Does military SoP often come to the aid of ultras?

"India being a democratic country ...the rule of law must prevail"

New Delhi 

Yet another Naxal strike in Chhattisgarh has left the security apparatus anguished.

The track record of the Indian Army in  the northeast including Nagaland and also in Jammu and Kashmir where it has been deployed as an aid to the state’s apparatus for internal security tasks, has been guided by the “Dos and Don’ts”.

Sources say these have been endorsed by the Supreme Court.  

The controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Acts (AFSPA) of course accompanied with the Disturbed Area Act empower the Forces to act in difficult situations.  However, the central government says there is also a "robust mechanism" in place for course correction during operations and conflicts. 

Thus, while admitting the need for the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the onus lies squarely on the 

Armed Forces to ensure that these special provisions are not put to any "misuse". 

The government has in the past "did not hesitate" in taking stern action against the guilty, in case of any misuse/abuse of powers, it was claimed in a paper tabled on parliament.

'Nagaland Page'

However, it ought to be remembered that the anti-India elements in Kashmir or militants in the northeastern region have an advantage of surprise elements. This 'surprise' actually means near fatal roadmaps for soldiers. 

It is in this context, a source in Delhi said in Nyasa, four km from Mon, two Assam Rifles personnel sustained injuries in 2022 August because the unit was more than careful and was too much bothering about adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures.

The incident happened on Aug 15, 2022 when the NSCN-K Y faction comprising 17 ultras tried to take over the Assam Rifles post. 

"Inputs suggested the presence of 17 NSCN-KY in Zankham and accordingly an ambush was laid by the forces on Nyasa-Zankham stretch. On the wee hours of Aug 15 (2022), soldiers observed suspicious movement. It was bad weather, heavy rains and hence bad visibility," a source told 'Nagaland Page'. 

Naga infants on an army vehicle

The soldier following his 'Rule of Engagements' challenged the strangers and to the bad luck of the forces, the undergrounds immediately opened fire from a nearby hut and tried to flee the spot. In retrospect, the soldiers would recall that their seniors applauded "exemplary restraints" that led to avoidance of collateral damage.

But the other side of the story is that the two soldiers suffered splinter injuries and they were quickly evacuated by local villagers only first to the district town of Mon and later airlifted to Jorhat in Assam.

Later a statement was issued stating that -- "this compassion and restraint shown by the forces on the fateful day were greatly appreciated by the villagers".

As it is, the serving and retired military personnel would often say that the SOP is "generally friendly to the suspects and militants".  However, the government line is also emphatic. -- India being a democratic country ...the principle of respect of rule of 

law must be adhered to and the killing or injuring someone is never a priority either for the forces or the Govt of India. 

Experts know the human mindsets -- both at the level of the soldiers and the ultras -- and hence they will not rule out the “revenge angle” in what they also describe as a “vicious cycle” of armed insurgency and 

counter military operations. 

There is perhaps a thin line border between a successful operation and a bungled

military action. Truth is only for the post mortem -- the next day !! Media commentaries are much easier. 

"You cannot pin point to all terror attacks," says former RAW chief Vikram Sood.

"We are family men ourselves....we respect Indian ethos and as disciplined soldiers respect human rights but SoPs are often friendly to militants," -- an armed force personnel would say effortlessly.

About nine months after the Supreme Court stayed further proceedings in a botched operation that resulted in the 

death of Naga coal miners in Nagaland, the Indian army has announced that amended Standard Operating 

Procedures (SOPs) will have to be adhered to for any military operation.

The announcement has been made by General Officer-Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, Lt Gen R.P. Kalita in Guwahati. The fact of the matter is there is nothing drastically new in the statement.

The botched up operation by 21 Paratroopers on Dec 4, 2021 in Oting had resulted in a series of critical statements against the forces. 

Sources in the know of things say the SoP being followed over the years are "always good enough and were tailored such that no soldier can get away easily if he indulges in any violation" of the Rules of Engagement. 

The crux of the issues is things are judged in retrospective effect. One major incident takes place, everyone would say intelligence failures or security lapse; but a mistake and bungled operation, soldiers face court martial and a very unfriendly media. 

Some years back a statement was tabled by the Defence Ministry on the floor of both Houses of Parliament

wherein it was asserted that the forces must adopt the policy of ‘Zero Tolerance’ in letter and spirit, towards any instance of human rights violation.  

Moral of the story-- the Armed Forces should never let the nation down on this count. 

But Successes are forgotten quickly and failures get known with all its implications.

Ends 

'Wadde Badal sahab' who said, "No one justified Gujarat riots, that earth shook after the tree fell"

 'Wadde Badal sahab' who said, "No one justified Gujarat riots, that earth shook after the tree fell"

(Parkash Singh Badal backed the Vajpayee government unconditionally in 1996 and Akali-Jan Sangh bond started in 1970. It was one of the oldest alliance in contemporary alliance politics. PM Modi touched his feet in 2019 before filing nomination papers from Varanasi.)

'Organiser' Link

New Delhi 

The Akali veteran and an iconic politician of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal expired on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

Born on 8th December 1927, he was 95 plus. 

He was once a Congressman but later became an ardent critic of the grand old party and was always comfortable dealing with BJP leaders either during Atal Bihari Vajpayee-L K Advani duo or many years later during the tenure of incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

His observation in 2021 on both the BJP and the Congress perhaps best 'defines' the differences between two major political stakeholders in India and his objective understanding of the same. 

"No one has ever justified the Gujarat riots. No one said after the Gujarat riots that it was like shaking of the earth after the fall of a big tree," Parkash Sngh Badal had said. 

Late Rajiv Gandhi had remarked after anti-Sikh mayhem in Delhi and parts of north India that the earth can shake after the fall of a big tree.

Badal did grudge the Congress for such 'justification' and thus could never forgive either Rajiv Gandhi or other Congress leaders for "they have always justified the anti-Sikh riots of 1984".

Badal lauded PM Modi for his approach to inclusive politics and also governance and went on to compare him with Abraham Lincoln.

"...As for Modi sahib, I compared him to Abraham Lincoln and I spoke from the core of my heart. There was nothing political about it," he had said in an interaction. 

Badal had also said it is Prime Minister Modi who can fulfill the aspirations of great leaders such as Jayaparakash Narayan. For his part Modi had immense respect for senior Badal often addressed as 'Wadde Badal Sahab'. In 2015, Modi had hailed Late Badal and compared with illustrious Nelson Mandela for Badal was behind bars for a long period under Congress.

 

Badal had returned the compliment stating, "I don't believe I can be compared to a great man like Mandela.....Lots of people have referred to me as Nelson Mandela even before, because of the years I spent in jail fighting for democracy, civil liberties and peace and reconciliation in Punjab".

Badal was first detained in the Karnal jail in connection with Civil Liberties agitation under the infamous Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency. He was also arrested in 1982 for opposing the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal, meant to share river water with neighbouring Haryana.

The project is yet to become a reality due to Punjab’s continuing opposition.

In 1996, Badal and his party Akali Dal came out quickly in support of Prime Minister Atal Bihari

Vajpayee's government and Parkash Singh Badal was founding member of NDA along with

the likes of George Fernandes - then heading the Samata Party. Badal had good personal rapport

also with Late BJP leader Madal Lal Khurana besides Vajpayee and Advani.

The Akali Dal-BJP relationship was later seen as a good example of Hindu-Sikh amity -- something 

Late Badal always cherished.

The Akali Dal-BJP or the Jana Sangh alliance has been one of the oldest and strongest one in 

Indian politics. No other coalition weathered so many political battles and rough weathers

since March 27, 1970, when Badal could become the country's youngest Chief Minister.

After Vajpayee expired, interacting with the late PM's family members, the Shiromani Akali Dal 

patron said Punjabis would never forget the generosity shown to the state by Vajpayee. He cited

two examples and said during the run-up to the 350th anniversary of the birth of Khalsa, Vajpayee not only 

asked the state what it wanted, but also allocated Rs 100 crore to celebrate the occasion in a befitting manner.

Badal said similarly when he approached the late PM and sought allocation of a refinery to the state, 

Vajpayee took the decision within five days. The centre sanctioned Rs 16,000 crore Bathinda refinery project.

Incumbent PM Modi had surprised Badal and many others when he touched the veteran leader's feet 

in 2019 during filing of nominations for Varanasi parliamentary segment. 

"Modi sahib took me by surprise. But as I see it, he sought blessings not from me personally, but from Punjabis 

and Sikhs all over the world...He has my best wishes and the blessings of all Punjabis for what he did for opening 

the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, punishment to Sajjan Kumar (1984 riots) and other guilty of the 1984 massacre, 

abolishing the blacklists of Sikhs abroad and release of liberal funds in hundreds of crores for Guru Sahib's 

'shatabadi', 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi aptly paid homage in his remarks on Twitter:

"Shri Parkash Singh Badal’s passing away is a personal loss for me. I have interacted closely with him for 

many decades and learnt so much from him. I recall our numerous conversations, in which his wisdom was 

always clearly seen".

ends 

Are they looking for a VP Singh in Satya Pal Malik ? And why is it a failed idea?

New Delhi 

Life has a way of coming full circle. Who knows this more than the Indian neta class - the politicians? 

The opposition parties and some leaders are looking at some angles when they seem to take the words of Saya Pal Malik as gospel truth. The former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir had given his interview to a specific journalist and a specific website. The comments were typically targeted against 'clean image' of Narendra Modi and they were latched on by the Congress party and also leaders from other parties.

Wresting the ‘Mr Clean’ image from his former boss Rajiv Gandhi, V P Singh's so-called crusade to expose corruption at higher places led him to the office of prime ministership. The opposition parties in India are now desperate to unseat PM Modi-- whose popularity remains unchallenged and in last nine years (just a year and a few weeks) left for next year's crucial parliamentary polls no opposition leader could come near his 'acceptability factor' vis-a-vis the people of India.

In 2019, the Congress party invested a lot of energy and 'investment' in the ecosystem around Rafale aircraft deal.

The Indian media -- generally the self-styled champion of Sickularism - even latched on the campaign Desh Ka Chowkidar Chor Hae. The efforts did not yield expected results for them and now in the run up to the 2024 polls, comes the Satya Pal Malik episode. Just because someone's name has 'Satya' does not make him a claimant to the legacy of Harishchandra !

V P Singh who dethroned Rajiv

Nevertheless, the opposition parties have displayed their intent. Malik himself said -- "my battle will continue till 2024". This means the crusade could end by the end of next Lok Sabha polls ! The opposition parties and the ambitious leaders in various camps have their own issues but also limitations. Hence, someone is thinking that experiments with someone with the right cast in country's most populous state could help their game.

The machinations involved in giving a massive push to the 'Satya Pal balloon' talks about a calculated move by back room boys of Indian politics. There are chances Congress believes -- a man like Malik who was Governor of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019 and also Feb 2019 during Pulwama could make a dent in public image of Narendra Modi.

The Congress also knows the 'Rahul Gandhi factor' despite Bharat Jodo Yatra has its limitation. Just a few weeks

and even Rahul's 'disqualification' from Lok Sabha following the sentence from Surat court is not helping

in any extra ordinary manner. So, the Congress calculation is Satya Pal Malik plus Rahal could be a possible

game-changer strategy. 

Some regional players are smartly pushing the V P Singh card.

DMK boss and Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin has announced that his government would install a statue of 

V P Singh in Chennai. The North-South divide is given a pass by DMK, which generally tried to do politics

on such regional sentiments for decades. This will be probably the first statue of the former Prime Minister 

outside his birthplace of Prayagraj. DMK was part of the National Front headed by V P Singh. 

Of course the Congress was 'victim' of V P Singh syndrome or virtue as one sees it. But in 2023 it will

be relevant to examine the contemporary politics on the backdrop of how things had unfolded around V P

Singh in 1989-90.

Satya Pal Malik and Congress should reflect that V P Singh offered himself to the cause of Bofors investigation 

for his 'own reasons' against Rajiv Gandhi and on his own terms; while all others – from Left to secular democrats 

and socialist parties – accepted him as their leader on their own compulsions. This was despite the absence of 

commonality of basic principles among them. It was therefore no surprise that the coalition National Front, country’s 

first multi-party government, was almost stillborn -- just 11 months.

But the experiments of 1989-90 got repeated in 1996 when a mofusil player like H D Deve Gowda was imposed

as India's Prime Minister. A few months later Gowda quit cursing 'India's old man in hurry - Sitaram Kesri' and

he was replaced by I K Gujral -- the perfect choice of Delhi's intellectuals circle from IIC and India Habitat

Centre.

Now the crux point is something else. Since mid-nineties misadventure with coalition politics, Indian voters have repeatedly rejected such conjectures. They would thus in probability also reject Satya Pal Malik's 'selective amnesia and memory lanes'.

Late Arun Jaitley in his blog post in 2018 had said - "A federal front is a failed idea. Such a front with its contradictions, sooner or later, loses its balance and equilibrium.  Remembering 1996-98 as perhaps one of the worst period of  governance, the aspirational India which today occupies the high table in the world shall never accept an idea which has repeatedly failed".  

Blogger 

He also maintained that the 2014 election "conclusively established" that in the New India chemistry will score 

over arithmetic when it comes to deciding the country’s destiny.

Of course, we can bet for these arguments even in 2023 and the next year's battle of 2024. There is

always a lesson from history, more so from political history. Aspirational societies in a vibrant democracy

will always discard anarchy.  A strong nation and the requirements of good governance abhor such anarchists.

Having said so, we come to what Home Minister Amit Shah said recently on the Satya Pal factor and questioned

why the claimant to Mr Clean was silent not only during his days in office in Jammu and Kashmir. He did not say

anything to the effect what he is stating now during his stint as Governor of Goa and Meghalaya. 

To some, patriotism is often confused with anti-Modism. To this club, doing something big for India

would mean hating BJP/Hindus and finding fault with the incumbent Prime Minister.

This club has as over-sized army of Sickularists who never had any issue of governance and tolerance

when Sikhs were butchered in Delhi or when India lost 1962 war. Even during Doklam row of 2017, the cheer

leaders were more than enthusiasts and never questioned the 'secret' meeting with the envoy.

The national interest was not quite in consideration. This club wants Modi government to fail but

the Prime Minister and his team have consistently refused to oblige them.

We may highlight more unsavoury facts of life and politics. 

While Modi remains immensely popular, Rahul Gandhi or leaders such as Nitish Kumar

and Mamata Banerjee are not popular for a number of reasons, including the poorly performing leadership

-- politically for Rahul and on more than one fronts for the likes of Mamata Banerjee.

Elections are not just an exercise of people’s choice, but also a part of an industry where politicians 

are Commoditized and need to be packaged appropriately for consumers. But Indian voters are the

smart lot. 

Any day, they have clarity of mind and endorse the fact that under Modi - India has transformed to the 'bright spot'

leaving the club of fragile five. The Prime Minister Modi's government has given people good roads, toilet

and electricity. It has created transparent systems through legislative and institutional changes which 

have given this country a scam-free governance. The system of transferring the beneficiary assistance directly to bank account 

has made poor people more than happy. What is perhaps most important point to note is that 

Prime Minister Modi is today the 'natural leader' of both his party and the nation.  

Indian voters like the journey from indecisiveness to clarity and decisiveness.  A New India which has taken

steps like post-Uri surgical strike and Balakot aerial attack against a hostile neighbour. 

The people also would endorse a government which has ensured an inclusive governance with a grand Ram Temple at Ayodhya and taken crucial steps like abrogation of Article 370 and also banned Triple Talaq. 

ends 

"Can we say NSF is better mandated than Naga Hoho?" ::::: Withered 'mandated' bodies of Nagaland.....Quo Vadis ?

 A few central BJP leaders are anxious. How can a state government be called a 'government' when laws are withdrawn and the regime takes the risk of displeasing the Supreme Court under the influence of pressure groups?

Next issue in debate is more fundamental.

What is the connection between the late BJP leader Jaswant Singh, former Defence and External Affairs Minister, and the ongoing row in Nagaland over ULB polls?

Recently a few senior BJP leaders reportedly received identical letters from Nagaland that referred to the "agony" of  womenfolk. On this backdrop, one of the leaders recalled a famous statement of the former Minister-- Jaswant- who was actually a man for all seasons for Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Once Jaswant Singh lamented : “A friendly fire is an accident. I have been betrayed by my kith and kin." In circa 2023, can the Naga women easily endorse the Late BJP leader ?

Now let us examine the strength of the phrase in circulation -- "mandated bodies". The letters written to central BJP leaders raise the basic question -- which is a 'mandated body'?

'Nagaland Page' Link

The Government of India is likely to refer the issue to legal experts and possibly also Nagaland Governor La Ganesan to examine things in detail. "Essentially this is a technical issue....are bodies such as the Naga Hoho mandated by the entire Naga society? 

The central government query is how much importance do people of Eastern Nagaland give to an organization called 

Naga Hoho ? Did it not find itself singled out as a body of only a few select tribes Nagas of primarily? 

"If not, what's the ENPO? Why does the Naga Hoho have no say in central Nagaland?," a source told 'Nagaland Page'.

The source also maintained that rather the Naga Students Federation (NSF) is perhaps more likely to be considered  

a "mandated body" because there is an elaborate democratic process and electioneering involved in it and all 

Naga students can vote. 

The Naga Hoho too is an old body. Earlier the organization leadership moved from one tribe to another, according to sources, by rotation. It was not structured.

Only in the nineties a structured body was created. The process essentially marked a coming together of a group of Naga leaders and intellectuals.

M Vero was the first president of Naga Hoho and in the 1990s at Kohima it was common knowledge that Vero was an ardent opponent of Chief Minister Vamuzo. Vero had defeated Vamuzo in 1989 assembly polls but later became his Agriculture Minister when Vamuzo headed the JLP ministry. 

Vero was a bossom friend and also a a die-hard admirer of S C Jamir.

I posed a query about Naga Hoho and the beginning journey to a few Netas of the 1990s and also to some ex Babus. The findings are interesting.

One source said, "In 1996-97, one militant group understood the importance of the Naga Hoho and inched closer to it. The inclusion tribal bodies from Manipur aggrieved ENPO and they walked out from Kohima meet even forgoing the lunch". However, some years later political parties and an important Neta developed differences with the Hoho leadership.

As of new the Naga Hoho does not represent all Naga tribes and analysts say this paradox forced stakeholders to form bodies such as NTC, CNTC and also the body of 14 bodies. 

On the otherhand, individual Tribal bodies in each district is "mandated by convention". These may not be structured from beginning and so there are differences with Village Council and Area Council. Even the provision of Area Council was discontinued later.

There is another important issue before the central government, sources said adding, "The NDPP leadership of Rio and Chingwang Konyak has made many civil society bodies more powerful even compared to elected MLAs. The Supreme Court taking exception to repeal of law related to urban bodies has actually forced New Delhi to pull up sleeves. 

INDPP-BJP Govt is seen as surrendering to civil society demands and BJP cannot afford to look the 

other way".

One source has even gone to the extent of stating that while in Nagaland  an autonomous territory could come,  in Kashmir Farooq Abdullah is 

fighting hard on why Ladakh was taken away from Jammu and Kashmir.

But politicians such as K Azo Nienu of NPF says the decision to repeal the law was a "wise decision".  

The Supreme Court has dismissed the notion and said - “You cannot keep everyone happy .....At every stage when 

something is concluded, someone will object".

In other words, the apex court of the land is seeking to impart some lesson to the Nagaland government -- which

is being run by an experienced neta and a person who enjoys good working rapport

with leaders such as Himanta Biswa Sarma and Amit Shah.

Those who saw the 2017 violence unfolding from distance are now finding the going tough.

The real problem is some people 'mix up" governance with populism. During my recent interaction veteran S C Jamir said:  "For the state leaders to appease a few organisations in one week means creating new districts; on another occasion
they  'encouraged' a pressure group to rush to Delhi (ENPO) for splitting Nagaland. Yet on a third occasion, they tried to appease the tribal bodies and repealed a law in the Assembly forgetting that the matter has been discussed and debated even before the Supreme Court".

The moot point the central BJP leaders are disturbed with is while there are several 'mandated' bodies in Nagaland today -- the real forum which should be "mandated and empowered adequately" --- that is the state government and the state legislature are not. 

“The government of the day in Kohima is clueless on how to run the administration," laments veteran S C Jamir

“If the Chief Minister of a State Government does not have the maturity to gauge public sentiment, there is something seriously erroneous,” he maintained, stressing that State Government should have acted as a benevolent guardian of a village or a large family in the contentious ULBs issue. 

In 2022, without going into details, a whimsical government and its legal officer gave an undertaking to the Supreme Court for holding the polls. The legal case in the highest court of the land gave us an opportunity in explaining the special political rights Nagaland has. This opportunity was wasted. If the Chief Minister of a state government does not have the maturity to gauge public sentiment; there is something seriously erroneous. 

The tribal bodies have their reasons to take a stance. The womenfolk also have their understanding and rights. Both sides could be prejudiced and emotional and here the role of the state government should have been like that of a benevolent guardian of a village or a large family. 

But it may be too much to expect from leaders and a government whose hall mark has been to move from one pillar of failure to another post of disaster.

To some Naga leaders, patriotism and duty of governance are confused with selfish goals of one or two individuals. If these became a substitute for a state-building or working towards high positive goals, we have problems at hands. Hence, for them to appease a few organisations in one week means creating new districts; on another occasion they could 'encourage' another pressure group to rush to Delhi for splitting Nagaland. 

Yet on a third occasion, they tried to appease the tribal bodies and repealed a law in the Assembly forgetting that the matter has been discussed and debated even before the Supreme Court. 

Thus the net earning is a notice of contempt of court. Does the Chief Minister still deserve to occupy his office? When the single most priority for those in power is to ensure mere survival, it is the common people who will have to suffer. 

Governance has gone for a toss in Nagaland. While in the past people sacrificed to achieve recognition that Nagaland is a 'SPECIAL POLITICAL ENTITY'; for the new generation of leaders self-goals are the hallmarks.

(Full text)

Some people mix up governance with populism and rather cheap populism. I would like to start this piece by reminding the young readers that at one point of time we had only three districts, namely, Kohima, Mokokchung and Tuensang. 

If that was too less, we opted for seven and for a long that looked reasonable. But now we have 15 districts or mini districts –appeared to have been created just to satisfy parochial and tribal feelings which according to my view are decisions of an ill-advised political leadership. The future generation will have to review this decision caustically. But taking 15 districts into consideration, let us start debating the hot topic in Nagaland today Urban Local Body elections.

 I will avoid dwelling on matters which are sub judice. But I can of course refer to the obvious fact that while we have ‘15 mini districts’ where we one can not even think of town committees. So, I wonder, how have we developed a knack for debating and discussing non-issues? The ‘urban local body’ concept is not very clear in Nagaland context and we are in intense mutual rivalry over how to conduct polls into these bodies. To drive my point, let me start with a reference to Municipal Corporation in other states in the country. This can help us ponder honestly where we actually stand today. I was Governor of Odisha for quite some time. 

So, with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation — we have a total area of 186.89 sq km. There are 67 corporators and importantly annual budget as in 2019-20 data was Rs 500 crore. The municipal area population is 8,55,535 and while Rs 395 was revenue receipt, the expenditure was Rs 379 crore. Now come to Chumoukedima where my present residence is. Even complete comparison data could not be ascertained. There are only 11 wards and total area is — 135,12,341.sq metre. This converted (to square km)is — 0.000135 Square Kilometres., resource nil. 

This is a miniscule compared to the area I have mentioned above under Bhubaneswar municipal body. So where we stand; and are we justified to speak, debate and fight like these over what is being touted as the Urban Local Body elections. 

Today, we seem to have developed intolerance between men and women and both sides have jumped into battlefields. Here it may be relevant to talk about our past a bit. It is worth mentioning that all states in the country post-independence were constituted/reconstituted on the recommendation of the State Organisation Commission under the chairmanship of Shri Fazl Ali. Whereas in respect to ‘Nagaland’, for the first time after independence a ‘state was created’ (1963) through a political negotiation between Naga People’s Convention and Prime Minister of India, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. 

The statehood agreement was in fact agreed upon in 1960 itself and a special provision under Article 371 (A), the new state of Nagaland was “placed” under the Ministry of External Affairs. Unlike other tribal areas of the country, immediately after the Second World War, the people of Nagaland started to carve out a separate ‘homeland’ of our own. The Naga National Council (NNC) which was formed at Wokha in 1946 spearheaded the Naga political struggle for an ‘independent Nagaland’. 

It is worth mentioning that prior to the 1960 statehood agreement to which I was also a signatory; the first political arrangement was worked out between NNC and GoI in 1947 through the Sr Akbar Hydari Agreement or the Nine Point Agreement. 

There were certain disagreement on one key point in the Agreement. The controversial point was — “The Governor of Assam as the agent of the Govt of Indian Union will have a special responsibility for a period of 10 years to ensure due observance of the agreement. At the end of the this period, the NNC will be asked whether they require the above agreement regarding the future of the Naga people”. Here came a crux. The interpretation of NNC was that after the ‘expiry’ of 10 years, the NNC will be free to choose their future which the Govt of India did not agree with. Thus, the moot point is it must be noted that from the very beginning the ‘political status of Nagaland’ was different. 

In another yardstick, I must point that ‘arrangements’ made for Nagaland were according to ground realities. This is in reference to the number of 60 assembly seats. The provision of Article 333 was made use of. This provision says each state shall consist of not more than 500 seats and ‘not less than 60’. Only at later statesman and Mizoram were allotted 40 seats-assembly. I may refer to yet another episode of my tenure as Chief Minister. The Village Panchayat Act was enacted by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He had invited all Chief Ministers of north eastern states to seek our opinion on the Village Panchayat Act during the AICC session in Calcutta (Kolkata). 

The then PM Rajiv Gandhi was informed that Nagaland and a few other states decided to follow their traditional village few other states decided to follow their traditional village functioning. Accordingly, in Nagaland we have enacted the Village and Area Council Act. So the point I will be trying to lay emphasis on is that while some of these socio-legal battles have started haunting us, the truth is many finer aspects of politics and governance are not understood today. At times, we may blame New Delhi. 

That’s an easy route and also used by unscrupulous elements as ‘escape route’ But governance is a serious business and hence there has to be a proper planning and vision. These are now vanishing arts. 

The government of the day in Kohima is perhaps clueless on how to run the administration. In 2016-17 a blunder was committed with regard to the ULB polls. We saw violence and there were casualties also.

 In 2022, without going into details, a whimsical government and its legal officer gave an undertaking to the Supreme Court for holding the polls. The legal case in the highest court of the land gave us an opportunity in explaining the special political rights Nagaland has. This opportunity was wasted. If the Chief Minister of a state government does not have the maturity to gauge public sentiment; there is something seriously erroneous. 

The tribal bodies have their reasons to take a stance. The womenfolk also have their understanding and rights. Both sides could be prejudiced and emotional and here the role of the state government should have been like that of a benevolent guardian of a village or a large family. But it may be too much to expect from leaders and a government whose hall mark has been to move from one pillar of failure to another post of disaster.

Jamir : 1990s

To some Naga leaders, patriotism and duty of governance are confused with selfish goals of one or two individuals. If these became a substitute for a state-building or working towards high positive goals, we have problems at hands. Hence, for them to appease a few organisations in one week means creating new districts; on another occasion they could ‘encourage’ another pressure group to rush to Delhi for splitting Nagaland. 

Yet on a third occasion, they tried to appease the tribal bodies and repealed a law in the Assembly forgetting that the matter has been discussed and debated even before the Supreme Court. Thus the net earning is a notice of contempt of court. 

Does the Chief Minister still deserve to occupy his office? When the single most priority for those in power is to ensure mere survival, it is the common people who will have to suffer. Governance has gone for a toss in Nagaland. While in the past people sacrificed to achieve recognition that Nagaland is a ‘SPECIAL POLITICAL ENTITY’; for the new generation of leaders self-goals are the hallmarks.

Under the given situation and circumstances, the need to refashion the Urban Bodies befitting to Nagaland for which state government should immediately appoint an Expert Committee to study all issues in-depth and prepare a model of Urban Bodies that would be feasible and workable both financially and administratively.

It is also be remembered by all stakeholders that the only competent authority to enact laws for the state is the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, hence, we are called upon to uphold the sanctity of this institution. Let the elected government work out what is best for the people of Nagaland.

- S C Jamir 

Mixed Bag: Centre categorically against any "post Solution violence", NNPG mounts pressure

Dimapur

The 25-year old Naga peace talks have reached a critical stage and peace emissary AK Mishra-led panel on Thursday handed over a 'Compiled Document' to both NSCN-IM and NNPG leaders during separate meetings at Chumokedima.

"The Govt of India is strictly against no post Solution violence and therefore it has been treading the path cautiously. We are committed and we want all stakeholders to be on board," a source said sharing some information on Mishra and Mandeep Singh Tuli holding separate meetings with NNPG and NSCN-IM leaders.

The big takeaway from today's meetings have been that the NNPG leaders were losing patience and they "mounted pressure" on the two representatives not to continue with such prolonged delays.  

At least four of the NNPG leaders N Kitovi Zhimomi, Wangtin, Isak Sumi and Zopra Vero reportedly Mishra and Tuli that if these meetings are be held in routine manner periodically and there is "no progress" -- It could be better for Nagas of Nagaland not to hold such meetings at all.

Sources said altogether 10 NNPG leaders and representatives met both the central representatives and four of them were particularly vocal.

Sources said some vested interests are still against Solution and and are looking for one excuse or the other to continue with the status quo.

One leader even reportedly said, "If no concrete forward movement is made, what is the use of these meetings".

"The Nagas had rested hopes on Govt of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi especially after Agreed Position was signed and even made public  but over the last few years things are being delayed and deferred with even cock and bull stories and vague arguments," another NNPG leader reportedly said at the closed door meeting.

At one point even one of the central government representative sounded apologetic and also reportedly admitted there have been delays certainly notwithstanding repeated assurances to the contrary.

It has been once again clarified to all concerned that on issues such as Flag and Constitution, the Government of India will not change its decision. The centre had rested hopes on Jan 14 meeting between NNPG and NSCN-IM but that exercise also lost its essence within three days.

The roles being played by the elected state government from time to time on peace talks also figured prominently, sources said.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is likely to meet Governor La Ganesan on Saturday or Sunday (April 15/16) and matters related to peace talks may also figure, the source added.

Ends 

NNPG functionary's 'black shirt' protest

Dimapur 

The April 13 meeting between NNPG delegation and two central government representatives A K Mishra and Mandeep Singh Tuli turned an interesting event with lighter moments, anecdotes and symbolism.

Sources said one NNPG functionary came in black shirt and told the participants during a break -- "You guys must be wondering why I am on a black shirt during this Dimapur summer and scorching heat".

And before anyone responded, he said, "Well gentlemen this is my Naga way of democratic expression of protest for the grievances I have against the Govt of India for delaying our Naga peace talks in this manner".

While there was a mixed reaction as some were found grinning and a few others opted to remain silent; one of the central government functionaries said --- "But I am also on black trousers". At this the NNPG functionary [black shirt man] retorted, "Thank you so much sir for showing solidarity with me".

At this needless to add the entire gathering broke in a peels of laughter.

Another NNPG leader told the central government representatives-- "The Govt of India should take note that the Chinese authorities have renamed even a few Naga dominated areas of Arunachal Pradesh".

During the meeting, the NNPG leaders said the "growing trust deficit" should be a matter of concern.

However, the central government representatives supported by colleagues from Kohima repeatedly appealed for patience, co-operation and co-ordination.

They made it clear more than once that the  Modi government and both PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah "are very very serious and working hard" to fulfil Naga aspirations.

The Govt of India has made it clear that it

is strictly against any "post Solution violence" and therefore it has been treading the path cautiously. "We are committed and we want all stakeholders to be on board," a source said.

The big takeaway from the meetings has been that the NNPG leaders were losing patience and they sought to "mount pressure" on the two representatives.

At least four of the NNPG leaders N Kitovi Zhimomi, Wangtin, Isak Sumi and Zopra Vero reportedly Mishra and Tuli that if these meetings are be held in routine manner periodically and there is "no progress" -- It could be better for Nagas of Nagaland not to hold such meetings at all.

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Clamour grows for implementation of Frontier Nagaland promise ::: "Time to decide, either Solution or let's go back to jungles"

Clamour grows for implementation of Frontier Nagaland promise

How the system failed to create a functioning administration?

Mon/Oting

Feared as ferocious head hunters of the mountains, Konyaks and people in Eastern Nagaland have lived isolated for centuries.

In the 1960s, a large chunk of them became part of Nagaland state and Indian union. Yet, the general lament is people have been living poverty-stricken and divided by clan and village loyalties for decades now. Thus the demand for a separate state was fuelled by anger and frustration. 

Has the system failed to build a functioning state and administration? But yet the voters in Tuensang-Mon region have remained so immensely loyal to political parties and leaders run from mainstream Nagaland -- either Kohima, Mokokchung or Dimapur.

Not surprisingly the village has many regional party NPF supporters and they are also critical of the BJP and the NDPP.

Since December 2022 now there are some hopes. The people of Eastern Nagaland have been assured of an autonomous council. Hence there is new hope yet again after decades -- the Frontier Nagaland will trigger a seismic shift in people's destiny.

"Now that the Govt of India has promised Frontier Nagaland, it should come early. The Rio government in Kohima or any other forces should not delay it," says Longwang Konyak, chairman of Oting Village Coumcil.

His views were readily endorsed by the Konyak Union President Tingthok Konyak. But he says the Rio government cannot be blamed. "Even Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio understands our problems and grievances", he says. Reports say CM Rio knew him from NPF days and the Chief Minister recently urged him to join the NDPP.

People in Wangla village near Oting also say the Frontier Nagaland should materialise at the earliest. "We need good roads. You have seen how bad things are by yourself ...your vehicle would not have moved without help from our villagers," a 42-year old housewife Mrs Ellie Konyak said in reference to the hardship we faced while traveling in a Bolero on way to Oting.

Some other people in the village say Konyak people and also those in other areas of Eastern Nagaland immediately require good policy and effective works on water supply, education, agriculture and forestry and soil conservation.

Villages such as Oting, Wangla and Hongpoi offer visitors at best a collection of mud-bricked houses punctuated with roads with potholes and brown dust and where threadbare markets have some western T shirts and jeans as luxury items. 

Pishang Konyak, a student in Mon town, says "In fact, statehood for Eastern Nagaland is long overdue....our forefathers should have planned and bargained hard in 1963 when they decided to be part of new state of Nagaland. Our people in terms of landscape and population helped Nagaland got state; but we were cheated and ignored".

Y. S Konyak, a retired government employee and an active social worker, told 'Nagaland Page' : "The promise was that the eastern Nagaland and rest of mainstream Nagaland will share development funds on 50:50 basis. But we were at times given only 2 to 5 percent and there was big gift of corruption".

Nyamto Wangsha - a former principal of a reputed educational institute - also wants Frontier Nagaland at the earliest but hastens to add that he has a few words of cautioning for all the crusaders as well. "We Nagas have a bad track record in governance. There is corruption and administrative slackness. The crisis in Eastern Nagaland is also a testimony to our failures...So, my word of cautioning is the Frontier Nagaland should not become another failure". Nyamto is also a member of ENPO.

He also says a lot of the problems in Eastern Nagaland have come due to faulty policies and failure in governance during the last two decades.

Mr Wangsha is therefore a strong proponent of the demand that money should be given to the proposed autonomous council directly. "If the money has to come via Kohima, then everything will end up again in Dimapur," he said alluding to corruption.

Interestingly many Konyak leaders and even younger people in their individual capacity among Eastern Nagaland tribes say projects and developmental works implemented by the centre and the Assam Rifles have better impact --  in terms of identification of projects, speed, implementation and quality in execution.

"I am neither anti-Naga nor pro-Assam Rifles. I have several complaints against them, but we all should admire how developmental works they carry out in neglected places like Oting or Naginimora. In fact, the Oting village now have an approachable road and a play ground, it is because of these forces," says C. Thomas  in Mon town.

Reacting to this an Oting villager but now staying in Tizit says,  "As a citizen of this state in this region I should not be commenting much on what other people are saying. Everyone knows how Nagaland government works. The central forces have been able to deliver whatever we did in last 15 months because people have accepted the force as well wishers on certain matters of development".

However, Deputy Angh of Oting Village, "Chengwang konyak, clarifies, "Do not mix up matters. The Frontier Nagaland is something we want...and about security forces what went on in December 2021, people still cannot forget the agony. Now Assam Rifles is doing some good works of development. We did not ask for it."

Before one ends this piece, one is haunted by remarks made long back by some ENPO leaders that genuine development and administrative reforms in this region have hardly been in the minds of political leaders and this club include the 20 legislators -- sitting and former ones - from the region.

Ends 

Dimapur

Nagas should come out of confusion and none can help them to do so until and unless they take the decision themselves, says NDPP advisor Hukavi Zhimomi.

"Nagas are now confused...time to end this dilemma. It is clear now the Govt of India wants solution. So the onus is on us. The Nagas have to decide," Mr Hukavi told 'Nagaland Page'.

"....Finally we have to make up our mind...either we agree to agreement for a solution..or let us go back to jungles," he said. 

Answering a question, Hukavi said, "The Nagaland government or Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio cannot be blamed for delay in arriving at the Solution.  If you ask me, the Naga issue is not a subject matter for the state government or the MLAs".

He agreed to the view articulated by many leaders that the MLAs have their limitations to do much "because either ex parliamenterians or present and all legislators we are restricted and guided by the Constitution of India and the oath they take".

To a question, he said, "It is true the Article 371 (A) offered many things to Nagas but still the Solution is a must. The growing frustration of Naga youths and especially the educated ones is an issue of great concerns". 

Mr Hukavi tried to argue that while the Constitution of India is "the best" for the country, the unity in diversity and pluralism are the biggest strengths.

To another question, he said giving away Eastern Nagaland will be another major problem or challenge as Nagas now have to "settle to work with only 40 legislators". The Solution can thus look into these issues as being highlighted by the Agreed Position inked in 2017.

The former representative from ZuAsaaqnheboto town says : "There are three kinds of people in this world.... the first group is always selfish and could be idiots by brain, second group follows Tribalism instinct but is always suspicious of others and could be ferocious and warriors too."

And the third group is 'Citizens' as defined by Greek philosophers. "They are conscious of own right.....but will respect others too.....But the root cause of our malady is we Nagas are all three," he added with his face grinning.

Ends 

"Naga Talks are on track," says Pughoboto MLA Dr Sukhato

Dimapur

Notwithstanding pessimism at certain quarters, the Naga peace talks are on track, LJP (Ram Vilas)

leader and Pughoboto MLA, Dr A Sukhato has said.

"No need to think pessimistic. God always stands with those who have faith and hope....I am eternally

optimistic and Naga peace talks are very much on track. One need not give up hopes," Dr Sukhato

told 'Nagaland Page'.

"During the assembly session, I said in my maiden speech that my party, the LJP(RV) Nagaland state unit will 

extend full support to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his government in resolving the Naga political issue

by bringing it to the much needed logical conclusion".

To a question, he said, "I have also discussed the matter with our national president and Lok Sabha MP,

Shri Chirag Paswan. We are part of the larger family called NDA under Prime Minister Narendra Modi

and it will be taken up at the level of Mr Paswan as well".

To a question whether he 'regrets' quitting BJP wherein he had risen to become state vice president and was seen as a probably state unit chief, Dr Sukhato said, "My profession and my upbringing by my parents brought me up in a different manner. I think ten or even twenty times before taking a decision. Our people in Pughoboto expected me to contest the polls this time. The seat had gone to NDPP; so I had to find a way."

He further said - "Today, I am sitting with you as a proud representative of my Pughoboto constituency.....Where there is a will, God will find you a way".

To a question, he said,  "I always believe only a strong India can ensure a peaceful and progressive Nagaland. This is why I admire Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was my plank before the voters of Pughoboto. My constituency has a legacy of deep rooted understanding of the Naga issue".

Dr Sukhato also maintained: "We all know Pughoboto is rooted in the Naga political issue since inception and 

still has a very strong base...So I owe it to my people to work sincerely for development as well as for

resolution of the Naga political issue".

Asked about his future political journey, he said, "Do not forget what Hokishe Sema used to day, once a nationalist is always nationalist. If you know Nagaland's electoral politics, Pughoboto is a den of

regionalist stalwarts. You may know Late Huska Sumi...But today I represent the constituency as a LJP man

which is also a regional party with vast national footprint. Between us, I feel proud to be legislature party leader for my party the LJP. And I need not tell you,  our 

LJP is also part of NDA".

To another question that how would he respond to the media reports that during polls -- he was even called 'Dr Brave'; the first timer MLA remarked, "People give such names in politics out of their love. Sometime, I wonder do I deserve all that....But one thing is certain, our Pughoboto voters have high expectations from their representative, that is me and also from this present Nagaland assembly. I have been telling this to my other colleagues in the assembly both from BJP and other parties".

ends