Manipur in global limelight
Free Thinker *
The European Parliament passing a resolution pertaining to the ‘state’ of Manipur is somewhat perturbing and it sounds like a diplomatic faux pas. Certainly, it is not palatable for a bonhomie relationship.
Obviously, few people are working to do a stunt in the global arena without really comprehending the situation at the ground level. When the situation is limping back to normalcy – we don’t understand the utility of such provocative propaganda. The mentors of the resolution had done damage to the Indo-EU relation, and projecting it on religious lines may have uneasy ramifications.
This is purely India’s internal matter – the EU or the US or for that matter any country or international organization should not poke their noses. We are competent enough to do it ourselves. Sometimes when children don’t listen to the good advice of their parents, they are left free and unguided - so that they come back to their senses. Perhaps they (both sides) have started realizing that what they have been doing is utterly wrong.
People have learned a lesson that no leader dies when there is mob violence and bloodbath. Neither the bara leaders nor the small netas come forward to protect their people. Only common people die on both sides. They are simply instigators – so they should be completely ignored if not guillotined.
The so-called 'Buffer zones' must be made 'Better zones'. Using drones Army and Security forces are doing a great job clearing the bunkers and weaponized hut camps. These 'Better zones' must be used to build reasonably good houses for the resettlement of both displaced communities(50-50 ), so as to maintain a balance inside the colony. These colonies should be named ‘Peace and Harmony Colonies’.
Global limelight strikes us off and on - a long-time back BBC once reported that “Manipur is the most corrupt state”. The report made us happy as well as sad; happy, because a globally famous new agency has recognized the problem we are facing; sad because the world has come to know about our shortcomings and international media have highlighted our malaise. Many reacted “How can they say this -what is the yardstick? Other states are also equally corrupt”. But nobody challenged the report – because there was some truth in it.
Sometimes we get international limelight with sparkling news like “Mary Kom has become the first woman pugilist who has won the World Boxing Championship 5 times” – such global limelight is wonderful. The world wanted to know about her and about her home country and home state.
Again We are proud of Shyam Sarma the producer and director of ‘Ishanou’(film) – his film was screened in the most coveted internal film festival at Cannes, 30 years ago. The same film was screened this year again at Cannes recognizing the intrinsic significance of such a unique film.
A few decades ago Manipur was again in the global limelight recognising it as the AIDs capital – severely infected by the disease. We were under global surveillance – medically. International as well as National health agencies were trying to control the spread of the disease. Many youngsters had lost their lives due to AIDs and drug addiction. The main culprit of AIDs was intravenous drug addiction. Today the menace of drug addiction and AIDs is under control.
Today Manipur is constantly in the international news ( limelight) due to the prolonged non-stop violence between the Meiteis and Kukis. I believe by now the people might have understood the futilities of bloodshed. The situation is slowly coming back to normalcy.
The tension and mistrust are still looming large. Restoration of trust and confidence will take a long time. Immediately peace and normalcy are required and proper rehabilitation of the victims in the fastest possible way is the need of the hour.
Government employees must be given leave and liberty till normalcy is redeemed. Leaders must come out and talk to one another. The Home Minister has made it very clear to both sides to start negotiating and work out a possible settlement. State leaders must initiate – he will join the parley only when there is a possibility of an amicable settlement.
Honestly, Delhi think tanks can’t handle such an intricate matter like ours. Only the local wizards can work out a solution – but the wizards must be selected wisely from both sides - D Saheb? Carrot and stick, both are required.
US Embassy wala or EU MEPs (few) are perhaps misled by a one-sided narrative. Actually, it is never a clash on religious lines – but largely on ethnic lines based on outdated ideas of identity, statehood, nationhood, etc.; perhaps they don’t know that the world is fast becoming boundaryless and technology has made humanity one community. Still, we are fighting for land and dominance – this is purely a family internal matter.
The Christian lobby is stronger internationally than the Hindus who believe in ‘Basu dev Kutum bakam’. When India is teaching yoga the world over – others are practicing Kung Fu on us.
Perhaps both the Parents are very angry since we don’t listen to their advice i.e., to remain calm. So, obviously, we are getting – neither ST nor SA or GN. Get some rice and continue to live on.
* Free Thinker wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on July 17 2023 .
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