NNPG blasts Muivah; finds no logic in declaring that Indian Constitution was 'not acceptable'

Is it back to square one?

Moveover, all talks about 'unity' and 'oneness' ! NNPG lashed out at Thuingaleng Muivah of NSCN (IM)

Muivah had called some Naga groups 'traitors' 

In a strongly worded statement, NNPG states

#After 23 years of political talks, when a negotiator declared that Nagas do not accept the union of India or Indian constitution, it could only mean, political dialogue was a circus exercise for personal gains" - #NNPG on #Muivah's recent interview

"#Nagaland is the heart of the Naga political struggle and if it stops beating, the Naga political aspiration be it #Myanmar, #Manipur, #ArunachalPradesh or #Assam, will die a slow painful death" - #NNPG working committee on Naga issue !!

"No Naga political leader till now has dared to call 14 Naga Tribes or sub tribes, GBs or other civil society as 'anti-Naga or traitors' for demanding early Indo-Naga political solution, honour and acceptable to Nagas everywhere. To tag or question the wisdom of Naga tribes and civil societies at this hour is very unfortunate.

"Naga history reserves the right to determine who masterminded divisions, gave genocidal ideas, put them into action and interpret it covert tribal supremacy as 'National Principle' or 'Naga Nationalism'. Therefore, the labels 'anti-Naga' or 'traitors' are best left to future generations to determine who lived and died as one".

Naga Peace parleys reach deadlock; who can 'unlock' it ?

The Onus is on Naga people more than anyone else ! Time they call spade a spade !!
One advice from Swaraj Kaushal, former Mizoram Governor and who was the 'first' Naga peace interlocutor in 1998, is relevant: "....be realistic".

He further says: "Once we miss one opportunity, the second comes only twenty years later. That is precisely what happened. The next meeting (after Phizo-Morarji Desai meet) with the Prime Minister was only in 1997. If we don’t rise to the occasion now, the settlement will elude us for many years". 

In an era of Lockdown and Unlockdown vis-a-vis post-Corona, the Naga peace parleys have now reached a deadlock!

NSCN (IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah gave an interview to a website and said the Nagas can never be part of Indian Union.

“We have stood our ground on these two non-negotiable issues (Flag and Constitution) and we shall continue to stand till the last man standing”, Muivah said in the interview.

The strong observation from the Naga rebel leader came a day after the state Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio held a Consultative Meeting at Kohima. Now that the peace parleys, which formally began in August 1997, have reached a deadlock, who could be blamed for it - or what can be singularly attributed ?

The issues are complex. There are some matters which make Naga insurgency unique, but one thing is simple - no elected government worth its salt in Delhi can give up a separate Flag and Constitution for any community or state.

"The symbols of sovereignty namely, separate constitution, flag, currency, defence and foreign affairs are sacrosanct and never negotiable," says Swaraj Kaushal, former Mizoram Governor and the 'first' Naga peace interlocutor appointed in 1998.

Kaushal handled the Mizoram insurgency in the 1980s and had developed good personal rapport with rebel Mizo leader Laldenga.

"I have seen my brother T. Muivah’s interview to a digital media. Was this interview necessary ? I think ‘No’. Will this interview help you or your organisation ? I think ‘No’," Kaushal wrote in the micro blogging site Twitter disapproving the media interaction.

In fact, the Consultative meeting at Kohima on Oct 15 was not quite successful and elements known for closer affinity to Muivah's organisation had either backed the NSCN(IM) demand for Flag and Constitution or did other things to make headlines.

The Naga Hoho staged walkout and Naga Mothers' Association said the twin demands of Flag and Constitution were justified. The meeting at Kohima was also boycotted by Congress party, NPF and JD(U). Ironically, NPF has been a BJP partner for long and the JD(U) is a NDA constituent at the national level and also in poll-bound state of Bihar.

The Congress standpoint on the Naga issue is as old as the history of the state but is also guided by ambiguity. In the meantime, the Congress says in Jammu and Kashmir, the controversial Art 370 ought to be restored.

So does it mean, Congress can even back demands for a separate Flag and Constitution for the Nagas? 

The Congress has ruled Nagaland for many years but is out of power in the state since 2003. The incumbent Naga Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is also a former Congressman and is now heading NDPP-BJP dispensation. Now, the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio may be summoned to Delhi soon. Congress says the Chief Minister should resign.

G.K. Zhimomi of Congress said that the 7-point resolution adopted after the Oct 15 meeting reflected the “bankruptcy of ideas" of the Rio government. The much awaited Kohima Consultative Meeting on Naga Peace Talks and Solution ended on Thursday, Oct 15, with a modest resolution urging all Naga negotiating groups to come together in "oneness, mutual trust and understanding". Such appeals have been made umpteen times.

It may be mentioned that the meeting was convened by Chief Minister Rio at the personal directives of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. NEDA convener Himanta Biswa Sarma has worked as a trusted lieutenant of Amit Shah and tried to keep the states of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam on board. In October 2019, it was alarm bell from Manipur that ensured checkmate from Shah's office.

 Himanta's remarks are therefore crucial though a section is suggesting that he has crossed the brief. 

The resolution in Kohima meet signed by meeting chairman Neiba Kronu and co-chair Mmhonlumo Kikon did not have anything specific to cherish about and thus the roadmap to the last phase of over two-decades old negotiations still remains 'hazy'. Naga Hoho president H K Zhimomi ventilated his anguish at the manner the meeting was conducted and said: "Everybody is talking about unity, when there is no unity".

Now, will this be regarded as the failure of the consultation process or the very peace talks that actually originated during the tenure of PV Narasimha Rao ? Well, it cannot be described as a success either.

The answers to most of the other questions remain in the womb of time.

The issues related to the Naga insurgency dates back to the pre-independence era. Nagaland attained statehood in 1963 after signing of a 16 Point Agreement.

Originally led by A Zapu Phizo, the Naga National Council split a number of times especially after the 1970s.

The NSCN (Isak Muivah) faction was led by Late Isak Chishi Swu and Muivah. Swu, the former chairman of NSCN (IM) breathed his last in 2016.

On August 3, 2005, NSCN (IM) and peace negotiator Ravi had inked a pact in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi which was later described as the Framework Agreement.

The NNPG, a conglomeration of seven Naga groups operating in Nagaland, has expressed its readiness to ink a final accord with the Government of India at the earliest. Status quo with no solution may suit a section of Naga leaders - both overground and underground; but GoI wants early solution. So would the Nagas and people of northeast because peace in the region would make Centre's Act East policy vis-a-vis ASEAN members and South East Asia crucial.

The recent visit of Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and Army chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane to Myanmar must be seen from that perspective.

Ground Zero: Blogger in Nagaland 

Satire - When Faruqabhai is nominated for 'Indian Jewel' crown and 3 PMs debate 'Flag and Constitution'

Stale News and Gyan News !!

A free country must respect freedom.In the past, when Communists handled Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi - either confronting them and at times also supporting them - one strong element was true Nationalism could always 'overcome' Communist ideologies. In the new era too; this confrontation remains.

After 'democratic' intervention of a website calling itself 'Sickular-Peculiar'; three key decisions have been taken lately - Faruqabhai has been nominated for Bharat Ratna and Nobel Prize for his initiatives to improve Sino-India relations via 'Kashmir route'. 

Indian government says, the Indian Jewel award will be shared jointly with 'Pakistani genius' Mosusuf for his 'illustrious'offer for peace negotiations and of course Naga leader TM gets an appointment with PM, Namah Namah and two former PMs H D Deve and Man Ko Mohnewala 'jointly' at an event which will be webcasted by the SICKULAR website!

There will be a video presentation from either side - theme --- "What is a Flag, What is a Constitution and What we speak in three decades'. 

Running commentary will be done by selected journos and experts from Nothing Doing Television ! Rhea Chakraborty's friends will give special commentaries too ! 

Bearded journos, experts allowed, provided they smiled the day Sonia Gandhi said, "we have 272, and we will have more" and if ever they saw Kapil Dev shed tears over 'match fixing row'!

Match fixing is a fantastic cricket discovery, they say; and why not !

What else can happen or should happen 'sickularly' ? An Ordinance be issued within a week so that 'Khamata Banerjee' in Rasogolla Land be allowed to continue as Minister in Chief for next five to ten years without going to 2021 elections. Of course - after 2022 - Ms Banerjee should have "democratic right" to nominate her nephew as the 'next' Chief Minister.

She may choose to become the next President of the 'republic'. Her key advisor should be a Quiz Master - who must be allowed to demand ban on any product like TV sets - named Republic !

Kolkata's tabloid-headline hunter can become Spl Advisor Ethics and Morality (in Bangla the post will be called Pakami) to President Khamata !! ei na holey Khamata !! (What is all these powers under the sky).

The great Khamata event will of course be witnessed live by comrades Siyaram, Mr Light-rays and wife and Kerala CM and Manik da from Agartala with 'red salutes' organised to mark the celebration of democracy !

Three Ks is also vital.Some comrades would come from Kerala, Kashmir, and Kamalpur (in Tripura) ! 

Kamalpur is blogger's vote as it is his in-law's sacred land and there are many Comrades still left around !! 

Sylheti pronunciation by sloganeers will be allowed !!

Where will be Bunty-Babli of Indian politics? Bunty may be given one year-paid and sponsored vacation in some 'good islands' overseas!

At airport children will be brought to sing "pappu paas hogaya" - lyrics by Javed Azm.

Ms Bubly will be allowed to issue some hundred tweets daily and every 10th tweet should have a line 'I am a Grand Daughter' !

Next comes, - Sharat Raghav !!! He will witness the swearing in ceremony of his daughter as a 'Congress Minister' and possibly 'CM of Bihar' !!

Where will be Namah-Namah in between ? Namo, Namo Namah !!! Hmmmm...... the answer lies in the hands of Liberals Lobby in Delhi !! Decision may be taken quickly in 'Picnic Club' !

Some news agencies will officially adopt a policy - Freedom to interview Chinese envoy, any day, any time !

Coming to interviews, news policies etc ..... the words 'Nepotism'; 'Jugadu' and Corruption will be banned in any media writings for 10 years ! No one will be allowed to say Red Tape, Radia Tape, Rhea-ka-bhai etc !! 

Lastly - the new anthem in all city malls and village markets - will be played on Loud speakers -- "Italy ke mummy, wapas aa jao (Mother dear from Italy, please come back to our rescue)".

Now some moral lesson and so called Gyan ! These are vital ones. 

A great condition in democracy is that at the time of crisis, Democracy must keep its Nerve. Cool Dude type ! The hurdles in Naga talks, economic crisis and Covid induced health issues offer a bonanza of challenges. But we need not be discouraged. No democracy should feel discouraged. It is inherently in a system under democracy that such a nation can always have a long way to go.

Shortcomings in a democracy can easily get exposed; this does not happen in any organisation following communist structure wherein general secretary is there as a permanent feature and none can question him. Gaze in thine own heart, oh my media and of course- oh my Nagaland and northeast. 

DELHI EXPERTS have their own agenda !!

Ting Tong !! - well this phrase should be called 'Ping Pong' legally and 'sickularly' !!

ends 

"Symbols of sovereignty Constitution, Flag are "never negotiable": story makes it to Page 1 of 'Nagaland Page'

Brother, you have the maturity and understanding. Please be realistic and not press for such demands. Please live and prosper in a democracy. Everything in this country belongs to the people.

Swaraj Kaushal 

"I have seen my brother T. Muivah’s interview to a digital media. Was this interview necessary ? I think ‘No’. Will this interview help you or your organisation ? I think ‘No’. 

Now let me discuss some of the issues that you have raised.

"You are angry with Governor Ravi. You say he has ‘betrayed’ you. You say ‘he has thrown us away’ and “he is acting at the behest of the Union home ministry.” Please appreciate. Mr. R.N.Ravi is an interlocutor appointed by the Union Home Ministry. He cannot act on his own. He is bound to act at the behest of the Union Home Ministry. What is wrong with that ? 

I ask myself a simple question. Can an interlocutor go beyond his brief ? My answer is ‘No, Never.’  Your answer should also be the same. Then why blame Mr.RN.Ravi in the media ? 

You remember we met over lunch in IIC. We had some thirty MPs present. You spoke to the MPs with a view to build consensus. Now you are addressing the media. Have such interviews ever built a consensus ? I think No. Then how do such interviews help ? 

I never mind when you get angry. In fact, I always enjoyed your getting angry.  But I do mind when you get very angry. In this interview, you are more than very angry. 

Brother, when you get very angry, reason flies out of the window. And that is precisely what happened here.

"Mr.Phizo met PM Morarji Desai in London in 1978. I do not wish to remember that Mr.Phizo carried a hidden tape recorder in the meeting. That created a communication gap. I wish the meeting could result in a meaningful dialogue and we had a settlement in Mr Phizo’s lifetime.

Once we miss one opportunity, the second comes only twenty years later. That is precisely what happened. The next meeting with the Prime Minister was only in 1997. If we don’t rise to the occasion now, the settlement will elude us for many years.

We citizens are here to strengthen the unity and integrity of the country. The symbols of sovereignty namely, separate constitution, flag, currency, defence and foreign affairs are sacrosanct and never negotiable. 

"Brother, you have the maturity and understanding. Please be realistic and not press for such demands. Please live and prosper in a democracy. Everything in this country belongs to the people. The state and the government are their trustees."

Muivah with Late Isak Chishi Swu 

The issues related to Naga insurgency dates back to the pre-independence era. Nagaland attained statehood in 1963 after signing of a 16 Point Agreement.

Originally led by A Zapu Phizo, the Naga National Council split a number of times especially after the 1970s.

The NSCN (Isak Muivah) faction was led by Late Isak Chishi Swu and Muivah. Swu, the former chairman of NSCN (IM) breathed his last in 2016.

On August 3, 2005, NSCN (IM) and peace negotiator Ravi had inked a pact which was later described as the Framework Agreement.

NNPG, a conglomeration of seven Naga groups operating in Nagaland, has expressed its readiness to ink a final accord with the Government of India at the earliest.

ends 

Eyeing China, India befriends 'Myanmar Navy': Cautions Beijing from commenting on 'internal matters'

New Delhi: The Modi government is now taking its 'China policy' to a new stage wherein it sought to warn Beijing from meddling in India’s "internal matters” and also enlisted closer friendship with Myanmar by offering it the first submarine INS Sindhuvir.

"China has no locus standi to comment on India's internal matters. We hope that countries will not comment on India’s internal matters, as much as they expect the same of others," MEA spokesman Anurag Srivastava told reporters here on Thursday during weekly briefing days after 'Taiwan National Day' and after the Chinese foreign ministry linked infrastructure development on the Indian side to the stand-off in East Ladakh.

During the Taiwan National Day, common Indians gave a taste of their feeling to Beijing in social media while the government preferred not to issue any statement.

Answering questions, the MEA spokesman said, "Cooperation in the maritime domain is a part of our diverse and enhanced engagement with Myanmar. In this context, India will be delivering a kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir to the Myanmar Navy.  We understand that this will be the first submarine of the Myanmar Navy."

This is in accordance with India's vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region, and also inline with New Delhi's commitment to build capacities and "self reliance" in all the neighbouring countries, he said.

Answering questions, he said: "The union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are, and would remain an integral part of India. China has no locus standi to comment on India's internal matters". 

Srivastava also clarified yet again India's position on Arunachal Pradesh and asserted that the northeastern state is an "inalienable" part of India. 

"This fact has also been clearly conveyed to the Chinese side on several occasions, including at the highest level".

To questions on claim by Pakistan's Moeed Yusuf that India has sent a message to resume dialogues, the MEA spokesman outright denied any such move.

"As regards the purported message, let me make it clear that no such message was sent from our side," he said. The spokesman said Pakistan always tries to "divert attention from domestic failures of the present government and mislead its domestic constituents by pulling India into headlines on a daily basis". 

"The Official (Pak NSA) is well advised to restrict his advice to his establishment and not to comment on India’s domestic policy. The statements made by him are contrary to facts on the ground, misleading and fictitious".

The Modi government has put off all bilateral talks except on specific issues like Kartarpur Corridor with Pakistan following the Pathankot air force terror attack in January 2016. 

On Thursday also, the MEA spokesman said: "The Pakistani leadership continues to indulge in inappropriate, provocative and hate speech against India. Such support to terrorism against India and use of derogatory and abusive language is not conducive to normal neighbourly relations".

Pakistani NSA had told an Indian website: "Kashmiris can’t bear the thought of being Indian. Kashmiri Hindustan se nafrat kartein hain, and, when that’s the reality, what internal arrangement are you talking about?"

On disengagement along the Chinese border, Mr Srivastava said: "Disengagement is a complex process that requires redeployment of troops by each side towards their regular posts on their respective  sides of the LAC. To achieve this, the two sides will maintain the current momentum of communications based on the guidance of our leadership to not to turn differences into disputes".

ends  

Jaishankar waxes eloquence on Kashmir; says - "Every country has right to alter administrative set up" 

"The external boundaries of India have not changed. The external boundaries of India remain what they are today as opposed to what they were five years ago or 20 years ago, 40 years ago. So as far as our neighbours are concerned, our point to them is that this is something which is internal to us". 

He further says: "Every country after all reserves the right to change its administrative jurisdictions. A country like China has also changed the borders of its provinces and I’m sure a lot of other countries do that. Neighbours get impacted only if your external boundaries change. That has not happened in this case". 

The Minister said speaking during an online event hosted by the Asia Society.

On Pakistan, he said: Normal neighbours do visas and trade, they give you connectivity and most important they don’t practice terrorism. "And I think until we address that problem, this challenge of how do you have a normal relationship with this very unique neighbour is a very troubling issue for our foreign policy."

“Terrorism from Pakistan remains publicly acknowledged by their government as a policy that they are justifying. So it makes it very hard to conduct normal relations with them, Jaishankar said. 

He added that it is not only terrorism, but Pakistan doesn’t do normal trade with India and has not given New Delhi MFN (Most Favoured Nation) status.

"We don’t have a normal visa relationship, they are very restrictive on that score. They have blocked connectivity between India and Afghanistan and from Afghanistan to India," he said.

Wagah Border 

 

NPF, Congress, JD(U) stay away; Naga Peace Talks: Future Roadmap still hazy!

Who is having Last Laugh? Naga Mothers back

Flag & Constitution demand

Perhaps things did not workout according to plans. What will be the repercussions?

Kohima Meet does not make much headway !!

CM Rio: Time, Camera, History !

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio may be summoned to Delhi soon ! 

Naga Hoho stages walkout: 

G.K. Zhimomi of Congress said that the 7-point resolution reflected the “bankruptcy of ideas" of the Rio government !!

NSCN(IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah's influence seems apparent.

Naga Mothers Association reportedly backed Naga Constitution and separate Flag demands.
The apex women body also favoured solution for 'all Nagas' irrespective of boundaries. 

"What is just a Territorial Council ?," - one Naga Hoho leader told this blogger over phone ! 

The much awaited Kohima Consultative Meeting on Naga Peace Talks and Solution ended on Thursday with a modest resolution urging all Naga negotiating groups to come together in "oneness, mutual trust and understanding". 

The meeting convened by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at the personal directives of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and after specific intervention made by Assam BJP leader (NEDA Convener) Himanta Biswa Sarma, was marred by boycott, walkout and some participants declining to be part of the Resolution.

The resolution signed by meeting chairman Neiba Kronu and co-chair Mmhonlumo Kikon did not have anything specific to cherish about and thus the roadmap to the last phase of over two-decades old negotiations still remain 'hazy'.

Naga Hoho president H.K Zhimomi ventilated his anguish at the manner the meeting was conducted and said: "Everybody is talking about unity, when there is no unity".

Hoho staged walkout saying they were not given 'time' to speak out and thus could not share their views on the entire issue. 

Now, will this be regarded as the failure of the very consultation process ?

Well, it cannot be described as a success either - other than to draw a satisfaction that some participants came forward and participated at the deliberations.

Who is having the last laugh ? It is difficult to say ! But perhaps things did not workout according to expectation. Or did it, at least for some quarters?

What will be the repercussions? As is always best to say in these situations - what lies ahead remains in the womb of time ! 

On Peace Talks and Solution, #Nagaland CM 

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio says: "Today's meeting (at Kohima) is historic....we must set aside our differences, rise above affiliations and hear the cry of our people". 

"Having understood that there will be only one solution, we need to deliberate and support the peace process, strengthen the negotiations and facilitate the journey towards achievement of this 'One Solution' in the earliest time possible" 

#Naga Hoho stages walkout from Consultative Meeting at Kohima convened by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio ... says - "we should have been provided time to speak and share our views" .

"In the midst of the meeting, we walked out......we walked out around 1230 pm after Chief Minister spoke," a senior Naga Hoho leader said over phone.

NPF also did not turn up for the meeting and Congress also stayed away.

On ground apparently, there is some confusion about the purpose of the Consultative Meeting at this juncture at Kohima when hardcore negotiations went on in Delhi between Naga militant groups - specially NSCN (IM) and the Centre.

"Instead of Government of India taking a decision, it seems the Centre is again pushing the ball to the court of Naga people and want a final decision emerge," a leader in the know of things said.

Others of course say - this is a strategic move by the Centre and wants to give an impression that things have emerged from the ground. 

 Representatives from NDPP of Chief Minister Rio, BJP, NPP, Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation representatives of 14 Tribes, Central Naga Tribe Council and Teniyimia People's Organisation spoke. 

There was no representative from Nagaland Gaon Bura (Village Elders') Federation. The state government did not have a convincing reply also as to why they stayed away.

 Naga Students’ Federation, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation, were present. 

Naga Hoho leader H.K Zhimomi ventilated his anguish at the meeting and said: "Everybody is talking about unity, when there is no unity".

7- POINT RESOLUTION

1. Appreciate the Government of India for acknowledging the Unique History of the Nagas and for recognising the Naga issue as a political issue. 

2. Acknowledges the sacrifices and contributions of the nationalist workers in the course of the Naga political journey and towards the Naga political cause. 

 

3. Expresses gratitude to the civil societies and the church for consistent support towards the Naga cause and making constant efforts towards reconciliation and oneness. 

4. Affirm our commitment to continuously work towards a political settlement based on Naga historical and political rights to determine our future on the unique history and position of the Nagas. 

5. Urges the Naga political groups to honour and respect the Covenant of Reconciliation and maintain the sanctity of non-violence in letter and spirit for a Shared Naga Future as members of One Naga Family. 

6. Appealed to the negotiating groups to come together under a spirit of oneness, mutual trust and understanding with sincerity and commitment towards achieving “One Solution for One People as early as possible.” 

7. Affirmed to relentlessly work in a collective and unified manner with one voice so as to facilitate the peace process and strengthen the negotiations for early realisation of the desired One Solution in a transparent manner which is acceptable and honourable. 

Sd/- Chairperson, Neiba Kronu & Co-Chair, Mmhonlumo Kikon

Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization slammed the 60 legislators for not being united.

On behalf of the 14 tribes, president Angami Public Organization (APO)  K. Terhuja called for peace and early solution.   

ends 

All eyes on Muivah & Kohima meet: My bet is on CM Rio ! He has a chance to prove himself

All roads in Nagaland and those interested in Naga affairs - within the 16th state of Indian Union - and beyond - lead to Thursday's (Oct 15, 2020) meet at Chief Minister's residence at Kohima.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who holds the record of being in the coveted and challenging office for longest duration, has convened a consultative meeting of all stakeholders to discuss the Naga political issue and the ongoing peace talks between the “Naga national political organisations and the Government of India”. 

Left to me, I would say, my bet is on the Chief Minister - a Northern Angami politician - whom personally I know since 1990s when he was Minister of State under S C Jamir holding the charge of Youth Affairs. The All Nagaland College Students' Union (ANCSU) were agitating those days and had declined to meet the then Education Minister I K Sema. Rio had broken the ice ! 

Jamir grew fond of this young man and as political irony is always - Rio grew up as one of the trusted lieutenants of Jamir and later No. 2 in the cabinet and also subsequently brought the downfall of Jamir. Do some of you get a glimpse of 'Modi-L K Advani' tale?

All eyes are therefore on Kohima meet and all eyes will be on mercurial NSCN (IM) leader Thuingaleng Muivah and his men. Muivah may not attend but his moves will be 'scanned' nationally and 'internationally' ! 

Everyone has an opportunity to prove their mantle tomorrow, their loyalty and commitment. But Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has a golden opportunity to prove that he is worth the politician he is called.

In 2018, he changed the scenario of state politics within a month or so and made a solid come back to the coveted office. Prior to that Shurhozelie-T R Zeliang duo made his life hell in NPF - where he was Chief Minister and had actually floated it after parting ways from Congress under S C Jamir!

Such a momentous occasion has again come. Thursday - Oct 15 - meeting should not end up as yet another meeting and that it has adopted a resolution or so ! There ought to be concrete decision and Chief Minister should take a lead. History will remember him !

If need be, Rio should be ever keen to make the sacrifice and facilitate a fresh election or interim government! If tomorrow, no direction emerges; everyone else may find the business as usual, but for Rio it would be crucial!

My understanding is the Chief Minister owes it to himself.

Others will be waiting in the wings for Rio to fail, some in Delhi and ivory experts may link the success of Naga peace talks as a 'feather' in their bete noire Narendra Modi's cap ! But major stakeholder is the Naga people collectively and time they get Peace; and Development would follow!

All northeastern states are on board, says Amit Shah's trusted pointman Himanta Biswa Sarma. He would not have said so without proper homework. 

In 2019, Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh had red flagged further progress.

The NSCN (IM) 'reaction' to the wind of optimism from Himanta and others till October 13 evening was usual and on expected ground - Flag and a separate Constitution. These two being 'non-negotiable' for any Indian prime minister worth his salt.

Constitution also says - any elected Prime Minister - and that includes Narendra Modi also - is only a servant of the Constitution.

In May 2019 during NDA parliamentary meeting, Modi had bowed down in front of the Constitution and thus giving up Flag and Constitution for Nagas may not be a feasible recommendation altogether.

The NSCN(IM) leadership is in the 'matured hands' of Thuingaleng Muivah - a tough negotiator himself and thus he understands Modi's limitation too.

Going back to jungles is easier said than done.

The 14 Tribal Hohos can frame a statement and urge everyone see reason. One refrain or hopeful line from Delhi is -- 'accept whatever Delhi is offering and then pursue future negotiations'.

If anybody thinks China can be a game changer as in the past, it ought to be remembered that lot of things have changed since 1960s when Naga militant leaders had first reached Yunnan province.

As it is, Xi Jinping's hands are full and he himself is for bigger challenges. Taiwan is haunting his regime. Hong Kong challenges are apparently beyond repair.

Pursuing what is seen as an ultra-nationalistic policy towards the minorities and pro-democratic citizens in his country, President Xi Jinping's regime has used strong hands to handle dissidence in Hong Kong, the Buddhist struggle in Tibet, and Uyghur Muslims' clamor for religious freedom in Xinjiang province.

If someone would bank on 'Xi-power', he may get a shock in times to come !

On Oct 14, Chinese envoy in Delhi, Sun Weidong, said "The exchanges and mutual learning between the two civilizations of China and India have a profound accumulation of more than 2,000 years. The common interests of the two countries far outweigh the frictions and differences. I believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, we have the wisdom and ability to overcome difficulties and bring bilateral relations back on track to forge ahead". 

I am not saying, let us believe Chinese ambassador word to word. But there are global geo-political tensions and Beijing can ill afford pursuing a policy it successfully has done in 1970s and later! 

In fact, on the Taiwan National Day, Chinese dispensation must have got some message from Indians in social network.

"We 1.3 billion Indians are always with you, God bless India and God bless Taiwan. Hope one day Taiwan becomes an independent country" - went a message in social network from a commoner netizen.

Well, half the Indians may not understand the logic and diplomatic business in India-Taiwan relations.

Officially, yes Taiwan is an integral part of China and so officially New Delhi maintained the well known ambiguity.

But Indians gave China the taste of its own noodles! 

ends