While Hindu votes have deserted Congress, the fallout was felt in 2014 and 2019 - the Muslim support base has shifted closer to it ::: In 2024, Congress seats jumped to 99 from 52 but vote share increased marginally by 1.7 per cent

There is one dialogue in film 'Garam Hawa' that should generate interest. Chief protagonist played by noted actor Balraj Sahni asks one character: “How come you are in Congress? You were all for Muslim League?”

The response is: “These days, post-Partition, Congress party gives us, the Muslims, much importance.”  

This is true even today, in 2026 - when Congress has lost three consecutive polls in 2014, 2019 and 2024 and now preparing with a renewed determination punctuated with desperation for the grand battle of 2029. It is estimated 12-14 percent of Muslim voters are with the Congress. However, Muslims are spread across India and a sizable number of Muslims lean towards regional parties - such as Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress and IUML.

The Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM has taken Muslim votes and has generally helped BJP indirectly.  It is estimated that around 8 per cent Hindus hate BJP and Narendra Modi and they vote generally for Congress across India and also deviates towards Samajwadi Party, NCP (Sharad Pawar) and such regional parties. 

Studies suggest BJP or even NDA capture three-fifths of the Hindu vote— that is around 45 per cent of 79-80 per cent of total population. 

Caste and ideology handle the rest. In other words, the Hindu vote, unlike the Muslim and Christian vote, is fragmented.  

The Muslim voters appear 'as an insecure' lot looking for constant guardianship from Congress and other regional parties. They would vote for Congress and ecosystem even if there is 'zero performance' and they would not vote for BJP even if there are multiple welfare measures and infra developments in their areas.

The Muslim voters are more than 'pleased' with the Sickular lobbies with the once-in-five-years appearance and appeasement. 

Shrinking Left base has helped BJP because Hindus felt neglected 

The resultant of this aspect of politics has been that since 1991, Congress’ vote share with the Hindu support base has not crossed 30 per cent border line.

While Hindu votes have deserted it -- the fallout was best felt in 2014 and 2019 - the  Muslim support base has shifted closer to the Congress. But that number is still inadequate.

Since first Lok Sabha election in 1951-52, the highest recorded vote share for a single party has been 49.1 per cent for Congress under Rajiv Gandhi in 1984.

Indira Gandhi won in 1971 with 43.70 per cent and in 1980 with 42.69 per cent.  Jawaharlal Nehru won three successive landslide victories in 1952, 1957 and 1962 with a vote share of, respectively, 44.99 per cent, 47.78 per cent and 44.72 per cent. 

In 1991, 36.26 per cent of votes came to Congress and it had benefited by Rajiv Gandhi's death. 

The Congress needs to analyse that between 2009 and 2014 -- when Narendra Modi wrested power - the Congress votes and seats dropped by 80 per cent from 206 seats in 2009 to 44 seats in 2014, That recovery did not happen much in 2019 -- but in 2024 -- the formation of a new INDI-alliance bloc helped Congress touch the near magic number of 99.

As AICC president and Prime Minister; Rajiv Gandhi had apparently understood the emerging problems of Hindu-Muslim voting pattern. But his diagnosis was misguided. He thought of appeasing both Muslims and Hindus - one by Shah Bano case and the new Bill ad the other by opening Ram Mandir for Shilanyas. It backfired and both Hindus and Muslims did not vote for the Congress in 1989. 

Thus, the Congress Lok Sabha ally plunged to 197 from 414. 

Now all eyes are on UP polls. In 2017, BJP played up Hindutva card. Modi had chanted "Har Har Mahadev" himself during his three-day rally in Varanasi and also alleged how the Akhilesh Yadav government in Uttar Pradesh (from 2012 to 2017)built only kabristan (for Muslims) and gave 24x7 electricity during Eid but not during Diwali. 

Yet again, the politics in UP will be around Hindutva issues, about the image of a performing CM Yogi and especially improved law and order situation. 

In broad sense at the national level; coinciding with the rise of the BJP, the Muslim representation in state assemblies and Parliament have declined pretty in the past 12-13 years.  

This is the season of protest against SIR and against the Election Commission.

The real debate about Congress and even the Left or parties such as Trinamool Congress is about Muslim voters.

It was alleged that in West Bengal, Assam and even in Bihar; primarily Muslims faced the threat of being disenfranchised under SIR.

In West Bengal - many were identified as Bangladeshis, But due to peculiar geo-politics in Bangladesh; the Bengali Hindus in India were assured of citizenship under CAA. 

Last year, speaking in parliament Rahul Gandhi alleged that SIR was part of a wider project by the BJP to conduct “vote chori [theft]” and destroy the longstanding integrity of India’s democratic elections.

Other opposition parties also alleged that SIR has been 'coverted' into a new national register of citizens (NRC) process -- similar to what took place in Assam.  

The NRC in Assam led to hundreds of thousands, primarily Muslims, being rounded up and detained in detention centres and some deported to Bangladesh.

But in Assam, out of 19 Congress MLAs -- 18 elected in 2026 are Muslims. These results became handy for the BJP to dub Congress as a 'new Muslim League'. 

What would happen after Nov 1 rally remains to be seen. In 2024, Congress won 99 seats but this is not a real sign of party's electoral revival because its national vote share rose typically marginally from 19.49 per cent in 2019 to 21.19 per cent.  

In contrast, the BJP won 240 and lost 63 seats (from 303 tally in 2019); but the Lotus party's vote-share dropped only by 0.8 per cent. The Congress seats jumped to 99 from 52 but the vote share had increased only 1.7 per cent. This does not augur well.

ends 

Former CJI, Chandrachud under attack ::::: Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, now retired, has become the hero of Congress party :::: in 2024 when judgement on 'electoral bond' came; DYC had emerged as the apple of the eye of the opposition

“How could we assess a judge’s suitability for the Supreme Court without reading their prominent judgments?” Justice (retd) Sanjay Kaul asks in his memoir, arguing that both the quality of judgments and the speed with which cases were disposed of mattered.  

When he entered the collegium under Chief Justice N V Ramana, Justice Kaul had insisted that the judgments and disposal records of candidates be circulated before discussions on appointments. 

He argued that it was extraordinary that judges could be considered for elevation to the Supreme Court without their colleagues first examining their judicial work. Ramana had told him that this had not been the established practice and that collecting the material would take time.

However, Justice Kaul refused to allow the process to proceed without it.  

In 2023 immediately after his retirement, Justice Kaul had said:

"I feel that the collegium system served a very good purpose at a particular time. But over a period of time, my view is it is not working as it should have been working; not because of the failure of the system but because some of us (judges) did not rise to the occasion.

 

"Our appointment process envisages consultation. There is an opinion of the chief justice, collegium’s opinion, government’s view, Intelligence Bureau’s opinion, so many things come into it. 

But there is a lack of sync in the selection which has created this situation, and, in this process, we will never be able to fill in the vacancies abiding by the timelines."  

Former Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kaul has triggered a political controversy after raising questions about former Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud’s approach to judicial appointments. 

Notably, in 2024 when judgement on 'electoral bond' came; it was DYC -- who had emerged as the apple of the eye of the opposition. Just one Ganesh puja in his house - destroyed DYC's Sickular tag. 

Now, according to Kaul, Justise Chandrachud wanted to seek the government’s views on proposed judicial appointments before the Supreme Court Collegium formally deliberated on the names, a practice Kaul reportedly disapproved.

The Congress now questions the independence of the judiciary under the Modi government.

On Sunday, 25th October, a  Congress leader Jai-rahim cited a report based on Kaul’s forthcoming memoir, "Without Fear or Favour", and accused the government of exerting pressure on the judiciary. 

The Congress claims that the book raised “serious questions” about judicial independence and referred to allegations of government involvement in appointments.  

Justice Chandrachud, however, says that the collegium’s official records showed that its resolutions, along with the reasons for its recommendations, were made public on the Supreme Court’s website and that the decisions were unanimous, with Justice Kaul endorsing every recommendation.  

Chandrachud also claimed that the meetings were conducted in a congenial atmosphere.  

In 2015, Justice Kaul made headlines.  

Madras High Court Judge, Justice C.S.Karnan, wrote a letter to Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul with copies marked to President of India and Chief Justice of India, accusing Kaul of Harassment and belittlement. 

Justice Chandrachud added there was not a single instance of Justice Kaul recording a dissent when the collegium formally proposed candidates to the government for appointment as judges. He said this was an important part of the record to consider while assessing the decision-making process.

Justice Chandrachud also emphasised that collegium decisions were not arrived at abruptly in meetings. 

“Judges held multiple rounds of informal and formal discussions before names were officially considered and recommendations sent to the government”, he said, adding that Justice Kaul had never walked out of any such meeting. 

ends 

In our own home, we feel like guests ...... 'Journey of Journalists' ::::: We keep wondering which path or bygone road we belong to :::::: Amid these thoughts I am compelled to write about Raihan Vadra ::::: For Congress leaders .... they are like Birds held in captivity for long and hence cannot fly when set free !! ::: Can Raihan Vadra be a threat to Rahul Gandhi ???

Read each line and the translation in English.

 • Apne hi ghar mein kisi doosre ghar ke hum hain

In our own home, we feel like guests in someone else's house (outsiders).

• Waqt ke saath hai mitti ka safar sadiyon se
With time, the journey of the soil/earth has lasted for centuries.

• Kisko maaloom kahan ke hain kidhar ke hum hain

Who knows from where we have come and where we belong.

• Chalte rehte hain ke chalna hai musafir ka naseeb

We keep walking, for walking is the fate of a traveler.

• Sochte rehte hain kis rah guzar ke hum hain

We keep wondering which path or bygone road we belong to.  

It would be unfair to say that writing a piece on Raihan Vadra (Robert and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's son) has made me feel disturbed or depressed. But it has certainly left me confused. 

Raihan was born on August 29th, 2000. I had already left my work place and place of my birth and studies - north east India. Then I was a reporter with PTI headquarters. It was a kind of 12th man job in cricket. From Jantar Mantar dharnas to India International Club mutual admiration seminars -- everything fell under my beat and responsibilities. 

I would not remember the date.  Google has helped me on that score.  The day Raihan was born - I came running from an assignment to PTI office. I had to rush to the computer (India's premier news agency then had a limited numbers of computers for reporters). 

But as for "pro-Congress" PTI bosses -- Raihan's birth was a good jugadu occasion. They were looking for a stupid scribe like me to rush to the spot. The assignment was - how Congress supporters react to the birth of yet another 'dynast'. One lady-colleague --- started screaming -- "ND aa gaya; ND aa gaya".   

(Congress leaders may enter into a new era of Depression as well ) 

The Chief of Bureau Mr Gupta with slavish-approach to survival instinct was quick to jump. "ND, you go to the ZZZ Hospital". I do not remember the name of the hospital which was blessed to host Raihan's birth. 

I thought that would be my life's worst assignment !!

With great difficulty, I had to convince him -- that I have an important copy at hand from the 'seminar' and I had to type that before I could move for the historic occasion and the location.

Sycophancy - in a democratic India - thrived from Congress headquarters to PTI headquarters. 

Anyway; Democracy was still safe in India. 'Dictator' Narendra Modi was far away. Nevertheless, Raihan has hit headlines. Was it a deliberate move? I ask this question more from the point of view of 'timing'.  

Raihan - by calculation - falls in the Gen Zee category unlike his young-but-56-year-old maternal uncle Rahul Gandhi. 

Raihan's "soft launch" shows Desperation 

Hence, I have my doubts. The photographs/painting show was a soft -launch of a dynast though he belongs to 'Vadra' Khandan. His 'mamu jaan' is without a wife and without kid.

 

Thus; it was natural that my PTI bosses displayed their 'chamcha giri' characteristic. For my PTI bosses then - Sonia-Priyanka-Rahul was not only a source of Jugadu games. 

There were many others. For some it was Sharad Pawar. This lobbyist came from Maharashtra. A senior Tamil journalist was a fan of P Chidambaram. No wonder -- there was some misreporting when Smriti Irani became Information and Broadcasting Minister.  

Does PTI or IANS still sound pro-Congress ? In 2016 - a senior joker had turned IANS news agency into a 'publicity wing' for Arvind Kejriwal.  

Thanks to Lord Swami-Narayan -  the oldie joker would jump everytime Kejriwal tweeted. 

Nevertheless - Raihan has been launched. The 'dynasty' knows well -- time is running out hence these multiple front work is on. -- Rahul's repeated protest drama, Sonia Manio's book and Raihan's photographs. All creative people are at work. 

But will Raihan be a rival to his 'mamu' ? 

Since long we know -- Sycophancy is a foregone conclusion with the Congress party, the dynasty and the Sickularism Zindabad ecosystem. We have just entered that arena. 

Raihan Vadra made headlines when reports claimed he was made to remove more than half of the photographs that were to be included in his solo exhibition organised at the Rajasthan government-run Bikaner House in Delhi. It would not have been the case -- had Congress been in power in Rajasthan.  

Just a small reminder :  In July 2021, Raihan held his first solo exhibition, Dark Perception, at Bikaner House in New Delhi. In December 2022, he followed this with the exhibition Anumana. His third solo exhibition, Upamana, was held at Bikaner House in New Delhi in 2024. 

A Faceless voter in Meghalaya : Garo Hils 

Just as birds long held in captivity are unable to fly when set free, so Congress women and men seem to have lost the habit of  functioning in a milieu where they are led by someone who is only the first among the equals. At present Mallikarjun Kharge is not even the first among the equals. Congress leaders and workers long a towering and all powerful leader whom they can obey instantly. Raihan fits the bill. 

Kharge's angry outburst at Patna is so natural. "Modi ka baap..." - sounds so effortless. Track - how Sickular media give twist to the tale. 

Snap - 'Indian Express' 

Well, Raihan may become future Congress vice president or president and even Leader of the Opposition. To a youngster - I - as his mamu-jaan's age group can wish him luck. 

'Propaganda Express' and Deep Raj bhais may soon interview him. 

But I will keep praying -- both in my lifetime and even after my death - I or none else should not be assigned to write any piece glorifying him as India's Prime Minister. 

The 'Mother of Democracy' ... will not mind a chai-wallah or a businessman from Gujarat cricket or anyone else. 

ends 

Manipur :::: Security forces find just 1 of 159 cadres at Kuki-Zo militant camp :::: Peace pact compliance under scrutiny ::: Naga organisations have also demanded its termination,

There have been longstanding demands by Meitei organisations for the closure or relocation of SoO camps and the abrogation of the agreement, amid allegations that militants covered by the truce have attacked civilians and security forces.

Joint teams of Manipur Police and the Central Armed Police Forces took complete charge of Sinai in Kangpokpi district on Saturday following security operations launched in the aftermath of the Nongshum killings, the officials said.

For the first time since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023, security forces have taken control of a camp meant to house Kuki-Zo militants under a nearly two-decade-old truce and plan to audit all 14 such camps across the state.

File snap : 2023 

This rare takeover followed the discovery that only one of the 159 registered cadres was present at the camp, raising questions about compliance with the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, which expired on September 4 without renewal.  

The move also comes days after the October 19 killing of three Meitei civilians near Nongshum.  

The raid was carried out on Friday and security forces took complete control of the camp on Saturday. The exercise will continue. All the designated camps will be audited to find out the ground reality.

At Sinai, security personnel found only one registered cadre against an "expected strength of 159", along with 17 people who were not identified as cadres covered by the agreement. The 17 were arrested on Saturday, the official said.

"All 17 accused have been remanded to eight police custody till October 31. Further investigation is underway regarding the involvement of camp functionaries, impersonation, unauthorised possession of arms and violations of SoO ground rules," Manipur Police said in a statement on Saturday.

The forces seized 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a large quantity of ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment and other combat gear from the camp, the statement added.  

Asked whether the agreement's expiry meant militants could now leave their camps, the senior security official said this would not be permitted because the arrangement had not been abrogated either.

"The decision on whether or not the SoO agreement should be renewed lies with the Centre, but as long as it is not abrogated, the cadres and their weapons must remain in the designated camps," the official said.

The discrepancy raises questions about compliance with one of the central conditions of the SoO agreement - that militants covered by it must remain in designated camps and refrain from violence.

The agreement, formally signed by the Centre, the Manipur government and Kuki-Zo militant groups in August 2008, was intended to suspend hostilities and create conditions for a negotiated political settlement while keeping armed cadres confined to designated camps.

Its origins date back to 2005, when the Indian Army reached an understanding with Kuki militant groups to suspend operations against each other.  The pact covers Kuki-Zo militant groups under two umbrella organisations - the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People's Front (UPF).

Under its ground rules, cadres are required to refrain from violence, remain in designated camps and keep their weapons under prescribed security arrangements. The arrangement has been central to the Centre's efforts to address Kuki-Zo insurgency through negotiations, but its continuation has become increasingly contentious since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.

In February 2024, the Manipur Assembly adopted a resolution seeking abrogation of the agreement. Naga organisations have also demanded its termination, accusing Kuki-Zo militant groups of involvement in violence.  

Meanwhile, on Oct 23, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, Director General Assam Rifles, met Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah in New Delhi and briefed him on the prevailing security situation in the North East. 

He also apprised the Minister of the progress of Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing, establishment of crossing points along the Indo-Myanmar Border, various initiatives undertaken in furtherance of MHA directions and welfare measures for Assam Rifles personnel and the people of the North East.

ends 

Frustration grips Congress yet again :::: Kharge makes 'baap bhi jayega' remark on PM sparking row ::::: “This is not just Kharge ji’s personal statement, but a manifestation of Congress party’s lack of civility"

Union Home Minister Amit Shah blasted Congress party for his "indecent remark" about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's father.

"Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has today torn apart all norms of decorum by making an indecent remark about Modi ji's father in Patna. This is not the first time that the Congress party has used abusive language against Modi ji or his family," Amit Shah wrote on X. 

"At times, they have hurled insults at his revered mother, at times called him 'merchant of death,' and at times mocked his poverty by calling him chaiwala". 

"Under Rahul Gandhi's leadership, the Congress party keeps crossing the limits of indecency every day," he said.

Shah further wrote:

"In the past 12 years, the repeated electoral defeats have bred such desperation and frustration in the Congress party that it no longer has any policy left, nor any issue — only the politics of slander remains. 

Having lost its public base among the people, Congress is now steadily losing its base even among its own workers."

Shah maintained: "Whenever they have made hateful comments against Modi ji or his family, the public has given Congress a resounding response every time."

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge lost his cool during an address at an event in Bihar’s Patna on Sunday after a person in the audience remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not go anywhere. 

Responding to the remark, Kharge said, “Modi ka baap bhi jayega.”

The exchange took place during the 139th birth anniversary celebration of Dr Shri Krishna Singh. Kharge subsequently launched an attack on Modi over his promise to bring back black money and criticised the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saying there would be no peace in the country as long as it persisted.  

“Due to the continuous electoral defeats over the past 12 years, the Congress party has become so frustrated and disappointed that it has neither any policy nor any issue left, only the politics of abuse,” Shah said.  

In a post on X, BJP national president Nitin Nabin said political opposition should have its limits, alleging that Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders had dragged deceased family members into political speeches.

“This is not just Kharge ji’s personal statement, but a manifestation of the entire Congress party’s lack of civility,” Nabin wrote. He alleged that the opposition was resorting to personal attacks because it lacked substantive issues relating to development, policy and public welfare. He added that voters were watching such conduct and would respond at the appropriate time.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also criticised Kharge, accusing the Congress of expressing its hostility towards Modi through personal insults.

Pradhan said the remark about the Prime Minister’s late father reflected the Congress’s declining credibility and growing frustration. He argued that the office of Congress president carried a responsibility to uphold democratic values and public decency.

Referring to earlier controversial remarks about Modi’s late mother, Pradhan questioned whether the Congress had run out of arguments with which to challenge the Prime Minister.

Operation Trident targeted 38 locations across Assam, Mizoram and Manipur :::: Rs 100- Cr. hawala trail exposed drug cartel

"Heartiest congratulations to the anti-narcotics team comprising central agencies, and police forces of the three states (of Mizoram, Assam and Manipur)...

The Modi Govt deals another lethal blow against drugs with Operation Trident," tweets Home Minister Amit Shah on the multi-agency crackdown. 

Rs 100-crore hawala trail exposed as Op Trident hits drug cartel in Northeast states

Operation Trident targeted 38 locations across Assam, Mizoram and Manipur, leading to 18 arrests, the freezing of 1,424 bank accounts and the attachment of properties worth Rs 17.82 crore. 

The multi-agency crackdown also uncovered a Rs 100 crore hawala trail linked to a transnational drug trafficking network across India, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Representational image - 'India Today'

 

"Our agencies launched a barrage of simultaneous crackdowns across 38 locations in Assam, Mizoram and Manipur on 23 October, smashing an international narco-cartel. The operation revealed Rs 100 crore worth of hawala transactions, froze 1,424 bank accounts, attached properties worth Rs 17.82 crore, seized 500 detonators and Rs 12 lakh in cash, and led to the arrest of 18 people.

"The network trafficked narcotics across the borders of India, Myanmar and Bangladesh through the Death Triangle Corridor. The offensive attests to India’s Himalayan resolve to realise the mission of eradicating every drug network by 31 December 2029. India will hammer until the last nail is driven into the coffin of drug cartels," tweeted Amit Shah. 

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in a major crackdown on transnational drug trafficking networks, launched ‘Operation Trident’ on Friday, October 23, conducting simultaneous raids at 38 locations across Assam, Mizoram and Manipur. The multi-agency offensive targeted the operational and financial networks of an international drug cartel involved in trafficking narcotics across the India-Myanmar-Bangladesh corridor.  

In a major breakthrough, the operation exposed hawala transactions worth nearly 100 crore, led to the freezing of 1,424 bank accounts, and resulted in the attachment of properties worth 17.82 crore. The agencies also seized 500 detonators and 12 lakh in cash, while 18 people were arrested.  

Aligned with the Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026-2029), Operation Trident highlights the government's commitment to eliminating drug networks through intelligence-led investigations, inter-agency coordination and financial disruption.

ends 

Centre irked by "demand' for closure of shops by Non Locals in Nagaland :::: Home Ministry believes that "underlying ecosystem" supporting Naga insurgency has become entrenched and systemic :::: There is 'money power' :::: Each Naga finds life and future linked to the crucial decision Modi will take in next two months

In the context of Naga peace talks, a line has been pushed that no Solution would make a futuristic sense unless there is 'unity' among all tribes and all factions. 

But what one negligible group has done in its fresh statement is almost ridiculous. 

It says - "All shops and business establishments being operated by non locals in the Naga inhabited areas are directed to close down".

Authorities may ignore it and would not like this to turn into a trend.

An article penned by Atoke Naga (in 'Nagaland Post' - dated Oct 24, 2026) says ".. if division is the obstacle, the answer must be to intensify efforts to bridge it." 

The author also asks - "Who will initiate meaningful dialogue? What practical steps are being taken to build trust? How can differences be addressed without allowing them to become permanent barriers?"  

On face value such threats are aimed at drawing media mileage only. 

This goes against the larger interest of peace process it self.

The episode should embarrass the already beleaguered BJP-NPF dispensation. Does it provoke other factions and socio-political stakeholders remain to be seen. 

Over the years, Jammu and Kashmir's "conflict landscape" has experienced significant structural change.  The conflict has shifted from visible militancy to hidden networks—digital propaganda, facilitators, and community actors sustaining insurgency.  

Martyr soldiers : Also are non locals 

In Manipur in northeast in another corner of the country; the insurgency has got overlapped with ethnic divisions - between Meiteis and Kukis and also between Kukis and Nagas. The relationship between Nagas and Meiteis is also very delicate. These may make us lead towards a bigger debate that 'regardless' of the truth in 'lumpenization' of insurgency - the militancy as a subject is a very  complex matter.

Recently, the Ao Senden showed that as a pressure group it means business. 

Let us leap towards Europe and here as soon as France sneezed ... Europe has again caught the cold. 

The wave of unrest which began with teenagers at a high school soon drew in hundreds of thousands of people and then spread across the continent. Protests have filled the streets in Lisbon and Madrid, and have ignited into violence in Milan and Brussels.

GoC Lt Gen Kalia with surrendered PWD cadres in Imphal, July, 2026 

The author on the Naga issue, says the 'Naga political issue' deserves serious, informed and constructive public discussions. There are some who have been trying to avoid the debate itself.  But the writer's argument is being endorsed in many quarters though there are some 'well to do' sections who are rather uncomfortable to see the mirror.  

Simply repeating that unity must come first does not, by itself, bring unity closer.

It is very simple. The existence of multiple factions - bothering the common public and business entrepreneurs - actually should strengthen the urgency to find common ground.  Hence, we can easily endorse the argument that -- 

** Unity will not come simply by asking the public to wait indefinitely and silently.

*** In fact, New Delhi mandarins would say 'unity' is not possible when disgruntled elements try to create these social tensions. 

** The lucid statements from political parties (read the discredited lot especially the BJP and NPF in Nagaland and all others supporting the opposition-less regime) will not ensure a stage wherein every disagreement has disappeared. 

*** Thirdly, there is a need for mutual dialogue and mutual respect. The Status quo club should be identified and kept away from being 'seasonal vultures'.

And fourthly, there must an "accommodation" and a willingness to place the larger Naga interest above various narrow considerations. 

When we try to analyse things -- it becomes clearer  that Unemployment is a big factor behind insurgency in Nagaland, Manipur and everywhere else. But the issue goes much deeper. The fear among law and order agencies now is that the 'youth frustration' -- that too for 29 long years - will be soon finding a bigger outlets in drugs and other socially deviant behaviours. 

Therefore, organisations such as the Naga Youth Movement (NYM) must be encouraged and trusted. That the state Governor is unable to meet them and the organisation has threatened for a Dharna is a puzzle for objective analysts. 

In a broad sense, Mr Nand Kishore Yadav will do well to take a closer grasp that the Insurgency is linked to 'youth frustration' and also he should be "responsible and resourceful" enough to apply mind in the space where this 'frustration' thrives. 

In Europe underlying all that is happening is the breakdown of the social contract. The youths there believe that the authorities cannot or will not offer them any solution. In India or in Nagaland, people are still showing the trust in constitutional authorities and other stake holders. 

Try to look at the 'big picture'.  With regard to Naga peace talks and an early Solution; now it is everyone's knowledge that the Kohima lobby needs to prove that it is not the chief hurdle. And if they are not -- they should develop a new roadmap vis-a-vis their relationship with the 'Kohima-friendly Hebron camp'.   

The Govt of India has decided to raise a few questions in times to come. 

** Those who were born in 1997 ... are today 29 years old. How would they look back at their lives ? 

*** What could be done with hundreds of educated young men and women who had to 'give up' the best part of their youth pursuing wrongly or rightly an 'ideal' that was against a 'larger concept of nationhood' ?  

The Govt of India too on its part must make up its mind. The RSS leadership must be examining what BJP should not do or ought to do. The Modi Govt is obliged to counter the challenges with precision, trust, and a set of ecosystem-wide strategies.  

In real sense, the old hardcore "militant encounters" have declined and almost vanished in Nagaland. 

But the agencies have 'fed' their higher ups that instances of digital radicalisation (pursuing anti-Delhi line) and financial facilitation channels have expanded no doubt. This new statement is hence being taken with a pinch of salt.

The Union Home Ministry believes that underlying ecosystem supporting insurgency has become entrenched and systemic.

Rural Nagaland : Wokha 

This phenomenon has increased insurgent networks' adaptability and operational reach. Therefore, the Eastern Flank has able to find its toeholds in Myanmar. This has left the Hebron camp and other groups embarrassed and even leaking old and new wounds. 

But the 'money factor' is something, New Delhi should be concerned about. 

This is not precisely for one political party or one Neta. This menace is understood even in terms of Manipur.  

A few ethnic militant groups may not be any longer capable of recruiting fresh jungle militants; but they do have 'intellectually' embedded facilitators, digital propagandists, and some professionals. 

President's Rule or not is Narendra Modi's call. 

Nevertheless, each Naga finds his or her life and future -- young and old -- linked to the most crucial political decision the Indian Prime Minister will take in the next two to six months time.  

We all know 'time' is in short supply. That is why Amit Shah, his team led by Govind Mohan and comprising the likes of Ajit Lal, or even Neiphiu Rio or V S Atem -- all - have to make smart choices regarding the precious time. 

ends