Rolling out the carpet, SPF style : Sweep 'em under the rug
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: December 03 2011 -

If 'washing dirty linen in public' means something more than merely washing clothes in public view, there should be something which stands at the opposite end of this universally understood phrase.

Difficult it certainly is to coin a phrase or string together some words which will have a similar precision with a similar impact but diametrically opposite to the mentioned phrase but it appears that to the men helming the present dispensation the difficult part just does not exist.

And what better opportunity to showcase this innate talent than the visit of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi ?

So while the visiting dignitaries will glide over the freshly repaired and blacktopped NH-2 stretch from Kangla to the place where the Capitol complex stands, vehicles of all sorts and hues will groan and labour while braving the potholes on the Khoyathong road that runs parallel to the said stretch.

The sprawling DM College campus with its untended fields and overgrown grass and hedges will double up as the perfect screen between the two parallel roads. A lesson on sweeping things under the carpet.

Law and order is the reason that has been cited for the decision to change the venue of laying the foundation stone of NIT from Langol to Kangla. This is called the power of persuasion for the Prime Minister's Office was initially reluctant to say yes to this preposterous idea.

Well it seems the 'bomb in public places' culture has saved the day for the Chief Minister and his men for a teeny weeny bit of logic says that the reason could be anything but law and order.

Just put on the thinking cap and the dusty, potholed road in front of RIMS is starkly visible and here we are not only referring to the road along Lalambung that is generally known as RIMS road, but also the road that runs just to the east of the biggest medical institute in the State. Benefits of mastering the art of persuasion.

Law and order is an issue that has been taken seriously and never mind if a cart driver can bleed to death in full public view, well almost, a semblance of all round security should be presented to the leader from Delhi and what better way than to deploy the cops on the road and frighten the devil out of the ordinary people and send them scurrying home.

The bandh callers should thank the Government for making things easier for them. This is all about security.

Having guests over can be a cumbersome task, ask the home manager for a confirmation. And this is more so when the guests belong to the group of people who come with the VVIP tag.

The Prime Minister and the UPA Chairperson certainly belong to this rare breed of VVIPs and the 'little' inconveniences the people may have to go through in the preparation for their visit is understandable.

At least students will be thankful for the visit for it is not very often that their tuition classes have to wind up earlier than usual as van drivers are not made to feel comfortable with the enhanced security measures.

Who said that the people of Manipur feel insecure ? The stringent security measures taken up are perfectly in line and befits the occasion for it is not very often that the Prime Minister of the country visits Manipur.

What is more Sonia Gandhi is undoubtedly the most influential and powerful woman presently in India and fitting arrangements should be taken up to receive her. The finishing touches given to the ongoing projects also fit into the overall preparations for the high profile visit.

The question that follows is why is there an overwhelming urge to let the Prime Minister and the UPA Chairperson see Imphal as it is, with all its warts ?

All the development projects lined up for inauguration have been there in the 'under progress' stage for over five years and rest assured when the Prime Minister inaugurates them most of them would not be ready, as ready is understood universally.

It has been a choice between dust and slush, depending on the season. Many roads in the heart of Imphal, especially in Lamphel area have become one with the roadside nullahs.

Nagamapal road, Wahengbam Leikai road, all roads in Lamphel etc have been in the stage of 'under repair' for far too long, exceeding five years. These are just some examples which come to mind and viewed against this, it is easy to understand the scepticism of the people when they see the window dressing exercise underway.

A case of the opposite of 'washing dirty linen in public'.

Wishful thinking it certainly is, but it would be really interesting if Dr Singh and Madam Gandhi decide to take the RIMS road today !