TODAY -

E-Pao! Opinions - Away With The Ruin - Let Us Build Something New

Away With The Ruin - Let Us Build Something New
By: RK Somorjit *


FREEDOM – AS WE SAW IT:
Television and radio stations, newspapers and periodicals in a democratic country like India never stop talking about “freedom” in the “free world”. There are “free elections” and “free citizens”. There is “freedom of opinion” and, above all, there is “free enterprise economy” affording chances to the capable.

All this talk about freedom has very little to do with the bitter truth of everyday life as experienced by the majority of people in the North-East Indian state of Manipur. Even today, after more than two decades of Independence, peoples are still forced to fight for the most elementary human rights.

There are countless problems awaiting solutions in the today’s society of Manipur. Amongst the most urgent is the violation of human rights by security forces in fighting terror. And the countless cowardly murders and crimes committed against women and children by Indian troops are another, and possibly worse, aspect of the matter.

Here are just a few examples:
In 1984, CRPF personnel (Indian forces) fired at a group of people watching a game of volley ball in Heirangoithong, Imphal and killed 13 civilians.
In 1987, 15 villagers of Oinam village in Senapati district were killed by AR(Indian forces) after militants ambushed them and decamped with arms and ammunition.
On 25 August 1993, five civilians were killed in Tera Bazar again by CRPF, after militants killed two of their personnel in an ambush.
In 1995, nine civilians including a medical student were lined up and shot dead by Indian Armies at RIMS in Lamphelpat, Imphal.
On 3 October 1999 , ten civilians including state government employees on election duty were killed by 35th CRPF Battalion force (Indian forces) at Tonsen Lamkhai in Thoubal district Manipur.
On 2 November 2000, at around 3:20 pm ten innocent civilians including a 62 year old woman were shot dead by personnel of the Assam Rifles (Indian forces) at Malom Makha Leikai Boroi Makhong, Manipur. At least 42 persons, including four women, were hospitalized after they were brutally assaulted by Assam Rifles troops during combing operations mounted in the Malom area the same day.
On 28 December 2000, the personnel of the Indian Armies 15th Jat Regiment had massacred eight civilians including a 25 year old mentally retarded person in the Tabunglong Village, Tamenglong District of Manipur in retaliation to an earlier attack by the suspected members of an armed opposition group on Tamenglong-Imphal State Highway.

This is a scenario of “freedom”- oppression, murders – a bitter fact in the democratic state of Manipur. This is not just atrocity, but planned atrocity, long prepared and thoroughly prepared. All this are a threat to freedom, a direct attack on democracy and human rights. This is not only a challenge to the Manipuris but also to the whole mankind. Under the regime of bloodthirsty soldiers we, the Manipuris, feel as if we are wearing the chains of colonialism although we live in a free and democratic country.

MILITARY SHOULD NOT LONGER BE USED AS A POLITICAL WEAPON:
Killing innocent people is neither a law of nature nor a law of democracy. India is not the country where Hitler’s fascism was introduced but it is a country where Mahatma Gandhi was born and spread non-violent movement all over the world .The life of a person should be respected in such a democratic country like India but it is unfortunate that in the north east states of India the blood of hundreds of thousands of innocent peoples have colored the green hills and valleys red.

War or violence is not the only way of struggling for peace and solving problems. It is proven to be very true: for instance, Mahatma Gandhi led India to independence without weapons or armies. Today most of the leaders, policy makers, rules of India seem to forget Mahatma Gandhi‘s message and the triumph of non-violent. Ironically, the government is trying to solve the insurgency problems by deploying troops and enforcing anti-terror laws, which give special power to the forces that they can kill or arrest or torture, anybody on suspicion – the law itself terrorized the people. Common sense says that their barbarous racial theory of conquering every “living space” by forces of arms in Manipur is an ideology to oppress the civilians and not to extirpate insurgency or terror or armed separatist guerrillas.

Now see the result of employing forces against their own people, when one civilian is oppressed or harshly killed, thousands of anti-national or separatism ideology among the young generation take birth and definitely, the demands for separation of the Manipur from India, for referendum on this matter become ever louder.

Rebellious policy of Indian Government to keep down the armed separatist guerrillas in Manipur and other north-eastern states is like opening a Pandora‘s box.

YOUTH –THE BACKBONE OF THE STRUGGLE FOR PEACE:
When a demonstration takes place anywhere in the globe youth is always a part of it. In Manipur also youth takes part whenever protest demonstrations take place. This has shown itself time and again in all issue- on 18 June 2001, the youths rocked Indian Government against the hasty step of extension the Naga-cease fire in the territory of Manipur. About 18 youths shed their blood in the struggle to keep the territorial integrity of Manipur, for the blood and heroism resulted in the survival of Manipur.

It is confirmed that the youths are wholeheartedly active in every issue. To revive our strength again reorganization of all the youth of different belief and outlook, and cooperation between various sections of youth has to be established to set up a unified youth organization. It would lead to a gain in strength for the next lap of the struggle for our “genuine freedom” and the safety of our civil rights. This will also make it possible to raise the methods and aims of youth work to a new and qualitatively higher level.

YOUTH –UNITED IN AIMS AND ACTION :
It is a right time for us, the young generation of Manipur, to unite in aims and action to combat for our civil rights and “genuine freedom”. Unity will give us new hope, the enthusiasm and new optimism for our struggle. Since the majority of the young generation is more or less infected by drugs addiction, HIV-AIDS and remains unproductive, it might be a complicated task to reorganize all the youths.

The best possible way of preparing the soil for the foundation of a unified, free, democratic mass organization for youth is to first bring together all young people of various outlook and beliefs and teach/learn them how to bear responsibility and –irrespective of social origin, political affiliation and outlook- to think and act in the spirit of progress.

We, the young generation, should be conscious of the fact that working for human rights and freedom today is one of the most important and supreme task of us to develop a new society where we have a feeling of peace; a feeling of freedom; a feeling of confidence and also of harmony.

Building up of such a society, free from violence, genocide terror, oppression exploitation and social discrimination colonialism can make good progress only when the whole of society is transformed as a homogeneous revolution progresses and when we, the young generation, have the comradely attitude, the strength of unity and when we work tirelessly. We should also not be afraid of anything - to speak, write and do what many people thought and craved to say or do for many years but dared not. We ourselves also should get rid of all the unspeakable vile and degrading ruler into which hands are evil faith has delivered us.

The future of Manipur depends on the spirit in which we work today. Our highest duty should be concern for the future and fight for our human rights, peace and freedom. We all know that the road to a guaranteed “genuine freedom” is still a long one beset with many obstacles. However, we should neither give a pause nor a let-up in the struggle for “real freedom” so that the future generation will remain strangers to terms like oppression, genocide terror and militarism.

Let us work together to tear out all the genocide terror, oppression exploitation, social discrimination, colonialism, militarism and all the draconian laws by the root from our society.

I am writing in the hours before dawn, sometimes we hear shots but they no longer frighten us, we have become hardened. We are under complete oppression; the ruling régime introduced curfews. A new day will dawn, a day we shall live to see as oppressed people but we are profoundly convinced that in the final consequence, our struggle for “genuine freedom” and progress will be crowned with victory.


* RK Somorjit resides at Imphal and can be contacted at [email protected]


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025