Manipur, June 27 -- The recent communique to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio forwarded by state Governor RN Ravi can be read in many ways depending on how one understands the power of the governor conferred by under Article 371 A(1) (B) of the Constitution of India. In the missive, RN Ravi said that the scenario in Nagaland was grim. He stated that 'law and order' in the state has collapsed. The constitutionally established state government is being challenged on a day to day basis by the "armed gangs" who question the sovereignty and integrity of the nation while the instrument of law and order remain totally unresponsive.

Keeping in mind such a backdrop, the governor said that he could no longer abstain from his Constitutional obli...