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‘Take it or leave it moment for NSCN-IM’, says key Nagaland leader Azo Nienu

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As things move towards a possible realisation that there has been enough delay and now time to settle for a pragmatic solution and peace, a key Naga legislator Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu says by inking the 2015 Framework Agreement, the potent NSCN (IM) group had “sealed their fate” and virtually endorsed the Constitution of India.

“The moment the NSCN-IM signed the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement…sealed their fate vis-a-vis Constitution of India. It was signed by interlocutor R.N. Ravi on behalf of the Government of India and in other words this pact is itself within the framework of Indian Constitution,” Azo Nienu.

He explained, “if it was already within the Indian Constitution, one thing is certain Naga Sovereignty is ruled out”.

It also rules out other demands like ‘integration’ of all Naga contiguous areas and also a separate Flag.

In this context, he said the Core Committee of Nagaland state legislators and ministers — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy CM Yanthungo Patton, former CM T.R. Zeliang and he as NPF legislature party leader would meet at Kohima on Wednesday (May 25) and workout future plans and strategies to meet NSCN-IM leaders and convince them to see reason and accept an early Solution.

Former Nagaland Chief Minister S.C. Jamir has also recently maintained that it ought to be understood properly that all ‘agreements’ made by the Government of India with both the groups, NSCN-IM and NNPG, have to be “incorporated in the Constitution of India”.

“When things are so clear, so my moot point is in the Naga spirit, I think they (Naga underground leaders) should adhere to the signature they have appended willingly and knowingly in the agreement,” Jamir.

Notably, on May 20, the NSCN-IM stated in a press release in Dimapur that — “We understand the pressing situation where people are over burdened with multiple factions and taxations and which can only see the end once early Naga solution materializes”.

It also asserted that it would be erroneous to imply that the NSCN-IM is opposed to an “early solution”.

Recent developments have rekindled hope of an early Solution and more so as elections in Nagaland are due by Feb-March 2023.

Azo Neinu also said in the given context, the stance taken by the Government of India is to be appreciated as they have decided to allow the use of the Naga flag for cultural programmes.

“In fact, the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) or Home Minister (Amit Shah) are willing to visit Nagaland and also hoist the Naga flag for any cultural event. I must appreciate as a regional politician often taking a stance against BJP but I can tell you, the Government of India has also gone all out to accommodate the request and demand of Naga leaders”.

Therefore, he said, it is high time — “for NSCN-IM to say whether they take it or leave it”.

The NPF legislature party leader said his party wants an early solution and also passed a resolution on the issue in a meeting at Kohima on Tuesday (May 24).

Sources say during separate meetings with peace emissary A.K. Mishra and one key NSCN-IM leader in Delhi recently, the Core Committee led by Chief Minister Rio also made it clear that a solution to the long pending Naga issue is a must to end a culture of intimidation and extortion in Nagaland.

On this, Azo clarified further — “We told them how long can Nagas continue with extortion?”

In fact, the extortion menace is almost a mini industry for the disgruntled elements in Nagaland and Naga inhabited areas.

Earlier this year, Assam Rifles DG, Lt. Gen. P.C. Nair had also said that wherever AFSPA was diluted or withdrawn, the areas saw ‘rise in extortion’.

In fact, even NSCN-IM and other Naga groups under NNPG have also expressed concerns about extortion in the past.

In an election campaign speech in Naga-dominated Senapti in Manipur, Chief Minister Rio also had spoken against extortion virtually echoing the concerns flagged off by former Nagaland Governor R.N. Ravi.

Rio had said in February this year, “There should be no violence in our society…. There should be no extortion,” and went on to add, “The burden is too much.”

“Burden is so much on the common people. We have to seriously think, otherwise there is no future”.

It is worth mentioning that the NSCN-IM has convened a key meeting of all its key leaders and regional representatives on May 31 to decide on the fate of Naga peace talks which had begun during the stint of I.K. Gujaral as Prime Minister in 1997.

It is expected the Core Committee of state legislators led by CM Rio will also meet NSCN-IM top guns including general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah by May 28-29 or before May 31.

R.N. Ravi as the interlocutor and Nagaland Governor had made significant contributions in the peace process.

In fact, Azo says, “Even NSCN-IM leaders maintain that to an extent the offer from Ravi for Naga Territorial Councils in Naga inhabited areas of Manipur and other Northeastern states was a good offer. It was perhaps better than what present emissary A.K. Mishra is making it now”.

“Ravi had proposed that central funds would be provided directly to the territorial councils; but in new methodology, the emissary (Mishra) has said funds would be routed through respective state governments. This discontentment too will be hopefully addressed now,” Azo added.

(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist. He is also author of books, “The Talking Guns: North East India” and “Modi to Moditva: An Uncensored Truth”. Views are personal.)

Maharashtra

The Holy Prophet came as a mercy to the world not only to humans but also to animals.

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Mumbai: the arrival of the government, the arrival of the master, the arrival of the lord, the streets of Mumbai echoed with the loud slogans of “Welcome, welcome, welcome” when the historic Muhammadi procession was taken out from the Khalifat House. The procession was warmly welcomed at every place. The procession was accompanied by a convoy of lovers of the Prophet, reciting Naat and Manaqabat along the way, playing drums. The convoy of lovers of the Prophet passed through the Muslim-majority areas of Nagpara, Madnapura, Do Tanki and other highways and came to a peaceful end at Mastan Talab after reciting Naat, Manaqabat and prayers. Before the procession, a meeting was held at the Khalifat House, where scholars described the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) as a mercy for the worlds and said that today the world has come to his aid. Addressing the gathering, Mufti Hazrat Allama Khaliq Ashraf, Principal of Darul Uloom Ashrafia Mazhar Uloom, said that until 40 years before the announcement of Prophethood, people were indeed human, but they did not have human qualities. He (PBUH) transformed the beasts, i.e., beasts, into humans on the land of Arabia. My Holy Prophet did not come as a mercy only for humans, but he came as a mercy for animals as well. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) visited the house of a deer owner, the deer said that it had two children and wanted permission to breastfeed them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) told the deer owner that this deer is the mother of two children and wants permission to breastfeed her children and will return after breastfeeding. The owner then asked who would guarantee that the deer would return. The Prophet (peace be upon him) guaranteed the return of the deer and the deer returned after breastfeeding. The Prophet (peace be upon him) expressed his desire to buy the deer. The deer owner gave the deer to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and then he untied its rope and set it free. The deer said that you are Muhammad Mustafa (peace be upon him), you were the only one who could set me free. You (peace be upon him) were merciful not only to humans but also to animals. This Muhammadan procession will be successful when humanity is shown in the procession. If an ambulance comes on the way, give way to it. Eid Priority should be given to welfare works on Milad-un-Nabi and good deeds should be done on the birth of Muhammad (peace be upon him). This will be our true tribute to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council Sachin Ahir said that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) has spread the message of peace and is the standard bearer of justice and humanity. The message of brotherhood and peace is spread in the procession of Eid Milad-un-Nabi and unity is achieved. We are different, our ways of worship are unique, but our homeland is one and our goal is to promote unity. Member of Parliament Congress Senior Leader Imran Pratap Garhi started his speech with a poem and said that.

I respect all the people in the world, but after Mustafa, Imran Pratap Garhi narrated the history of the Khilafat Movement and said that Gandhiji had started the Non-Cooperation Movement along with the Khilafat Movement. When the Messenger of Allah was sent into the world, he was sent as a mercy for the whole world. India is like a bouquet and we have made countless sacrifices for the freedom of this country. Therefore, the unity and solidarity of this country is its specialty. Former MLA Waris Pathan said that this is not a political procession, by the grace of Allah Almighty, we have all gathered here to celebrate the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet. MLA Amin Patel said that you (PBUH) have come to this earth as a mercy for the worlds and we, the lovers of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), celebrate his birth anniversary. Member of Assembly Manoj Jamsatkar said that the Khilafat Committee is of historical importance and the procession of Milad is taken out from here. You (PBUH) have broken the chains of ignorance, oppression and oppression and given a new life to humanity. After the meeting, after the prayers and greetings, the meeting took the form of a procession. In the procession, the leader of the procession, Allama Khaliq Ashraf, Congress leader and MP Imran Parpapgarhi, MP Amin Patel and others rode in an open jeep and led the procession. The procession was given a grand welcome by the Baikla Fruit Market. Before the vehicle of these leaders, a convoy of lovers of the Prophet was playing Naat and Manaqabat of the Prophet of Mercy in a respectful and respectful manner, which was very unique. The procession also included tableaux of the holy place, in which the attractions of Medina and Mecca were also included on trucks. In view of Eid Milad-un-Nabi, the police had also made strict security arrangements. Additional Commissioner Central Region Vikram Di Mane, along with the procession staff, was on duty to provide security for the procession. No untoward incident of any kind was reported during the procession and the procession ended peacefully.

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2027 UP polls: Akhilesh Yadav announces annual aid of Rs 40,000 to every woman

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Lucknow, Aug 26: Ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party (SP) on Wednesday made several major election announcements focusing on women, including an annual financial assistance of Rs 40,000 to every woman under the ‘Stri Samman Samriddhi Yojana’.

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav said that this amount would be further increased if they came to power in Uttar Pradesh.

He also promised laptops for girls who passed the 12th grade, transportation facilities for girl students, reopening 26,000 closed primary schools, and ensuring women’s safety.

Mainpuri MP Dimple Yadav, referring to the “A” in the party’s PDA as “half the population”, said that respecting women and empowering them economically is the party’s priority.

PDA stands for Pichhda (backward classes), Dalit, and Alpsankhyak (minorities), a core social coalition strategy coined by Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav.

She appealed to women not to be “bound by old customs and social restrictions”.

During the event, Akhilesh Yadav said that the progress of the country and the state is impossible without the participation of half the population.

He asserted that the Samajwadi Party will work for the respect, security, and economic self-reliance of women.

Taking a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the SP Chief said, “Even those who do not understand technology are now talking about distributing tablets… For the BJP, women have become merely a political slogan.”

Referring to the ‘1090’ women’s helpline and the ‘102’ ambulance service launched during the Samajwadi Party government, Akhilesh Yadav said that the party had done “concrete work” in women’s safety and healthcare.

He raised the issue of women’s reservation, questioning the delay in implementing the Women’s Reservation Act, which had already been passed.

He demanded that women’s reservation be implemented in the upcoming elections.

The SP President also announced transportation facilities for women and female students, and said, “Women should become independent and empowered. Women’s mobility will be improved. Facilities like free metro travel will be available to female students through a card… The Samajwadi Party works to unite people with a progressive mindset, and PDA is its unifying slogan.”

Akhilesh Yadav also took a jibe at the Uttar Pradesh government’s ‘Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrishakti Yatra Yojana’ announced for elderly women.

“We have to keep our offices fully shielded. Our plans are reaching there (the government). I don’t understand why we plan something, and then the information gets leaked. This is the result of making bus travel free for elderly women,” he said.

He added that the Samajwadi Party is a party with progressive ideas and adapts to the times and circumstances.

The SP Chief said that if his government is formed in Uttar Pradesh, the 26,000 previously closed primary schools will be reopened and the conditions of Anganwadi centres will be improved.

He also announced the resumption of the bicycle scheme, saying that bicycles will be provided to students as before under the Samajwadi government.

Regarding women’s facilities, Akhilesh Yadav talked about the construction of better public toilets.

He said that public toilets should be given the respectful name “Izzatghar”.

“The Samajwadi Party would work to alleviate women’s insecurity and provide complete freedom to half the population,” he added.

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Jaipur Range Police integrates 101 accident-prone zones with Google Maps under its ‘Operation Safer Road’ campaign

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Jaipur, Aug 26: In a major road-safety initiative aimed at reducing accidents and saving lives, the Jaipur Range Police has launched ‘Operation Safer Road’, a technology-driven initiative under which accident-prone zones on national and state highways in the Jaipur Range have been integrated with Google Maps.

The initiative is designed to alert motorists when they approach identified accident-prone locations, enabling them to reduce speed and exercise greater caution before reaching potentially dangerous stretches.

Jaipur Range IG Rahul Prakash said the black spots were identified through a scientific analysis of road accident and fatality data collected over the past three years. He said the objective was not only to identify accident-prone locations but also to use technology to provide timely warnings to motorists and promote safer driving.

Based on accident data from 2023 to 2025, police have identified 101 black spots across the Jaipur Range. The identified locations include Jaipur Rural: 28, Dausa: 24, Kotputli-Behror: 19, Alwar: 11, Sikar: 10, Bhiwadi: 5, Khairthal-Tijara: and Jhunjhunu: 1.

The classification of these locations has been based not only on the number of accidents but primarily on the severity of fatalities recorded at the sites during the three-year period. Under the initiative, motorists using Google Maps for navigation on highways within the Jaipur Range will receive a road-safety alert when approaching a designated accident-prone zone.

The advance warning is intended to encourage drivers to slow down, remain alert and adjust their driving according to road conditions. The Jaipur Range Police has also developed a QR code-based digital facility as part of Operation Safer Road. By scanning the QR code, users can access information about identified black spots through Google Maps.

The information includes the location, risk category, geographical coordinates and other relevant road-safety details. Police officials first conducted a detailed analysis of police records, traffic information and accident data collected from highways. Each identified accident-prone location was subsequently verified geographically and digitally mapped. Technical information related to the locations was then prepared for integration with Google Maps.

IG Rahul Prakash said the initiative represents an important step towards using technology to reduce road fatalities.

Following the pilot implementation in the Jaipur Range, the police have sent a proposal to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) seeking expansion of the system to highways across Rajasthan and eventually other parts of the country.

The Jaipur Range Police expects that timely digital warnings at accident-prone locations will help motorists exercise greater caution and contribute to reducing road accidents and fatalities.

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