No to bandh/strike call of ZB : Need for CSOs to join hands
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: March 17 2016 -

The call of the Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland) is significant. It is also equally important.

That is to put a restriction on the number of bandhs and strikes in Zeliangrong inhabited areas, particularly along the Imphal-Jiribam stretch of the National Highway.

Manipur has a number of apex civil society organisations, each having its sway over its ‘territory’, and it would be so constructive if all these organisations were to join hands to say a big no to bandhs and strikes in their area of jurisdiction.

On the other hand, the stand of ZB (AMN) is also a clear reflection of the fact that there are just too many bandhs and strikes across the State and something needs to be done to check this menace.

Yes menace it has become for bandhs and strikes do nothing much except throw a spanner to the daily existence of the people.

At the same time it is also interesting to note that the ZB has made some concessions to bandhs and strikes in Zeliangrong areas when it comes to issues such as common tribal issues, integrity and unity of the Zeliangrong people, creation of new districts at the cost of Zeliangrong’s territory, Naga political issue etc.

Zeliangrong Baudi also made it clear that bandhs and strikes on petty issues and to meet the interest of some individuals will not be tolerated at any cost.

In one statement, the ZB has acknowledged that bandhs and strikes are indeed being imposed on petty issues and on issues which do not concern the interest of the people as a whole while at the same demonstrating that the geography of Manipur can indeed be marked along the lines of community.

And this is what has been happening.

And Manipur is home to a number of communities, with the three major communities, that is the Meiteis, the Nagas and the Kukis, holding sway.

Moreover it is also clear that each sub-tribe has its area of influence and while this is natural, it becomes a point of worry when each community starts looking at issues only through the prism of their own community.

So it stands that if the interest of the Nagas or more specifically the community/communities inhabiting Senapati district is at stake, a blockade can be imposed on the National Highway connecting Imphal and Dimapur.

Likewise if the interests of the Kukis are deemed to be at stake then a blockade can be imposed at Sadar Hills and along the Imphal-Moreh route, effectively cutting off the lifelines of the people.

It is the same when the issue concerns the interests of the Meiteis and this is when communication via Imphal and the valley districts of Thoubal, Bishnupur and Thoubal may be disconnected.

Yes the ZB has delivered a significant point, but yet at the same time it would be so much better if all civil society organisations can move out from their community based mentality and look at the issue from a larger perspective, such as in the interest of the whole State and the people, cutting across community line.