.

India must understand that China has gone ahead of us in technology and economy. But under Modi, there is a renewed confidence to do well. And that should count.

One key feature of Modi Govt's foreign policies since Operation Sindoor deserve appreciation - maybe with a pinch of salt - that no Indian leader made things appear 'personal' with Trump.

There were numerous provocations. Instead, Team Modi focused in last two-three months to fight 'pressure' and rebuild new ties with old friends and foes.

That's a matured way of doing things in the new century.

It's only China; India will try to rework ties also with Europe.

ends 

Bihar voters - All Political about it !! :::: Surge in residential applications in Seemanchal region suggests many applicants are immigrants from other countries - says BJP

The politics around Voters' list in Bihar is far from over. 

During the ongoing SIR process, the four Seemanchal districts -- Kishanganj, Purnia, Araria and Katihar - with substantial Muslim population have recorded a rush of people applying for residential certificates.

Needless to add such a 'certificate is one of the 11 Election Commission-mandated identity documents. 

In Kishanganj bordering Siliguri-Jalpaiguri region of West Bengal over 70 per cent of the population is from the minority community.

Three other districts Purnia, Araria and Katihar have 40-45 per cent Muslim population. Statewide Bihar has only 17 per cent Muslim population.

In the first two weeks of July, Purnia received 98,200 applications, Katihar 1.32 lakh, Kishanganj 3.23 lakh and Araria 53,556 applications. 

Hence questions are being asked and eyebrows are also raised. 

BJP leader and Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary says the increase in 'residential applications' in the region suggested many of the applicants are "immigrants from other countries". 

Going further he said -- "We suspect a sizable percentage of the people in Kishanganj could be from Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan”.

The other side of the tale is that RJD’s Jokihat MLA Shahnawaz Alam has been reportedly 'spending' bulk of his time at his ancestral village Sisauna in Araria district. 

With the Election Commission’s September 1 deadline for uploading of identity documents as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) looming, Alam is worried that document submission in his constituency hasn’t crossed 85%.

His apprehension is that his 'captive voters' may miss out !!

Jokihat MLA Alam counters BJP version and says the 'rush' for domicile certificates is because people in the region, among the most backward in the state, have few documents other than Aadhaar and ration card.

Incidentally, both these cards are not among the EC’s list of 11 identity documents for the SIR process.

Alam's argument is near classic.

“This is not a developed region. The Jokihat Assembly seat would not have more than 10 per cent voters with Class 10 certificates. Which is why, residential certificates are the most sought after of the 11 documents mandated by the EC". 

In Jokihat block alone, over 50,000 applications for residential certificates are pending with the Right to Public Service centre.

Asked about the high pendency of residential applications in Seemanchal and some other regions, an official of the Bihar Administrative Reforms Mission told journalists -- “We have to stop our services intermittently because there are too many applications for domicile certificates. 

Since the SIR began, we have received over 80 lakh domicile applications from across the state. Since we have a big number of applications from Seemanchal districts, the process is taking time".

At Sisauna village of Araria, Abdul Mannan, a former mukhiya, says that until Aadhaar and ration cards are allowed to be submitted, several electors in his village, most of them women and daily wagers, might end up outside the voter list. 

“Despite our best efforts, we have not been able to get BLOs to people’s doorsteps to collect their documents or guide them,” he says. 

One of the three BLOs of Sisauna village, who spoke on condition of anonymity, says about 10-12 per cent of the 1,800 electors only have Aadhaar or ration cards as identity proof.

At Thakurganj in Kishanganj district, a Booth Level Officer – the EC-appointed official tasked with getting the forms filled and documents uploaded ahead of the deadline – says, “Most people have submitted domicile certificates. Those who were not able to submit one of the 11 documents have applied for these certificates". 

About 100 people, either marked as ‘dead’ or ‘permanently shifted’, have been deleted from the draft rolls in this locality. 

At the Bahadurganj Block Office in Kishanganj district, where BLOs are busy sorting documents of electors, 87 per cent forms in the block have been uploaded with one of the 11 documents, say sources. One of the BLOs says :  “In some cases, the names of voters do not match their other documents as they would have used aliases in the Voter I card".

At Guna Chaurasi village in Bahadurganj, Khurshid Alam (56), who is on 2003 list, says, “My first name is Khurshid, but it’s spelt as Khurashid in the draft roll. That’s causing me trouble. Also, my wife’s name is Mahenigar but her 2003 list says Nigar Jehan. She has now been asked to produce her father’s identity papers along with an affidavit stating that she is Mahenigar, not Nigar Jehan", says a report in 'Indian Express'. 

ends 

What are the merits in the move for Narendra Modi to visit Manipur in Sept. 2025 ? :::: "PM's visit to violence-hit state is overdue and he should take things head on"

I am hardly here to suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should not go to Manipur.

In fact, left to me - I believe - he should have gone there earlier. Modi should not have missed election campaign in Mizoram in 2023 as well as during Lok Sabha elections in 2024. But the issues for debate are not guided by personal dislikes or otherwise. 

Avoiding election campaign in 2023 and 2024 was considered a strategic safe-play. Mizos share ethnic bonds and even language with Kukis and the BJP leadership did not want anything silly like black-flag demonstration against their superstar poll campaigner. 

Reports from Manipur and also Mizoram and Assam now suggest security arrangements are being tightened for PM's visit. Of course there will be extra caution in Manipur given the nature of problems the state has been confronted with since May 2023.

Incidentally, nothing has happened on ground between Kukis and Meiteis to suggest that things have 'improved'. Forget anything like purposeful joint meetings and statements - the two communities are still not in talking terms.

But politics is on.

A powerful section of BJP leaders and 'legislators and former ministers and others' are hyper active to install a popular government in the state. This move itself is a two-pronged strategy -- which will not see the light of the day so soon; but it may cause bigger harm. 

 

The North East of India has complexities and challenges of its own. 

Things have been pretty bad in Manipur and the alleged influx of foreign nationals was attributed as one of triggers for the 2023 ethnic clashes.   The tendency of tribal communities hitherto secluded in some isolated and excluded pockets to differentiate themselves and seek 'autonomy' both in Myanmar and in India actually comes in confrontation with the supposed to be -- 'integrationist tendencies' at multiple levels.

The ruling BJP and the Central Govt urgently need "allies" in the northeast who appreciate the meaning of such phrases.

Of course the Prime Minister's visit to a violence-hit state is overdue. And as a 'gutsy' PM - he should take things head on. 

However, it will be important at the same time to examine whether such a visit (and the timing ... just a few days after his China visit and a few days before his 75th birthday) would bring in positive results. 

Supposing he goes to Churachandpur - the hub of Zo (and/or) Kuki people -- there will be hopefully only positive reactions. 

The Kuki/Zo community leaders may submit one or multiple memoranda to the Prime Minister demanding creation of a separate 'state' or homeland -- carving out of Manipur.  Here lies some problems. 

At a press conference in Delhi in May this year,  the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) leaders batted for 'status quo'. That is post-violence situation. 

Meaning they did not favour any launching for an effective dialogues between Kukis and Meiteis.

"The presence of over 5000 sophisticated weapon in the hands of Meitei militants - the VBIGs and the radicalised militia Arambai Tenggol poses a significant threat to the safety and security of the minority and vulnerable tribal Kuki-Zo," it was stated.  

On the other hand Meiteis say Thadous are original inhabitants of Manipur in hilly areas but 'others' are nomadic people who came from 'outside' - the geographical boundaries such as Mizoram, Assam, Nagaland and Myanmar. The 2023 conflicts between Kukis and Meiteis have a lot to do with this web of complexities. 

The moot point here is New Delhi is sincere and the Union Home Ministry is making things move. Two key officials are working overtime with various leaders from both sides and want to work out a working formula so that both sides can sit across the table. But all that will need sufficient time. 

If Prime Minister visits and is able to give a positive messages to both sides - there is nothing like it. Namo will get the credit due for him and we shall be happy about that on this side of the table. 

We have used an example in the past too. In life as in cartoons -- there is often a moment when a character having reached a cliff may be still unaware of this obvious fact. His or her fate often hangs suspended and he need not know.

ends 

 

A good beginning is half-done !! As PM Modi raised "Cross-border terrorism as a priority .... in the context of SCO ; China extends support" to fight the scourge !!

"Cross-border terrorism was mentioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a priority. This is something that impacts both India and China and it is important, therefore, that we extend understanding and support to each other as both of us combat this scourge,"  - said foreign secretary Vikram Misri

Briefing reporters, he also said: "We have received the understanding and cooperation of China as we have dealt with the issue of cross-border terrorism in the context of the ongoing SCO summit". 

This is considered a crucial stage of beginning in parleys in taking India-China relations forward.

PM, Xi discussed cross-border terror, China extended support to India 

The Foreign Secretary also said - "The issue was discussed. It was raised by the Prime Minister (Modi). He outlined his understanding very crisply and specifically. 

He outlined the fact that this is the scourge that India and China are both victims of. He asked for China's support, and the Chinese side has extended support". 

During the briefing, Misri was also asked if the two leaders discussed the implications of US President Donald Trump's tariffs. The Republican has imposed a 50 per cent import duty on Indian imports, and a 30 per cent duty on Chinese imports.  

Trump also levied an additional 25 per cent import duty on Indian goods on the pretext of India purchasing Russian oil. 

China, however, has been spared. 

Misri maintained while the two leaders were mindful of international developments, the focus of their talks remained on the bilateral front. 

"They looked at how to leverage these circumstances to build greater understanding between themselves and to advance the economic and commercial relationship between India and China amid these evolving challenges," the foreign secretary said.

ON DIRECT INDIA-CHINA FLIGHTS

Foreign Secretary Misri said that direct flights between India and China are expected to resume soon. 

He noted that both sides have been engaged in "intense discussions" over the past few months. 

A recent visit by an Indian civil aviation delegation including key bureaucrats to Beijing helped advance talks, and a broad consensus has now been reached on restarting services.

"What remains are certain operational issues-relating to the air services agreement, scheduling and calendars-which are being worked out. These should be addressed in the coming weeks," Misri said.  

On trade deficit between India and China; Misri said the matter was raised earlier during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent visit to Delhi.

"It is also important to look at the issue of trade and trade deficit from the broad strategic direction and engagement between the two countries. Growing trade between the two countries and narrowing of the deficit will contribute to a change in perception in the relationship as well," Misri said.

He added that the conversation is taking place "at many levels - between governments, businesses, [and] entities that are involved in the trade," and its outcome will depend on how the process evolves going forward.

SCO family's first pic: Modi in front row, Putin right next to Xi Jinping :::: Pak PM Shehbaz also makes it to the front row

SCO family's first pic: PM Modi in front row, Putin right next to Xi Jinping

Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, hosted a banquet in port city Tianjin to welcome international guests ahead of the 25th edition of the annual summit.

This is the first time since India's Operation Sindoor precision strikes that PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif have been seen on the same platform.

Pak PM also makes it to the front row.

The photo showed that Xi Jinping, the leader of the host nation, standing right in the centre.

He was flanked on the left by his wife, Peng Liyuan, and by his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the right.

Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdoan, and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, among others. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also made the front row.

This year, apart from the regular SCO members - China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyztan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus, non-member states who are either Observer States, Dialogue Partners and invited guests are attending the Summit.

Also, the representative heads of international organisations, including the United Nations, ASEAN and the Commonwealth of Independent States are also going to make their presence count at the SCO Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already held bilateral talks with Xi.

He will also hold bilateral talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin.

All these have added importance this year amid Trump 's tariffs push in international trade.

Firm and critical message to Trump .... with 'Love' from 'friend' Modi and also Xi and Putin ::::: "cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant"

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday, Aug 31, told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that China and India are cooperation partners, not rivals, and that the two countries are each other's development opportunities rather than threats.

As long as the two countries stick to this overarching direction, China-India relations can sustain steady and long-term growth, Xi said when the two leaders met in the port city of Tianjin ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025.

Xi said China and India should become neighbors on good terms and partners helping each other succeed. 

A "cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant" should be the right choice for the two countries, he said.

Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of China-India diplomatic relations, Xi said the two countries need to view and handle bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective.

He called on the two countries to strengthen strategic communication to deepen mutual trust, expand exchanges and win-win cooperation, heed each other's concerns to seek harmonious coexistence, and enhance multilateral collaboration to safeguard common interests.

The two Asian neighbors should work together to ensure peace and tranquility in their border regions, and should not let the border issue define the overall China-India relations, Xi said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Tianjin, North China, by plane on Sunday morning to attend the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit.

This marks another visit to China by President Putin following his state visit in May, 2024.

Russia is one of the six founding member states of the SCO. China and Russia have consistently maintained close contact within the framework of the SCO. 

Under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of both countries, bilateral relations are at their best in history, making China-Russia relations the most stable, mature and strategic among major powers in the world today.

After concluding his trip in Tianjin, Putin will head to Beijing to attend a gathering marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

According to the Russian side, President Putin is accompanied by a "large and significant" delegation to China, which includes three deputy prime ministers, more than 10 ministers, and representatives from major enterprises. President Putin's visit to China for related activities further demonstrates the high level of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era.  

"Had a fruitful meeting with President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. We reviewed the positive momentum in India-China relations since our last meeting in Kazan. 

We agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas and reaffirmed our commitment to cooperation based on mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity," PM Narendra Modi tweeted after the meeting. 

Mutual trust and respect must guide India-China relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Chinese President 

The closely watched bilateral began with a firm handshake, signalling the next step in rapprochement between the two long-time rivals while also sending a message to US President Donald Trump, whose tariff offensive has soured Washington’s ties with both New Delhi and Beijing

ends 

Insurgency = Links to Shadow Economy -- Linked to Success tales and glories ::: Unlimited power to 'print money'

My classmate from Shillong loves history and he teaches the subject.

Our evening meeting over good snacks and a bit of 'vital essential' turned interesting. "We ourselves are living history," he remarked. 

The discussions shifted to global trade and economy for obvious reasons. And then he cautioned me about the Shadow Economy linked to north eastern states. In short, he said - we cannot yet know the consequences of the financial system that is running based on Shadow Economy. 

Maybe it goes without stating that this 'shadow economy' in Nagaland, Manipur, parts of Assam and even Mizoram and Tripura represent one of India’s most "complex and entrenched parallel economic systems".

What will it take to stop the fall ? 

There are multiple reasons responsible for the glories of this illicit stream. Unemployment is one of them.

Other factors are driven by decades of insurgency, political instability and very weak governance structures.  The writ of the government simply fails and there is no fear of the rule of law. 

Some of all these are related to human greed. But those working in these areas also suggest that if we can 'kick' the menace of bad habits and human weaknesses -- today's pain may be will be translated into gains. Otherwise the north east India and states such as Manipur, Nagaland and parts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh will pay a much bigger price.

Take for instance the case of Nagaland. This shadow (or chiefly the underground) economy encompasses multiple illicit activities that collectively generate an estimated Rs 690-Rs 720 crore annually.

None can contest that this will significantly impact the state’s formal economic development.

I spoke on these issues with a few ex army and civil officials who had served in the northeast and states such as Manipur and Nagaland in the 1990s and later.

Needless to say, the finding was obvious.

The shadow economy’s impact extends beyond immediate economic effects to create deep socioeconomic distortions. 

One ex military General summed up another refrain. "The normalization of illegal taxation has today justified corruption and cheating. It has created a culture where 'extortion' that is looting other people's money is normal. What is making the Govt of India entertain all these for decades puzzles me because this undermines the rule of law and democratic governance".

As a social conscious individuals, some of them also diagnose that women, particularly in the informal sector -- face increased vulnerability to harassment and extortion related to illegal trade specially with alcohol.

"You may not realise it as a chauvinist man.... Despite being over half of the informal workforce, women can actually become targets for unofficial tax and this dangerous Shadow economy".

It is also appreciated in the official circles that various pressure groups actually go silent on shadow economy or even illegal liquor business.

The youth unemployment rate and limited formal sector opportunities push young people - well educated ones - towards the Shadow economy participation.

This also leads to social instability. The lack of skilled workforce among locals and the serious malady of running away from hard work further limits legitimate economic alternatives.

The shadow economy in Nagaland operates through multiple primary channels.

Analysts maintain -- The illegal taxation by insurgent groups (Rs 250-Rs 300 crore annually)

-- the liquor black market (Rs 250 crore), 

-Drug trafficking (Rs 118-120 crore in seizures alone in 2024), 

- Arms smuggling (Rs 50 crore estimated) 

- And money laundering operations (Rs 75 crore).

Even the likes of former Governor R N Ravi in their analyses (and probably confidential inputs to the Home Ministry) -- have stated that most pervasive element of Nagaland’s shadow economy is the systematic illegal taxation.

This is imposed by approximately 26 insurgent factions. 

These groups - as is well known - operate parallel governments with their own finance ministries and so on.

The state government employees cough up around 22 to 25 per cent of their annual salaries to various groups. And 'worse' the money is deducted at the source !

Taxes are also paid by businesses and households and even those in operting house constructions or road maintenance. In the process, compromises are done at the level of 'implementing' the project works.

The development suffers and then there is a cycle wherein people would complain about 'injustice' either from New Delhi or Kohima or both.

My sources in various probe and security agencies sum up the irony.

First, the taxation system is so institutionalized that the militant groups (intalks with the centre and in ceasefire) issue official letters to government departments demanding specific percentages be deducted from salaries. 

There are multiple taxes for every commodity entering Nagaland and Manipur. In the case of latter; things have become more complicated after the ethnic clashes of 2023.

In Dimapur - people will tell you about so-called Entry tax, exit-tax, godown tax, distributor tax, and retailer tax.

Ultimately, who pays --- the consumers. And who are they -- the voters !

And in Nagaland in particular -- voters are also paid on the eve of the voting day and even on the day of polling.

Election time becomes festival time - and all stakeholders - the neta class and the voters love all that. 

This parallel taxation system has created what is also described as a “land of illegal taxation”.

The NDPP-BJP alliance is in power in Nagaland since 2018. The BJP had captured power in Manipur and also in states such as Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

But the bitter truth -- which is again missed - is that the faceless citizens pay more to underground groups than to the legitimate government (s). 

The system operates with such impunity that insurgent groups openly assert their “legitimate right” !! 

ex Naga CM K L Chishi in 2023 - propounds theory of 'Onion-layers in electoral corruption'

Prohibition’s Unintended Consequences

One has to look back and try to rediscover who needs to be blamed on this score.

Despite the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act of 1989, the state hosts a thriving illegal alcohol trade worth an estimated Rs 300 crore annually if not more.

One study by college students claimed that Nagaland spends over Rs 114 crore annually on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in Dimapur alone.

Of course, the statewide market is significantly larger.

Probe further. The prohibition has created a sophisticated smuggling network ranging from Manipur/Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Myanmar, with villagers earning Rs 200-300 per trip transporting alcohol across porous borders. 

Nagaland as a state loses an estimated Rs 200-300 crore in annual excise revenue to neighboring states where alcohol sale is legal and taxable. 

As an enthusiast supporter for development and lasting peace, one can say -- until the Naga political issue is resolved and effective governance is established, the Shadow economy will 'dominate' the economic life of the in the state and outside.

(We shall run a few more blogs on this complex subject. Suggestions and inputs from the patrons of this blog will be highly appreciated) 

ends 

Trust, Respect and Sensitivity key to India-China ties -- PM Modi tells Xi Jinping :::: Interests of 2.8 billion people of both nations linked to mutual cooperation

 SCO Summit live: Trust, respect and sensitivity, PM on India-China ties

During his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on China’s successful SCO chairmanship, thanked him for the invitation to visit China and for their meeting, and highlighted -- 

"vishwas, samman aur samvedanshilta" - Trust, respect and sensitivity, PM on India-China ties.

"We have agreed on border management, and direct flights between the two countries are being resumed," said Modi. 

Modi said an agreement had been reached between the Special Representatives of India and China regarding border management. 

He added that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra had been resumed, and direct flights between the two countries were also being reinstated.

Modi noted that the interests of 2.8 billion people of both nations were linked to their cooperation and that this would contribute to the welfare of all humanity.  

Of course the SCO agenda covers security, economy, digital tech, and climate, global focus has been on the first major dialogue between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping.

 Their last years of limited interaction were marred by the Ladakh standoff, trade tensions, and recent India-US tariff issues.

Before his arrival, PM Modi told The Yomiuri Shimbun: 

“Given the current volatility in the world economy, it is also important for India and China, as two major economies, to work together to bring stability to the world economic order.”

 Recent meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi resulted in agreements on border peace, trade reopening, and resuming flights. Observers hope for substance beyond symbolic handshakes.

The summit marks the SCO’s 25th year, bringing together over 20 leaders, including Vladimir Putin, Masoud Pezeshkian, and other key figures from Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the UN.

For China, hosting showcases stability and leadership; for India, it is an opportunity to influence major regional debates on digital transformation, terrorism, and economic partnerships.

ends