A better and inclusive alternative
- Imphal Times Editorial :: January 29 2020 -

The present era of Information Technology has ushered in such irrevocably radical changes that the world is viewed as a global village, and rightly so.

Unrestrained and instant access to knowledge and information as well as improved coverage of communication facilities throughout almost every nook and corner of the world has indeed demolished the barriers to communication and information.

Yet in such an era, ancient habits and archaic practices tend to subdue the logical and contemporary mindset- which can only explain the developments in such a small and geographically challenging state as ours.

The Nagas, in their quest to bring together naga inhabited regions, using various means- both fair and foul, are sculpting a new region as per their wisdom, which they claim is essential to fulfill their end without proper understanding of the repercussions and the collateral damages.

Same is the case with the Kukis who are demanding a unified kukiland, and if tomorrow, the other groups like the Manipuri Muslims, Kabuis, etc. were also to start demanding a separate region out of this state, leave alone the Meiteis, what rational could support such a demand or demands?

Shouldn’t it be better to leave Manipur for the Manipuris- the Nagas, the Kukis, the Kabuis, the Muslims, the Meiteis and whichever group is residing in it.

Regressive thinking, although might benefit a section or group of individuals, ultimately will only hamper even their own development - mentally, spiritually and financially.

A staggering amount of efforts and expenses have been utilized in raising and sustaining such issues as is evident from the scale of operations of these demands.

What if these precious resources - financial and manpower - had been used for finding pragmatic solutions and answers to alleviate the way of life for everyone in this state- be it the scarcity of water, the insufficient and erratic power supply (though considerably improved in the valley areas) on which almost every modern equipments and gadgets are based on, the dismally prepared roads hindering travel and transportation especially towards the interiors - to be at par with the rest of the world and to prepare the future generation to compete and strive with fairness and intensity rather than to bide one’s time and survive on another’s misfortune and circumstances, as did our forefathers during the stone age.

Life is to be lived, not to merely survive, and to strive and grow and progress should be the endeavor of every human.

Succumbing to rhetorics about one’s filial pride and privileges will only leave one behind in the quagmire one so deviously schemed to trap others in.

Is everyone up for it?