Choose those who can keep promises
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: January 17, 2012 -

The release of manifestos of various parties during election time is a much awaited affair as a party manifesto gives a glimpse of the particular party's vision for the country or the state, its policies and programmes, its area of focus and thrust.

Two major political parties, who are in the fray for the ensuing elections to the 10th Manipur State Legislative Assembly, the Manipur People's Party (MPP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) took the lead in releasing their party manifesto, thereby making known its plan for the state for the next five years.

Both the parties have covered all the major issues confronting the state and which have exercised the minds of the people of Manipur for quite some time. The repeal of the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 has been among the long unfulfilled desire of the people of the state.

There has been a strong resentment and protests against the imposition of this Act, Irom Sharmila's epic struggle being the foremost instance of it. Though both MPP and NCP are for the repeal of the Act, both the parties seem to be aware of the enormity of the task as there is hardly any consensus among the major parties of the country about its removal.

Hence the MPP will put in "Maximum effort to repeal the unpopular AFSPA" while the NCP, Manipur "reiterates its demand to repeal the inhuman and much abused AFSPA, 1958". Understandably, both the parties are also firm about safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur, an issue which has come under sharp focus recently in view of the reported offer of "Supra State Body" to the NSCN -IM by Government of India. On the the issue of insurgency, the MPP believes it cannot be suppressed by force and will strive to put an end to it by "resorting to political means" while the NCP will resolve the conflict "through dialogue and negotiations".

Sensible approaches which any sensible person should have have no issue with but the real challenge would be how the armed conflict will come to a state of "political means" and "dialogues and negotiations". Reintroduction of the Inner Line Permit in Manipur figures in the Manifestos of both the parties while the NCP is also for the removal of the Restricted Area Permit. While the former reflects the fear of the indigenous population of being swamped by migrant population from the rest of the country, the later is borne out of the desire to encourage tourists to the state as a means to enhance the economy of the state.

The MPP's intend to introduce Manipur Legislative Council to facilitate participation of many small ethnic groups in the political process should find a resonance among all those who believe in making the democratic polity as representative and participatory as possible.

On the economic front both the parties talk about focusing on agriculture and horticulture, as also about developing agro based industry. Development of fishery also figures prominently in the manifestos. Providing basic amenities like drinking water, electricity access to medical facilities in rural and remote area also finds a mention in the manifestos of both the parties.

NCP's proposal to set up a Regulatory Authority for private hospital, nursing homes etc to "ensure quality services, affordable fees and prevent/punish malpractice" if implemented will serve the interest of the not so well off people in accessing medical facilities.

Every problem of various sections of the society, women, children, youth and the elderly are also addressed in the manifestos. Issues of protection of environment, promotion of art and culture, enhancing facilities of sportsperson among others also find mention in the manifestos.

The intent and vision of both the parties appear impressive on paper, in the sense that most of the issue plaguing the state is addressed in their manifestos. But there is always a huge gap between saying and doing.

The real test will only come when the time for actualizing the promises and the vision is at hand. The people of the state have been disappointed time and again after every election with the inability of political parties and leaders to live up to their tall claims. This makes it all the more important for the voters to ponder deeply and chose only those parties or individuals who will deliver on their promises.