Peace Talks Progress In Manipur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Manipur, where he addressed rallies despite pouring rain, has largely been well-received and should provide an impetus for more meaningful peace talks. Bargaining and pressure tactics may not stop with the Kuki- Zo Council stating that National Highway 2 will remain closed in view of lack of progress towards an agreement. The view of those aware of the negotiations is that the Kuki groups have realised that the demand for a Union territory or separate administration for their areas is not on the table. The discussions are focussed on ensuring peace and safeguards, which the Centre is prepared to consider. As far as the Council’s demand that buffer zones remain in place, there has been no move to do away with them. Central interlocutors are working to restore free movement along highways and slowly reduce the number of exclusive zones that have become enclosures for Kukis and Meiteis. While the Council is not expected to admit the Union territory demand is off the table and would like to keep assuring Kuki opinion that the community’s interests are being represented, there is a realisation on all sides that a state of siege and insecurity is taking a heavy toll of people’s lives. Reports about restoration of a popular government in the state seem to lack credence as the efforts of former Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, who is governor of Manipur, are concentrated on bringing about an agreement between Meiteis and Kukis that will allow free movement from their respective areas to those where the other community is in a majority.

Does Raj Gain?

The Shiv Sena (Uddhav) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are moving closer to a political pact with Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray meeting with increasing urgency. The immediate test will be the Mumbai civic elections, whenever they are scheduled. But observers wonder who would benefit more. Raj Thackeray has been a minor player and MNS has not made a mark in the state. A pact that allows MNS to tap into the vote UBT retains post Sena’s split in 2022 might help Raj Thackeray’s outfit win seats that it might not have on its own. This would basically mean UBT sharing an already fragmented and depleted pie.

The Jaish Diaries

 

Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Masood Ilyas Kashmiri re-confirmed that the May 7 Operation Sindoor strikes on the terror outfit’s headquarters in Bahawalpur wiped out several members of JeM boss Maulana Masood Azhar’s family. Kashmiri is not be mistaken with Ilyas Kashmiri, reportedly killed in a US drone attack in 2011, and who headed the “313brigade” within Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami and is mentioned by 26/11 plotter Tahawwur Rana. The Kashmiri in question is, however, an equally bad egg and his remarks highlight JeM’s “sacrifices”, providing more evidence of damage to Pakistan Army’s prized ‘asset’.

Kishor Factor in Bihar

As the Bihar elections approach, people are talking about the impact of former poll strategist Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party. Though he is getting some traction among younger voters, the vote is strongly polarised between the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) and NDA. Apart from Mukesh Sahani’s Vikassheel Insaan Party which switched allegiance to the I.N.D.I.A. bloc ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha poll, the line up is the same as in 2020. Kishor’s bid to carve a space would be more a concern for BJP, but NDA leaders are confident his influence will not be significant.

Mission Mode In Gurugram

As the rains recede, the Haryana government is launching a cleanliness drive in Gurugram to tackle the problem of garbage dumping and construction waste that has turned the city into a civic nightmare. The refuse is also contributing to the flooding problem by clogging drains. While the special drive is welcome, the city needs a much more thorough long-term plan. And that requires a display of political will to make the corporation and the state bureaucracy deliver.

 Proof of Trade

The commerce ministry statement after the visit of US chief negotiator for Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations Brendan Lynch on September 16, 2025 was brief and to the point. Discussions, the ministry said, were “positive and forward looking”, and concluded by stating that it had been decided to intensify efforts to achieve “early conclusion” of a mutually beneficial pact. The guarded remarks indicate that forward momentum in talks will now require a rollback of the 25 per cent “penalty” tariff imposed on India for buying Russian oil.

  EPS Turns to Delhi

Calls for “unity” within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam are unsettling party leader Edappadi Palaniswami as dissents like those from former minister Sengottaiyan, unfazed by threats of disciplinary action, continue to insist that former party leaders be rehabilitated. This would include the late J Jayalalithaa’s confidante Sasikala, among others. Naturally, Palaniswami senses a plot. Despite his public efforts to keep underplay ally BJP’s role in any likely AIADMK-led government, he is understood to have turned to Delhi to help shore his position.

Indian politicsKukisMaharashtraManipurMeitiesMNSNarendra Modi