If we all introspect honestly, to certain degree we know why we have arrived
to this impossibly hard time. Let us not make it harder for the new
generations to come. Let us stop blaming or fighting each other but
look forward. My humble opinions and comments are:
Politicians/Leaders
We elected you to represent us, to voice our wishes, to fight for what
we
deserve and to lead us as a prosperous society. We don’t elect you to
turn
on us. If you have the making of a real politician and a leader;
First, you should get all these suppressive and stupid laws and
restrictions
removed. These are your duties, why should busy people and students who
should be working or studying waste their times doing your job.
Remember we
are now in 21 century, the age of internet, and the world is a
big-wide-open
village and we don’t want to be left behind.
Secondly, start giving emphasis on building world-class roads,
providing
potable water and electricity for all. You will be surprise to see how
fast
our society will move forward once these basic needs are met. These
would
have been done long time back if not for the widespread corruption. Let
us
not harp any further on the past, but look forward.
Thirdly, one important and peculiar problem for Manipur is that
encroachment
of agricultural land in the valley areas should be stopped at any cost.
We
should encourage people to build houses, offices, hospitals and any
development constructions in the foothills and preserve the valleys for
agriculture, fisheries and livestock.
If you think you have no guts to face the challenges, you better join a
“Sumang Lila” group, and you will serve the people better.
UGs
Time has shown us that you have brought us nothing but pain and
anguish.
Armed struggle, with or without a valid cause, is becoming obsolete and
is
being branded as terrorist. The history of civilization is entering the
stage were any form of violence will be disdained. Of course, human has
been
fighting since the beginning but now there are many civilized ways to
fight
without inflicting injuries to others.
In sort, your times are up and
we
want no more trouble. What about giving up your arms to the Emma and
Eche,
for they are the ones who have been suffering most. You don’t have to
surrender to the arm forces, officials, politicians or anyone else who
are
hunger for the credit.
Just wake up one day, and let Emma and Eche know
that
you are starting all over again, working hard to realize your childhood
dreams. I am sure that Emma and Echhe will be happiest of all the souls
and
make a present of the arms to the officials who will be entrusted to
fight
the evils of the societies. I can ensure you that, this way, you will
contribute better to the society.
Police Forces
The arm in your hand is not a power but a responsibility to protect
your
sisters, brothers and parents from the evils of the societies. It is
time
for you to take full charge of your responsibilities. Society like ours
needs you to keep your head cool and to be strong in characters.
Arm Forces
What a shame! You are trained and made to take oath to protect your
fellow
citizens from the outside forces. But you are turning your guns to the
people you are entrusted to protect. It is time for you to go back to
your
barracks or go and guard the borders. Of course, you are ordered by the
politicians to meddle into civilian problems. But you should learn to
protest and refuse whenever you are called for such misadventures.
Student
Much has been said on the power of student. You are our tomorrow, the
bright
future. Make the best of every situation to learn the most. Next time
you
vote for your leader make sure she or he is a genuine student like you
with
bright dreams and hopes. STOP BURNING YOUR BOOKS.
Meiteis, Nagas, Kuki, Mayang, Pangan, and etc
Let us accept the fact that chauvinism is a part of human nature.
Human,
being a gregarious animal is always protective of his or her own
community
and anybody from outside the community is a threat or inconvenience. A
minority at a given place or time is at the receiving end. It happens
everywhere, Tangkhul or Kuki in Imphal, Meitei or Kuki in Ukhrul,
Behari in
Dhimapur, Sikh in Patna, Scottish in London and etc.
However, if we
pick up
knives and guns and start killing each other because of this nature
then we
are evolving towards the wrong direction. My point here is that we
should
learn to live together by accepting and respecting the different in us,
rather than further muddying it up, which would be total waste of time
and
energy. Having said that we should stay on guard as this is an emotive
issue
which could be easily exploited and enflamed by a few with vested
interest.
Finally, let us for once and all stop the system of ‘Wanomba
(bribery)”, and
give a fair play a chance. We have paid heavily because of this social
evil
born out of individual selfishness.
* Kangla Sa regularly writes to e-pao.net
He can be contacted at [email protected]
This article was uploaded on September 21, 2004
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