Protest over boundary row headache for Govt
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: June 23, 2022 -

USE of security forces, among other pre-emptive measures might succeed in momentarily stifling protests, over the Indo-Myanmar border fencing work, in high security zones but it would be wishful thinking for the government authorities that continuous crackdown against the peaceful demonstrations will eternally suppress the issue.

In view of the state currently experiencing a relatively cordial atmosphere after years of agitations and street protests over varied issues, the controversy or discord arising out of the border fencing project remains the only major issue pending amicable resolution.

It could be safely stated that more civil societies will join hands in prodding the conscience of those helming the affairs in the state and taking the issue to its logical end for threat to territorial integrity has been the root cause of all the major agitations that the state had been experiencing.

As announced earlier, the influential United Committee Manipur (UCM) along with a handful of non-governmental organisations organised a protest demonstration in front of Western Gate of Kangla on Tuesday and categorically declared that more protest will follow in case the government fails to find a solution.

By demanding that all the border fencing works should be put on halt immediately till finalisation of the boundary demarcation, these organisations have rung out the message that there would be no compromise when it comes to preserving the traditional boundaries handed down by the Manipuri forefathers.

Moreover, gifting of vast tract of the fertile Kabow Valley to Myanmar (then Burma) by the then government of India is still being viewed as undermining history and interest of Manipur and its people.

During Tuesday's protest, volunteers of UCM, All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU), Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA) and Meira Paibi activists put on display placards inscribed with slogans like, "Manipur's land is not for sale", "Manipur's land cannot be given away", "Protect Manipur's territorial integrity", "Declare disputed area along Indo-Myanmar border", "Manipur Government must stop border fencing work along disputed Indo-Myanmar border immediately", etc., all of which signified the hurt sentiment of the people.

Though the protestors' bid to march towards the CM's official residence was foiled by the police there is strong apprehension that more such attempts would be made as these organisations seem to be convinced that the government wouldn't respond in the right earnest unless intense agitations are resorted to.

Indifferent attitude of the government, especially after chief minister N Biren and Union MoS Dr RK Ranjan assured of addressing the issue is also akin to adding fuel to fire for there is no valid reason to remain aloof when such a sensitive issue has been brought to the fore.

For the record, the border fencing work was put up hold with effect from August last year, but the same work found continued deep inside the state's territory is certain to infuriate the civil bodies.

Thus, rather than playing deaf and dumb, it is advisable that the government of Manipur at-least convey to the central leaders about the unrest situation evolving in the state and appeal for expediting relevant process for settling the boundary issue once and for all, failing which possibility of the peace protest taking an ugly turn cannot be ruled out.