Chakpikarong: Hotspot of government apathy

Sng Vanchungjoy Anal *

Chakpikarong, as it is officially known is also known by the local name Duthu in Anal lingua. Duthu is a defining term where two rivers Dupi (Chakpi) river and Duhan (Pamtuyang) river merge. Both terms are used interchangeably, and it is on the fertile banks of these rivers that the Sub-divisional Hqr. sits.

Following the Manipur Government Gazette 1958-59 declaring that the then Tengnoupal Sub-division be divided into two administrative units as: No. 1) North Tengnoupal circle and No.2) South Tengnoupal circle. The former remained as it was at Tengnoupal (but was latter shifted and in the present day is known by Chandel Hqr).

While the new circle no.2 was open at Chakpikarong in December 1959 after much strive. It is now Sub-divisional Hqr. It is accessible by two routes either by Imphal-pallel-chandel-chakpikarong route or Imphal-kakching-sugnu-chakpikarong route. The driveway from the capital, partly passing through the international route (to moreh) takes you about 90kms which stretches for about 3.5 hour's by bus. However, the duration can be limited to about 2hrs, if one is to travel by private vehicle.

Inhabited majorly by Anal tribe, Chakpikarong is beautifully tucked away in some remote corner of Manipur's South-East bordering Myanmar. Situated by the foot of the hill provides a bird's-eye view of the habitation- the wide fields, Chakpi river and the closely knit houses surrounding the market.

Having thus touched upon the profile of Chakpikarong briefly, a thought arises to make a suggestive remark underscoring the plight befalling the Sub-division. "What if, one has to say the Sub-division is on the verge of achieving what the constitution of India is tooth and nail against it- Independence?"

At first thoughtless glance, one would find it amusing, but then, the extreme need and urgency to revive and stimulate the various departments in dispensing its duties staunchly supports the assertion of independence as a fodder for thought?

Almost every department of the day has no interest in dispensing its duties; the rejection of the obligations that it is solely entrusted with kills the very principle and ethics of work culture. Work culture is a closed curtain and Ibobi's vociferous slogan like 'no work no pay' becomes clawless. Thanks to booming mobile service, government servants can discharge their duties comfortably seated at home.

This writing is not an attempt to implicate anyone; rather, it is an appeal voicing the concern of the commons for immediate revitalization of the non-performing depts. The place may not offer any incentives, or feel good factor or comfort zone for stay-put and discharge duties. Like any other rural areas the basic facilities are missing, leave luxury quotient behind, electricity blinks and goes, no water supply, no cozy quarters....

But, at least 3 days of attending office is fine, if not alternate days. It goes down well with us, considering the saying something is better than nothing. Think of the life's at stake when the Block office, Primary Health Centre, Police, Bank, etc besides others are not performing. For instance, the incumbent SDO failed to even take notice, forget about conducting an enquiry, of an incident which occurred on the 18th of February, when two houses and properties worth lakhs of rupees were completely gutted.

Yes, by law he is the highest government representative and supposedly the guardian of the Sub-division. The recent accusations and demand for the SDO transfer by the apex body ALT in the local Sangai paper is rightly called for. The PHC medical officer is no different. It really excites one's curiosity, why people have to be at odd to oneself having chosen the profession. Of course, profession like doctor is hard earned.

It doesn't come easy. However, it is inbuilt in the profession that doctors must work with ample amount of dedication towards humanity. These prompt us to emerge with thoughts like 'are these people walking the wrong profession?' In this regard, hats-off to the MSF-Doctors without borders, an international NGO based in Churachandpur for extending their constructive support in running the PHC. They travelled to operate two days a week, Monday and Thursday.

However, the NGO is also interested in making regular presence by opening a centre. Another example is the police station. The presence of single personnel manning the walled police station is virtually the same as not functioning.

Intriguingly, the SBI, Chakpikarong Branch which was smoothly transacting its business has been closed since the previous year. It is currently conducting its business together with its sister Kakching Branch under the same roof. An SBI branch for Chakpikarong people functioning in Kakching under Thoubal District…Huh! What an irony. The Bank is losing its purpose.

The then SBI, Chakpikarong Branch Manager Mr. Chitrabond had a verbal altercation with a customer and the next day he wrapped up and bagged the SBI Chakpikarong Branch to function in his hometown. Whatever degree, the altercation may have been, isn't it too grave for the manager to react in such a manner to put the innocent customers to hardships apparently for no fault of their own? Most of the customers comprised of old age pensioners, army pensioners, women who have passed their prime age.

And imagine the inconvenience, time, energy and money that they have to shell out travelling to kakching which is about 50/60 kms away from Chakpikarong. In life, however difficult the situation may be, it is always rewarding to play our cards well.

Unable to bear the absence of their bank; their financial guardian, concerned public leaders had to run from pillar to post. They rushed down to Shillong requesting the General Manager, SBI (North-East) to reverse the decision besides submitting memoranda to the CM. Even M. Makunga MLA, 42/CDL raised the matter in the Assembly to which Ibobi nodded in the positive.

Till today, the bank is yet to open in chakpikarong and the government has remained a mute spectator to the plight of the people. Instead of augmenting or building the tiny dots of infrastructure, the government and its sub-divisional representatives are plowing the tactic of deliberate ignorance and negligence.

These days, we hardly come across people who live-up to their words, forget promises, they don't happen in the land of Manipur, where the government is breeding and nurturing 'corruption' in their offices, plush apartments, luxurious cars.

Chakpikarong has slowly become a forgotten place, truly a hotspot of government apathy.