Focus on Assam and Manipur ? Confusion and more confusion
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: August 22, 2012 -
Two developments have the potential to suddenly put Manipur, after Assam, in the centre of the ring in what is turning out to be a National shame.
One is undoubtedly the death of Sharif Ahmad, a young lad from Lilong, who was among the four persons killed when they were pushed out of a running train at Belakoba railway station near Jalpaiguri and the other is the report carried in the August 21 edition of The Hindustan Times in which five armed Muslim organisations, purportedly based in the State, have been identified as potential trouble makers.
Fourteen organisations have similarly been identified in Assam. The Hindustan Times based its report on the basis of inputs from sources within the Union Home Ministry.
From Pakistan to organisations based in Assam and Manipur and things have only gotten more complex and dicey.
Is the investigation drawing us anywhere near to the truth or has it only made things more confusing ?
It would be premature to jump to conclusions at the moment, but the feeling that the focus may shift to Assam and Manipur from the cities from which thousands of North East people have fled is overwhelming.
Not a pleasant thought at all, given the sensitive nature of the issue as well as the demographic composition of the two States.
On the other hand two days down the line and the State Government is yet to receive any official report on what actually happened at Belakoba railway station in West Bengal.
Or at least the officials deputed to Guwahati to co-ordinate the movement of people returning home to Manipur are yet to be intimated of the report prepared in connection with the attack on the train.
Conspiracy theories can fly thick and fast in an atmosphere of confusion and create suspicion amongst the people.
This can be dangerous and will only provide more ammos to the mischief makers and rumour mongers.
How well organised are the groups, purportedly based in Manipur, to be able to fan communal passion across the country ?
This is not a rhetorical question but requires serious thought.
All the more reason for the people of Manipur to be on guard against any elements who may try to spread communal canards.
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