Says ‘subtle attempts at economic, military & cultural expansionism’ are being made
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 10 (MExN): The Naga Rising (TNR) today stated that the Union Government is failing to bring peaceful solutions in the North East; and that “subtle attempts at economic, military and cultural expansionism” are being made.
A press release from TNR said that the BJP was looked upon with much hope as it came to power, either in alliance or on its own, in all the North East States. “The Naga solution was told to wait as the BJP wanted favourable governments in Nagaland’s neighbouring States of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh,” it said.
It noted that the public of Nagaland “tolerated the ‘election for solution’ promise made by the BJP;” and accepted the argument to have an experienced leader, someone like Neiphiu Rio, at the helm of affairs to usher in a solution. What happened to all these public declarations and commitments, TNR questioned.
It urged the Prime Minister not to be blind to the root causes of problems facing the region. “If the Prime Minister thinks that merely trumpeting the Act East Policy and talking about development and connectivity will usher in peace and order, then he is greatly mistaken,” it observed.
TNR claimed that the settlement of the Naga political issue will solve many political and security worries of Delhi, including the complexity of the demand for Frontier Nagaland bordering Myanmar and the current turmoil in Manipur which requires a political alternative. With trouble brewing in the region, it is common sense to find early resolution to the Naga issue, it stressed.
TNR said “it would be naive to think that the political leadership in Delhi is unaware of the catalyzing effect that a Naga accord would bring in the Northeast.” What then is stopping Delhi to resolve the Naga issue, it questioned.
It further expressed concern that in addition to the “divide and rule policy of the Indian State,” the present government is “fixated with the notion of command, control and subjugation.”
“The rulers in Delhi with their controlling and coercive behavior are creating trust deficit and further alienating the region and its people. After establishing its political presence in all the Northeast States, in a subtle yet persistent attempt, the BJP government is putting in place well-planned policy designs to advance the Indian State’s economic, military and cultural expansionism in the Northeast as can be seen in the recently passed Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2023, the ongoing Meri Mati Mera Desh Campaign or the proposed Uniform Civil Code,” TNR pointed out.
It further observed that except for signing ceasefires, suspension of operations and memorandum of understanding with varied groups in the Northeast, the Modi government has not been able to resolve any of the major political, ethnic and other socio-economic problems and grievances of the people of the region. “Delaying solutions to the problems have only added to the conflagration that we see today in the Northeast, it noted.
TNR said that the factors contributing to the fundamental problem of the North East region, as exemplified by the present turmoil in Manipur, has been the flawed policy of divide and rule employed by the British colonial rulers and adopted by the Indian State in the post-independence period that continues to this day.
It lamented that the North East’s “internal social faultlines are exploited by Delhi to serve its own interests.” “It is obvious that the North East is being eyed for its untapped land and its resources. The Indian establishment is unwilling to invest in conflict resolution as the conflict situation creates conditions for conflicting parties to become subservient to Delhi,” TNR said.
With the General Elections due in early 2024, TNR wondered whether the Prime Minister is “consolidating his power by taking advantage of the present unrest and confusion.” “Is a 3rd term for Modi being prepared to pave the way for the establishment of a Hindu Rashtra,” it questioned.
TNR said that it is time for the Nagaland State government, the elected leaders, political parties, apex tribal bodies, church and civil society to be vigilant and speak out.
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