Looking at the virtual world : Essence of timely announcements
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: July 22 2015 -

Judicial inquiry to probe the circumstances that led to the death of school boy Sapam Robinhood in police action on July 8.

Thirty days time sought to frame a fresh Bill to check the influx of non-locals and protect the indigenous people of the land.

Decisions which could have been taken much earlier.

Earlier. This is of utmost importance here.

If only the Government had felt the need to prepare a more comprehensive and understanding Bill then most probably Manipur would not have witnessed the death of Robinhood.

If only the Government had earlier announced or assured that a new Bill would be prepared within one month or thirty days time, then Manipur probably would not have had to face the days of street protests that resulted not only in loss of precious time but also numerous unsavoury incidents.

With the Congress Legislature Party now deciding to constitute a Judicial inquiry to probe the death of Sapam Robinhood, perhaps the JAC formed in connection with the demise of the student may be persuaded to repose their faith in the inquiry.

With the Government now announcing that a new Bill will be prepared within one month time, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System may be persuaded to relax its tough stance and come to the negotiating table with the Government.

This is not to say that the people should relax their stand but a break from the days of street protests may just be needed.

It may also help for everyone if some thoughts are given to the unsavoury incidents that occurred during the street protests.

Things that could go wrong at times did go wrong and in some cases it was not curfew that dissuaded some people from venturing out but the apprehension of being caught up in the confrontations between the police and the protesters.

How long such a situation will continue lies in the realm of speculations but the truth is Imphal is in flames and the Government should spare no efforts to restore normalcy.

Torch rallies in the dead of the night, road blocks, sit-in protests, pitched battles between policemen and protesters, loud piercing sound emanating from the clanging of electric posts in every neighbourhood-these are the realities in the daily lives of everyone now.

Move to the virtual realm and it may be even worse.

With practically no one to oversee who post what and all under the cloak of ‘anonymity’, it becomes easy for mischief mongers to play around with the senses of everyone.

Hate mails have also become a reality and this is not a comfortable thought at all.

No sure shot formula on how to deal with such mischief makers, but if caution is not exercised then it may amount to pitching the people against each other.

A point which no one can afford to overlook.

Important too to keep in mind that the demand to protect the local people from the endless incursions of non-local people should not be taken to mean that it is a movement aimed against any particular group of people.

As the group spearheading the present movement, perhaps the JCILPS need to walk the extra mile and educate everyone on the essence of the movement and see that it creates no room for hate mongers to come to the fore.

Let the Government come to the point that it cannot afford to lose any more time and let it also be acknowledged that the concerns of the people are also real.

At the same time, it will help if some serious thought is given on why Manipur attracts so many non-local people.

A look at Mizoram and contrasting it with Nagaland may help.