TODAY -

A prisoner society, caged people and process of dehumanization
- Part 3 -

Kh Ibomcha *



Our first historical vocation, therefore, is to recover our lost humanity or making us more human by educating ourselves know the structure of dehumanization pushed forward in the post-merger kanglei socio-political life.

While trying to rediscover our lost humanity and in the endeavor to pull ourselves out of the quagmire in which we have been trapped, there is a need to anchor ourselves to our own cultural roots rather than attaching to the value system that took shape based on Vedic ideals.

The necessity of going back to where we come from is to enable ourselves to fight back those who are dehumanizing us using soft power like culture and political values besides hard power like economic means and military power spewing out fears, injustices and violence upon us.

"Manipur bu India na namphuda lousinkhibani" we often hear them (Kangleichas including Kanglei parents) say. Yes, Manipur was forcibly annexed into India.

The National Convention on 'Manipur Merger Agreement' held in 1993 at GM Hall under the aegis of a conglomerate of civil society organizations attended by prominent figures of Manipur had also declared the agreement as void and null.

However we still hear Kanglei parents warning their sons or daughter not to mix up with those who are resisting Indian rules or rather Indian colonialism (as claimed by Kanglei nationalists)—why?

This parental warning to their offspring should not be taken as lightly as it seems outwardly; it is the fear of 'the state' or being rot in jails or the fear of army boots that twists their arm to say their son/daughter 'ichasa leibak ning yapotte' which can best be described as 'fear of freedom'.

This fear is what ruins us all. Those who dominate us take advantage of our fear and frighten us still more to maintain their dominance. As long as we are afraid, we will rot like the birches in the marsh. We must grow bold and rediscover our lost humanity.

Only as we cast off this fear—the fear of freedom—can we break through the wall of prison society (Kanglei society) where we are locked up like caged people. As long as we live with dual personality where half of you love to be Indian while the other half of you love to live to be a free man, we will become less and less human each day.

Relooking at the political economy of Post-merger Manipur, we can see that we have so long been left to live on the economic doles or false charity of Delhi. This is one of the many ways, may be the most significant, how we have been dehumanized making our hands extending more and more in supplication so that less and less our hands become human hands.

In such economy where the means of production has fallen off our hands, we see neither entrepreneurs nor efforts but it only encourages corruption and indiscretion thus breeding inhuman behavioral patterns within our core—the self.

Consequent upon it you can see the crumbling effect of society where there will be no trust amongst the people thus creating enemies within themselves as we see in present day Kanglei society.

Thus, Kangleichas being separated from what we call creativity—the basic element constituting human being, the post-merger political economy reduces Kanleichas into a mere beggars who always extend their trembling begging hands, for example the government of Manipur.

Now we seem to have used to begging, fears and injustices with which we have been living since long and the structure of our thought has also been deeply conditioned by the existential situation thus shaped which is essentially characterized by suppression and violence. Sometimes, in certain stages our perception about ourselves as oppressed and caged people seems to have been impaired and distorted that we begin to identify ourselves as an Indian completely forgetting who were.

In other words, we have culturally been so divorced from our own root that our idea of being a man began to define in terms of 'Mayang culture'. 'Mayang' becomes their model of humanity. The attitude of adhesion to 'mayang lichat' manifested in more than one way in Kanglei way of life can be seen as a product of their prolonged existential experience as oppressed or rather as 'Meenai'(a word used by Kanglei nationalists in Meiteilon).

Kangleicha, having internalized the brutality and inhumanness meted out on them by Indian army, are fearful of freedom. Attaining freedom or re-humanization would require them to eject this image and replace it with Kanglei sense and sensibility including 'leibabak ningba' and having allegiance to his or her nation.

In order to surmount the situation of oppression the people of Kangleipak must be equipped with capability of critically recognizing how and why they have been oppressed and the consequences of the oppression which they piggyback, so that they can free themselves from their own mental-cage of "fearing freedom" that always makes it impossible in their pursuit of fuller humanity.

'Fear of greater repression' is one of the many reasons why there has been Fear of freedom or 'Leibak Ningba kiba' in the minds of our people who prefer the security of conformity with their state of un-freedom to being beaten or tortured which will give them what they really need i.e., becoming more human.

From the above observations what we unmistakably perceive is the fact that as long as there is 'fear of being nationalistic or rather the fear of freedom seated inside our bones, hoping for the emergence of a new man—more human and less degraded—from within ourselves would be something next to impossible.

So, our struggle should begin with the recognition that we have been destroyed and have been made a group of people who fears being human. As Paulo Freire said the only instrument is the humanizing pedagogy where people are taught the reality with which they are living and becoming less and less human as time goes by, like us, the people of Kangeipak.

Now what we all need is not a leader who sells the too old familiar ideas like "eikhoi Meenai oire" but the one who will not only unveil the realities of Kanglei life but also engage himself in the task of re-creating a new knowledge by letting himself free from "meenai manam" or rather the one who knows the truth—the truth that freedom makes man a man.

Once they attain the knowledge of reality surrounding them, via not spoon-feeding them but through their own reflection and action, no power can stop them in discovering themselves. For this we only need to equip them with understanding the reality surrounding them or rather knowing oneself: why we are so much fearful of being free or why we are becoming less and less human each day within the system to which they have been firmly moored to.

Lastly, it is important to note that we have to go beyond pathological tests and diagnose the overall disease we are suffering from and this task would call for a form of pedagogy that will produce conscientization of the people, for the people by the people.

Concluded...


* Kh Ibomcha wrote this article for Hueiyen Lanpao
This article was posted on November 17, 2015.


* 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
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • 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