In many quarters Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is subjected to criticism.
His onetime mentor S C Jamir is a big critic of the former loyalist -- sometimes que harsh. Rio's former friend Kewephape Therie would also has his source and dosage of complaint.
This blogger has got a tag -- of being "anti-Neiphiu".
But he has admirers no doubt.
He may be a blue-eyed boy of a section of BJP leadership (a few of them now sidelined and 'out' of saffron party paradigm) and also a well wisher of many protagonists in Nagaland and at the regional level.
Largely he also knows how to keep a balance in a modest manner.
Rio's Independence Day speech on Friday, Aug 15th, reflected that spirit.
He says:
"Resolving Naga political issue remains a top priority of my government. The Naga Peace process is ongoing and a symbol of hope for a lasting Solution fulfilling aspiration of our people.
"My Govt has been acting as active facilitators to the peace process and we all need to work together for peaceful resolution...".
For starters this is a harmless statement.
The Chief Minister also makes right noise in the sense .... he talks about "collective commitment to build a future rooted in unity, development and dignity for all".
This is an area of simple rhetoric.
Even die-hard of his admirers (in BJP organisation in Nagaland ) -- whoreadily play second fiddle to NDPP sometime like dutiful Congress leaders of those days - will have to admit that on these three aspects -- his stint has been found wanting especially since 2018.
The so-called 'unity' is a far-cry and the Home Minister Amit Shah expected him to deliver on this front.
The unit amongst underground factions and leaders is almost the stages of 1990s. Only the gun is kept unused.
NSCN-IM says it cannot work with NNPGs. N Kitovi Zhimomi-led NNPG says they were never very keen to have NSCN-IM in the part of the Solution package/journey.
On August 10th - days before August 14th, the much cherished 'Naga Independence Day, the NNPG in a statement clarified that "at no point of time" it had any desire to be a part of any agreement where NSCN - IM was a party.
Another NNPG group led by veteran Neakpao Konyak was in a pensive tone in their statement on August 14th.
"Self-righteousness, pride, arrogance and greed has blinded and shortened our vision spiritually, politically and ideologically as people and community,"
-- says the statement signed by veteran Neakpao Konyak, P Tikhak Naga, Alezo Venuh, Wangtin Naga, Puthai Lam, Isak Sumi, Shehoto L Yesca, Kiviho Zhimo, Kihoto Chophi and K Kamson.
For 'development' - the debate should be left to Rio's neo-admirers such as state Congress president Supongmeren Jamir, also the "elected" Lok Sabha MP.
When it comes to 'dignity' for all -- it should be left to non-Naga genuine citizens of Dimapur mainly to do the talking.
Left to NDPP-BJP combine -- the 'Bangladeshi friendly' gestures should also be debated.
For icing on the cake - let us refer to what Naga Hoho president Sulanthung Lotha said on August 14th:
"Naga political solution cannot be realized through mere rhetoric or stubborn lofty ideals but can be made possible only through pragmatic approach considering the contemporary political realities and future of Naga society.
Therefore, at this crucial juncture of our struggle, Nagas must unite with the sole purpose of achieving political breakthrough with GoI and to usher in new vibrant, peaceful and prosperous Naga people".
Naga Hoho president said all that at a function attended among others by key Naga underground leaders.
(NSCN-IM president Q Tuccu was one of them, -- reports reaching New Delhi said.)
Well, Sulanthung Lotha's statement may be used even in future to build up pressure on the Chief Minister. The argument being -- if Naga Hoho president could call spade a spade;
....
you know better on how to make use of the 'spade' itself.
No comments:
Post a Comment