Fallout of Suppression & Violence
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: July 11 2015 -
The recent killing of a Class XI student during the protest against The Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers (MRVT&MW) Bill, 2015 has been condemned by several organizations cutting across party or ethnic lines.
The matter was also raised in the Legislative Assembly session which was adjourned sine die on Friday. Chief Minister O Ibobi has expressed shock over the killing and also assured institution of an inquiry to probe into the incident.
As always, the Chief Minister said those found guilty will not be spared but implicitly shielded the police personnel when he said the forces faced a harsh situation while handling such protests.
The Deputy Chief Minister who also holds the Home portfolio too assured a departmental inquiry to ascertain the circumstances that led to the death of the boy. Like the Chief Minister, Gaikhangam too expressed the belief that the incident was not caused by a deliberate act from the side of the police personnel.
While the loss of life in such episodes has always been condemned by several organizations even in the past, the primary cause of people’s anger and mass discontentment has not been given a slice of importance by the authorities.
The Joint Action Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILP) had over time and again made its stand clear on the infamous Bill. The committee had also forewarned of serious agitations if the Government failed to withdraw the Bill in the current form.
Even as the actual fate of the bill is not clear so far, now is time again to reflect on the futility of sacrificing hundreds of lives while dealing with key issues on the future of a State like Manipur.
While killings cannot be condoned at all cost, one should also be reminded again that it is the duty of the State to feel the vibe of the citizens irrespective of assertions on issues.
The State cannot afford to put excessive pressures on the people for its own failure to deal head on with pressing issues which required actions and not statements.
The issue on hand at the moment in fact does not need any more violent suppression for the writing on the wall has been amply clear now.
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