North-East exodus and ugly face of politics

- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: August 18, 2012 -

Map of Capitals of North East India

Although the State Cabinet has decided to depute official teams ensure the safety of Manipuri people and both Houses of Indian Parliament have showed serious concern over the fear psychosis that has gripped people from North East in some parts of the country like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the manner in which some political parties are trying to capitalize on the issue is simply abominable.

After the first exodus, which was witnessed on Wednesday, August 15 (Independence Day); thousands of fear stricken northeasterners, mostly students and young professionals, who were waiting to board the jam-packed trains from the Bengaluru railway station on August 16, when they had to confront the ugly face of politics with every conceivable leaders of political parties, community groups, non-governmental organisations, etc descending upon the railway platform in an apparent bid to dissuade them from leaving.

But the eagerness with which they were trying to outdo each other in shouting slogans in support of the northeasterners made it clear to one and all their true intention.

It has got nothing to with the issue at hand, but to capitalize on it and gain political mileage.

Appearance of RSS volunteers with placards inscribed with wordings like "Bangalore is safe" and members of Muslim organizations chanting "Hindu-Muslim bhai bhai" slogans made the scene picture perfect of what an ugly face of Indian politics really looks like.

Now, the question is, in spite of so much solidarity from leaders of every sundry political party and organization and the continued assurances of the Centre and other State governments concerned for their protection, why there is continued exodus of Northeasterners from major cities of the three southern states? Was it just because of the looming threat perception supposedly generated through SMSes and video clippings that forced the northeasterners to flee?

Why special trains are being arranged in no time by the Railway authorities when it normally takes time and requires advance notices for arranging extra trains to press into services? And who are the people spreading these alleged rumours? Why the landlords are asking the student-tenants to vacant the rooms and the college authorities advising the north east students to stay away from attending classes until the matter cools down? There are many questions that need to be answered.

Anyway, now that both Houses of the Parliament have expressed concerned and the Prime Minister has warned of stern action against those behind the 'most reprehensible' act of creating insecurity, a thorough probe should be initiated into the spread of the rumours that have created panic.

Most importantly, instead of trying to capitalize on the issue, political parties should rise above petty politics and help in restoring the faith of the northeasterners on the assurances given for their protection.

This is a sensitive and serious issue where mere lips service and appeals would never work.