A 'test case' of Charm of Moditva :: Cultural Marxism and 'hate thy culture and elders' propagated by anti-India forces defeated in one stroke

'Cultural Marxism' actually had emerged in the United States during the 1990s, drawing conceptual parallels to older historical propaganda terms like "Cultural Bolshevism".  

Core Claim: It alleges a deliberate plot by 20th-century intellectuals—specifically the Frankfurt School—to subvert societal and traditional values. And in Indian context; it was/is used by anti-India forces including 'pro conversion lobbies' and extreme Left-liberals to discredit India's civilisational past and Hindu ethics. 

This was largely in operation during the CJP protest and hence an effort was made to 'normalise' gaali-culture or "abuse". This game Sickular ecosystem and pro-Maoists lobby double satisfaction. 

It gave them a pleasure temporarily as the person being attacked was Hinduism and PM Narendra Modi; it was also seen as a first step to misguide the youths against the basic Indian nationhood. 

But Modi has defeated them. They stand exposed. 

The 15-year-old, accused of raising abusive slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the CJP's Jantar Mantar protest, has appeared in an apology video. The clip surfaced after PM Modi said he would forgive youngsters and that the students should be guided.

All these happening amid police pursuing some cases and protest  organisers questioning the criminal action.  

The video, which shows her with folded hands, has now gone viral on social media. But the authenticity of the video needs to be verified. 

"I came under the influence of those people," she says. "I am only 15 years old. Whatever I did was not worthy of forgiveness. I have said a lot of bad things."

Calling it her "first and last mistake", she adds, "I apologise to the entire country. I am so ashamed. I can't even look at myself. Please forgive me."  

The video surfaced hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a video message on Instagram on Friday, saying he had forgiven the students accused of abusing him during the protest and urging society to guide them rather than seek punishment.

"The abusive slogans used against me and my late mother were deeply disturbing," Modi said. "But young people should be given an opportunity to learn from their mistakes."  

Earlier, a Zero FIR was registered against the protester at Noida's Expressway Police Station on July 29 in connection with the alleged derogatory slogans raised during the July 23 protest.

According to the complaint, Ruchika Singh used abusive language against the Prime Minister, allegedly undermining the dignity of the constitutional office. The complaint further alleged that the remarks were made with the deliberate intent to incite ill-will and disturb public peace.

Police registered the case under Sections 352, 353(1), and 356(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The Zero FIR has since been transferred to Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi.

Modi with 'soccer lovers'/youngsters in Sikkim 

On PM Modi's video message, NCP Working President Praful Patel says, 

"The children of our country are our future; often, in the exuberance and zeal of youth—and sometimes influenced by others—they may let certain words slip out. 

PM Modi has simply said that in forgiving children there is no sense of pettiness in this—on the contrary, I view it as a sign of his magnanimity. 

"Our country can only function democratically. We will move forward by taking everyone along; that is the only way the nation will prosper. The younger generation is truly the country's future, and providing them with proper guidance and direction—something the Prime Minister is doing—is a very good thing."

ends 

Army and central forces are keen on "building new stronger bonds" with the youths of tomorrow in North East

Just as atrocious conduct of Pakistan army in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) has been flagged off in many quarters; experts and veteran observers of India's north east say there is already a policy of 'Zero Tolerance' towards any instance of human rights violation by forces in India. 

In fact, they insist respecting human rights for Indian para military, army and other security forces is not simply a moral and a legal necessity, but also a crucial strategic imperative. 

"You must have noted over the years, Indian forces have conducted a number of operations against terrorists and insurgents; but a lot of collateral damage has been avoided. "

Indian forces have developed 'expertise' in achieving maximum outcome by putting in minimum forces. 

"Avoiding injuries and casualties among children and women is one thing; that's ensured even as Indian forces have successfully eliminated Maoists and militants in north east, Jammu and Kashmir and central and western parts of India," said someone in the know of things.  

The Indian Army had established a Human Rights Cell in March 1993 at Army Headquarters, much before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established.  Similar cells have also been established at the Command and Corps level in counter-insurgency areas.  

These cells act as nodal agencies for receiving complaints from various groups or individuals, investigating the veracity of each complaint and taking corrective action where required. 

The track record of the Indian Army in J&K and the Northeast, where it has been deployed as an aid to the respective State’s and UT administration apparatus for internal security tasks, has been guided also by the “Dos and Don’ts”.

Of course, the Armed Forces Special Powers Acts (AFSPA) empower the Forces to act in some difficult situations. 

However, there is a robust mechanism also in place for course corrections.  It is true The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) grants sweeping powers to take extreme actions and even arrest without warrants, it also shielding security personnel from prosecution without central government sanction. 

Look at the contrast situation offered by Pakistani forces. Even civilian areas are bombed casually and callously from time to time.  

In a statement issued, Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Jeremy Laurence, said that the criminalisation of a civil society organisation and imposition of strict limitations on gatherings in POJK raise serious concerns about infringements on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.  

India on July 31 demanded international scrutiny of Pakistan’s actions as civilian death toll has mounted.  

".... the very 'mujahideen' that the Pakistani establishment trained, funded, armed, and sent to India have now turned their guns inward, weaponizing themselves," MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal told reporters during regular media briefing in New Delhi.  

"The people there have requested international organizations to conduct an independent investigation into the unlawful killings. 

We urge the international community to scrutinize Pakistan's actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities."  

The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has been spearheading agitation over 12 disputed seats in the PoJK legislative assembly, demanding accountability and reforms.

Reports said at least 40 to 75 people have been killed by Pakistan Army in the last few days.

Pakistani forces used live ammunition and lethal force to disperse demonstrations, leading to high-casualty standoffs in areas like Rawalakot and Mirpur.

According to media reports, over 100 unarmed civilians have been killed by the Pakistani troops since the start of unrest in June.

***

The central security forces and paramilitary units like Assam Rifles in the north east - in fact - favour strong and friendly relationships with locals in the north east.  

The forces are investing in building new bonds with the youths of tomorrow by training selected local boys and even girls for various employment opportunities including those for the Agniveers and other multiple forces.  

With regard to alleged 'human rights violations' by forces during military operations in the north east or in Jammu and Kashmir, the source said, the directives from the Defence ministry and Army headquarters are clear, even a single instance of human rights violation is "totally unacceptable".  

The Assam Rifles through Military Civic Action Projects under Operation Sadbhavana undertake multiple projects to help natives in violent-hit states such as Manipur.    

ends  

"... Even while selecting his Cabinet, should PM Modi consult some former judge ?," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta throws googly before Supreme Court

Questioning the argument for including the Chief Justice in the panel to appoint Chief Election Commissioner, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said ...

if the Prime Minister's decision could not be trusted, then by the same logic, "even while selecting his Cabinet he must consult some former judge or outsider."

Solicitor General Mehta argued that the 2023 judgment merely directed an interim arrangement and did not lay down a binding constitutional requirement that the Chief Justice must be part of the selection committee.

He submitted that the petitions raise several constitutional questions, including whether Parliament's law under Article 324 can be invalidated merely because it does not include an "outsider" such as the Chief Justice in the selection committee.

He also wondered whether Parliament's legislative power is subject to implied constitutional limitations and whether courts can presume bad faith on the part of constitutional authorities while examining legislation.

Mehta 

Attorney General R Venkataramani argued that the earlier constitution bench judgment directing that the selection committee should comprise the PM, the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Justice itself raises constitutional issues that require authoritative determination by a larger bench.

According to the government, if the 2023 Supreme Court verdict were treated as occupying the entire field, Parliament would effectively have no authority to legislate on the issue.  

The government urged the Supreme Court to refer the matter to a constitution bench, arguing that the petitions involve substantial questions relating to the interpretation of Article 324 of the Constitution -- which deals with the appointment of Election Commissioners -- and Parliament's legislative powers on the matter. 

The 2023 Act or the new law replaced the Chief Justice of India with a Union Cabinet Minister on the selection committee, giving the ruling government a two-thirds majority in the appointment process.  

"The office of the Prime Minister has a sanctity attached to it," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court. 

He added, "If his decision is not to be trusted, then why not have a provision that even while selecting his Cabinet he must consult some former judge or outsider?"

The submissions were made before a bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, which reserved its order on a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.

The government has strongly defended the current appointment process for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners by a three-member committee comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

It told the Supreme Court that there was "no reason to doubt" the PM's role in the selection process.

The government argued that constitutional courts cannot proceed on the assumption that the executive would act against democratic values. 

It further added that questioning the selection committee would amount to doubting both Parliament's legislative wisdom and the constitutional trust reposed in elected institutions.

ends 

India urges global community to hold Pak accountable for 'atrocities' in PoK ::::: ".. very 'mujahideen' Pakistan trained, funded and sent to India have now turned guns inward, weaponizing themselves" - says India

".... the very 'mujahideen' that the Pakistani establishment trained, funded, armed, and sent to India have now turned their guns inward, weaponizing themselves," MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal told reporters during regular media briefing.  

He also said - that "... The Pakistani establishment continues to unleash ruthless force against peaceful civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. 

This crackdown has resulted in the tragic death of over 40 innocent people, and many more have been seriously injured. 

"It is the establishment's absolute disdain for the innocent people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir that was laid bare when their Defence Minister branded the protesting civilians as enemies.... 

"The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on political affairs openly admitted that the very 'mujahideen' that the Pakistani establishment trained, funded, armed, and sent to India have now turned their guns inward, weaponizing themselves against the state." 

"The so-called elections stand as a humiliating rejection of the Pakistani establishment facing a violent regime. 

"The people there have requested international organizations to conduct an independent investigation into the unlawful killings. 

We urge the international community to scrutinize Pakistan's actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities."  

Jaiswal also said: 

"We are very clear that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, is an integral and inalienable part of India. 

"That is our position. These territories were part of India, are part of India, and will continue to be part of India. 

We would urge all our partners and stakeholders to use the correct nomenclature for the region as we understand it."

On Indian nationals in Russian Army, the MEA spokesperson said:

"We have been following up with the Russian side for the release of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian army. So far, our efforts have led to the release of 139 Indian nationals. 

"We continue to pursue the release of the remaining two dozen Indian nationals who are reportedly in the Russian army... 

We would like to caution our people against job offers that are fraught with risk and made by unscrupulous individuals and agencies."

Akhilesh Yadav thinks he can insult Sanatan : Union Minister Giriraj Singh ::: "Congress is a family and a party filled with arrogance", says Anurag Thakur

 On the alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case, Union Minister Giriraj Singh says, "The Lok Sabha Speaker has previously expressed objection to such activities taking place at the Makar Dwar. 

The incident that occurred today—where Sanatan seers and saints were portrayed as thieves—was part of a deliberate strategy by the SP, Pappu Yadav, and the Congress. If this calculated strategy isn't about humiliation, then what is it? Akhilesh Yadav thinks he can insult Sanatan... The employees who committed the theft are in jail; yet, you choose to abuse Sanatan and the saffron color?"  

On the proceedings in the Parliament Monsoon Session, BJP MP Anurag Thakur says, “Congress and some Opposition parties have repeatedly insulted the Indian Armed Forces and the police by questioning the air strikes, surgical strikes and Operation Sindoor, while echoing the language of India's adversaries. 

Today, Congress leaders used objectionable language and made baseless allegations inside the House in violation of the Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure. I have submitted a notice under Rules 222 and 223 and urged the Speaker to take action. 

Rahul Gandhi made false allegations against the Union Home Minister, Priyanka Gandhi called the media 'pet media' inside the House, and Rahul Gandhi later accused the media of siding with the BJP. They also cast aspersions on the country's police. This is a family and a party filled with arrogance.”

After 19 years ... Exit of Muslim-appeasing CPI-M and Mamata 'aapa' brings back Bangladesh author-in-exile Taslima Nasreen to Kolkata

Author of 'Lajja' - Bengali novel on the backdrop of anti-Hindu riots in Bangladesh of 1992 returns to Kolkata

This will be her first visit to the city since protests over her controversial book 'Dwikhondito (Bifurcated)' forced her to leave the 'City of Joy' in 2007.

Both the communists and the Mamata regime were known for pushing their named Muslim-appeasing cards.
Taslima Nasreen, who has lived in exile since 1994 following intense opposition to her writings, arrived in Kolkata from New York.

                                    Taslima Nasreen lands in Kolkata

In June Ms Taslima announced that she will participate in a special programme at Rabindra Sadan on August 1, 2026 in Kolkata at a show organised by Secular Mission and Human Rights and Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Foundation (HRBFF).  

Bangladeshi writer's turbulent relationship with Kolkata became one of the defining chapters of her decades-long exile.  

The organisers have called her a “fiery symbol of resistance against religious fundamentalism”.   

Ms Taslima is also expected to address a press conference in the city a day after the literary meet.

This event marks a symbolic return for an author who was forced to leave Kolkata in 2007 amid violent protests and political controversy.

Her visit is expected to reopen memories of one of the most contentious episodes in West Bengal’s recent cultural history, when the city that she had come to regard as home became the epicentre of protests demanding her expulsion.

Nasrin has lived in exile since 1994 after facing a wave of threats in Bangladesh over her writings on women's rights and religion. She spent the next decade living in Europe and North America after being granted Swedish citizenship.

Although she found refuge abroad, she repeatedly spoke of her emotional attachment to Bengal and expressed a desire to live in Kolkata, a city she believed shared her language, culture and literary heritage.

That opportunity came in 2004 when India granted her a renewable residence permit. She settled in Kolkata, a city she called home. Rooted in the literary traditions shared across both Bengals, Nasrin resumed writing and became a visible presence in the city's cultural circles. But her stay in West Bengal proved controversial. 

Her book 'Dwikhandito' was banned by then Marxist chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee in 2003. 

The ban was overturned by the Calcutta High Court two years later.

ends 

ONGC Assam Asset Extends Relief to Flood-Affected Communities Despite Impact on Its Own Facilities

 Even as the ongoing floods have affected ONGC Assam Asset's offices and residential colony, the organisation has continued its humanitarian efforts by extending relief to flood-affected communities across the region.

Under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, ONGC Assam Asset distributed essential food items and medicines to affected families to help meet their immediate needs during the flood situation.

Photo Caption: 

ONGC Assam Asset personnel distribute essential food items and medicines to flood-affected families as part of the organisation's CSR initiative in Assam. 

ভয়াৱহ বানত ONGC  অসম সম্পদৰ কাৰ্যালয় আৰু আৱাসিক কলনী ক্ষতিগ্ৰস্ত হোৱাৰ পাছতো বানপীড়িত ৰাইজৰ সহায়ৰ বাবে আগবাঢ়ি আহিছে প্ৰতিষ্ঠানটো। বানাক্ৰান্তক অত্যাৱশ্যকীয় খাদ্যসামগ্ৰী আৰু ঔষধ-পাতি বিতৰণ ONGC ৰ।

The initiative reflects ONGC's commitment to supporting local communities during times of crisis, with employees coming together to ensure timely relief reaches those in need despite the challenges posed by the floods.

Daughter of a Delhi cop injured in Jantar Mantar clash shares her grievances :::: "Frustrated Rahul Gandhi is using abusive language against Amit Shah, after Parliament session he may vanish overseas again," says Rahul Sinha

The families argued that their suffering had been overshadowed by allegations of police excesses against students and urged the public to stop vilifying police personnel over the force's actions during the agitation, led by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

Daughter of a Delhi Police SI (Sub-Inspector) who sustained injuries during the clash between Police and CJP protesters in Delhi, says, 

Father pulled, almost lynched: Kin of Delhi cops injured at student protest speak out

Delhi Police families claim officers faced severe violence during CJP protest

Show videos to prove attacks, allege anti-social elements joined protest

Families say narrative skewed, police also victims. 

Opposition MPs protest against Home Minister in Parliament 

- "My father is an SI with the Delhi Police. Before joining the force, he served as a Marine Commando in the Indian Navy for 15 years. He was deployed at the main protest site, on the front line near the barricades, where a large crowd had gathered. 

"Whenever he returned home at night, he would tell us that it no longer seemed like a student protest and that many anti-social elements had infiltrated it. The very next day, on July 25, my father was dragged by a violent mob and was almost lynched near the stage at Jantar Mantar. 

At around 2 pm, he was admitted to RML Hospital, where he remained unconscious for nearly four hours. At around 10 pm that night, my father's colleagues brought him home. His uniform was completely soaked in blood. Seeing him in that condition was extremely painful for us. 

When we asked him what had happened, he simply said, 'It's nothing. Minor injuries are part of the job.' But he had four stitches on his head, which was far from a minor injury. That night was extremely difficult for our family. 

"When I opened social media, I saw people calling my father a criminal. The next day, I learned that the people who had attacked my father were approaching the Supreme Court to seek relief for themselves and to file complaints against the police personnel. That hurt me deeply. 

I felt that I, too, should go and seek justice for my father. Other police families stood with us. We went to the Supreme Court and requested our advocate to present our side before the Supreme Court. We were assured that we, too, have equal rights as citizens of this country and that we, too, will get justice."

 "A frustrated Rahul Gandhi is using abusive language against the Home Minister... Such antics are all they have left; we do not expect anything more from them. 

Once the House session concludes, no one knows where Rahul Gandhi will vanish or to which country he might go...", says BJP MP from West Bengal, Rahul Sinha.   

He further said: "Rahul Gandhi is actually frustrated. The reason is that he is unable to achieve anything. Regarding the student protests he incited, there were attempts to infiltrate the movement with outsiders. All those efforts failed, and these people played no constructive role in the legislation passed in the House; they merely politicized the issue. 

"We did not see them take any concrete steps regarding the law the Prime Minister enacted for the students' future. That is why a frustrated Rahul Gandhi is using abusive language against the Home Minister... Such antics are all they have left; we do not expect anything more from them." 

Pellet use not illegal, says Supreme Court :::::: At least four protesters were hit by RAF pellets on July 20 ::: "It can be challenged under Art 21"

 Pellet use not illegal, says SC; cites exceptional cases, offers tip on phaseout  

At least four protesters had reportedly been hit by RAF pellets during the July 20 march to parliament.  

The Supreme Court on Thursday prima facie indicated the use of pellet guns could not be banned but only restricted.

        Sahil Lochab "suffered" pellet injuries 

The court suggested the constitutionality of their use could be challenged under Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and liberty.  

“In exceptional cases police regulations permit their (pellet guns’) use… unless you challenge the rules itself. One of the steps of graded approach is the use of pellets…,” Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed.  

The bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana issued notices to the Centre and the inspector-general of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) on a plea to preserve the pellet-use log book and ban the use of pellet guns. 

 “In the light of alleged excessive use, your prayer should be that court lays down a protocol regarding the use. If you intend to phase out pellet guns, then you will have to challenge the process as ultra vires of Article 21," Justice Bangchi said.

At least four protesters had reportedly been hit by RAF pellets during the July 20 march to parliament.

The court was hearing a public interest plea from former IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad and two July 20 protesters who suffered pellet injuries, Irshad Mansoori and Prashant Kumar Singh.  

It said the Delhi government should ensure that hospitals provide the necessary medical treatment to those who suffered pellet injuries.

Senior advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for certain petitioners, said she was not opposed to law-enforcers’ use of pellet guns per se. But she claimed that personnel had used metal pellets on Gen Z paper-leak protesters which, she argued, was impermissible under the law.  

Grover argued that law-enforcing agencies could explore the use of plastic or rubber pellets instead of metal pellets, whose trajectory was unpredictable and which could cause serious damage to victims’ eyes and other organs.

Justice Bagchi, who hails from West Bengal, said: “In Kolkata there was a rule that bullets should be fired at the chest to preserve ammunition and not any other body areas — that rule was struck down. So, you have to show us rules where the use of pellets is arbitrary.”

French ex-pilot, who claimed IAF lost Rafales, praised Chinese jets, held for spying for China :::: WHY IS FORMER FRENCH NAVY PILOT HENRI CHUET UNDER PROBE ???

 French ex-pilot, who claimed IAF lost Rafales, praised Chinese jets, held for spying for China

A former French Navy pilot was detained and probed in France over allegations that he passed sensitive military information to China. The pilot, Pierre-Henri Chuet, had claimed that India lost Rafale jets during Operation Sindoor to Pakistan's Chinese warplanes.

A former French Navy pilot was detained and is being investigated in France for passing on sensitive military information to Chinese operatives. 

The pilot, Pierre-Henri Chuet, sparked controversy in May 2025 by questioning the performance of the Indian Air Force's (IAF's) Rafale fighter jets during Operation Sindoor. He had praised Chinese-made fighters such as the J-10C and JF-17 as "Rafale killers". 

Rafales, which are the most advanced jets used by the IAF, are made by France's Dassault Aviation.  

Chuet has been charged over suspicions he collected and provided classified information to China, according to prosecutors in Paris, according to French investigative outlets, Le Canard Enchaine (The Chained Duck) and Mediapart.

He has been released after being detained but is now under investigation.

Chuet, a dual French-Canadian national, served in the French Navy’s naval aviation until around 2021. During his career he flew Super Etendard strike fighters and Rafale M multirole fighters from the country's only serving aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle.  

According to reports in French media outlets, he is alleged to have made at least two undeclared trips to China in September 2018 and August 2019 while still serving in the French Navy. 

During those trips, he allegedly organised training sessions for Chinese military pilots, arranged via a South African aviation company, and may have shared sensitive operational and tactical knowledge.  He is now reportedly been placed under a formal investigation after being questioned by the DGSI (France's primary domestic intelligence and counter-terrorism agency) and having his home searched during the week of 20 July 2026.

Chuet has denied the allegations, telling Le Canard Enchaine that he only organised a couple of seminars and that the trips "did not go well". He faces multiple charges, including sharing intelligence with a foreign power, disclosure of national defence secrets, and related offences, and has been placed under judicial supervision.

WHY IS FORMER FRENCH NAVY PILOT HENRI CHUET UNDER INVESTIGATION IN FRANCE?

Allegations that Henri Chuet had passed on sensitive military information to China first surfaced in 2023 and then again in 2025. During those two years, Le Canard Enchaine and Mediapart reported that Chuet made two trips to China in 2018 and 2019 while still serving as a pilot in the French Navy, without informing his commanding officers as required under French military regulations.

The trips were allegedly funded by a flying school based in South Africa, named TFASA (Test Flying Academy of South Africa), and saw Chuet organise training sessions for Chinese military pilots, including instruction on carrier operations.

According to the Meidapart report, the 2018 first seminar covered the technologies used for carrier landings, while the second focused on more extensive aircraft carrier operations, including training for naval aviators and landing signal officers (LSOs), the E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft, and recent Western military operations in Syria.

ends 

Beyond Headlines :::: Life in a Kuki village in the extreme corner of Manipur along Myanmar :::: Ambition turns into exasperation when a child's grand dreams collide with reality

Childhood frustration often shapes adult ambition. 

Did I recall that right? 

My visit to Phaikoh village along Myanmar border threw up a stunning and never done  or happened experience. 

A group of children were playing football. Of course, my unplanned tour coincided with football world cup - the flavour of the season. A couple of them could speak English; but they stayed away. One of them addressed his friends and said - "Vai naupang". I knew I was being called an 'outsider'. A young boy was smart enough. He was specific ... he said "Indian, Indian".

Slowly, he gathered courage even as I kept persisting and he spoke to me opening up the level he could. "My ambition is to be a pilot .. flying above our village", he said shyly. He had reasons to say so as his elders tell me, enough choppers fly overhead often bombing neighbouring hamlets in Myanmar. 

Their mate's ambition only make the children laugh.  One of them said - "I want to be English teacher".  

               Blogger with his 'hosts' - the village children  

The conversation was just entering an interesting phase. A few elders came across the road and started saying something. The children declined to talk further .. saying -- "scolding scolding". 

Phaikoh is a small rural village located in the Kamjong-Chassad sub-division of the Kamjong district in Manipur.

It has a population of around 390 people across 81 households. 

Originally administered under the Ukhrul district, it became part of the newly carved Kamjong district in 2016 -- one of the last and yet lasting decisions of the Congress veteran and the then CM, Ibobi Singh.  

Flowers 

Guns 

The village has seen enough hardships. Since Feb 2026 as the Tangkhul Naga-Kuki clashes resurfaced; the village's connectivity is hit.  

"We even do not have enough rice grains. ... we are thankful to  Assam Rifles,  some supplies of essential is maintained," said village council chairman Thangsai Touthang. His elder daughter works with CISF in Hyderabad and the other one is an Air India hostess.  "I want to stay back here ... because I cannot leave my people at this time of crisis," he says also adding that his wife has been shifted to "safe Churachandpur' (a Kuki-stronghold pocket).  

The day I met him - final of the world cup was yet to be played. But he was categorical about his decision - "I am supporting Spain for the finals". 
  

                               A glimpse of Kuki-Tangkhul clash

                                Village chairman and a supporter of Spain 

                                 Happy Family :: "Don't remember when we fell in love" 

Messi was missing !!

For others, the life may not be so simple or carefree. The old couple are such strugglers. Both speak meekly - unsure of their language just as they are unsure on whether evening food is ensured.  

On return from such a poorly maintained village (largely reeling under hatred of Tangkhul Nagas and uncertainty of what happens in Myanmar); I tried to reflect upon on some of the pathos of mankind.  

Especially for the football-playing children I thought -- Success for some of them will be more of a survival strategy than 'pure joy'. 

Achievements may work as shield against vulnerability. 

But there is always the other side of the coin. 

Ambition in childhood can turn into exasperation (perhaps more than just frustration) when a child's grand dreams collide with the reality. 

It is then == they pick up arms. 

                                     Business backed by Militancy : Money beyond borders 

                              Lucrative business : Size of tree trunk

And the cycle continues.  

The overall experience is one of simplicity and connection with nature and local traditions, suitable for those who appreciate slow travel and cultural immersion.

 

Displaced Populations: 

Escalating conflicts between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities have forced families in border areas to evacuate their homes and seek safety in nearby camps or to go far off Churachandpur.

Authorities and also Tangkhul Naga women have enforced strict prohibitory orders and deployed forces and others to contain 'movement' of Kukis and possible retaliatory arson and armed flare-ups across vulnerable Kamjong villages. 

But the timber business goes on. There is a conspiracy of lawbreakers, commercial stakeholders and militancy. 

Law and order enforcing agencies, the state police, forest department and central forces such as Assam Rifles know the stories and hands behind.

Now that the NSCN-IM (Eastern Flank) has said there is no ceasefire; these forces are also battle-ready. They may only need the green flag; that is the right orders.  

Back in Delhi, I discussed these issues with a retired military officer. 

He said: "Look around what's going on in Jantar Mantar. People approve protest and hooliganism. But when an uniformed soldier picks up the innocuous Lathi; 'asman toot padta hae (heaven falls)".

My thoughts get embroiled into --   words and phrases such as Burnout and Unhealed blueprints.

I still wonder - Reaching milestones often fails to fix internal pain because the ambition runs on unhealed blueprints.

'Never feeling satisfied' ... is 'burnout' and this could lead to endless pressure  and isolation. 

ends