Key CSOs deliberate on people's common future
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 10 2015 : A series of discussion programmes on the topic 'People's movement for the common future of Manipur' was opened today at Hotel Imphal here.

The discussion programme was jointly organised by the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK) and the United Committee Manipur (UCM) .

Notably, the programme was attended by leaders of different communities.

UCM president E John-son, AMUCO vice-president Ph Deban and CCSK secretary general Jitendra N atten- ded the programme as presidium members where Prof A Lokendrajit was also seated on the dais as moderator.

Dr Dhanabir Laishram said that unlike other places the larger community is suffering more in Manipur.

He categorically stated that parochial or ethnic based agenda would not serve any purpose.

Rather all the communities must unite together and work collectively for development of the land.

A speaker addresses the discussion programme

Just as the British rulers did during the colonial period, the Government of India has been scheming to create more and more divisions in the North East region.

Pointing out that there is no common law which is applicable to all the Northeastern States, Dr Dhanabir asserted that the North East region can never achieve any meaningful progress as long as there is discrimination in governance.

Some people have been conspiring relentlessly to keep the people of the land, particularly the hill people under perpetual subjugation.

Those elements have been working consistently to create more divisions and build artificial boundaries between different communities.

The demands for separate homeland or State are all guided by narrow, selfish agenda and such ethnic based agenda is not at all feasible in a plural society.

The Government of India has no right to re-draw the boundary of Manipur and the State Government should explain in detail the history of Manipur to New Delhi.

Political leaders of the State must ensure that the Government of India stops undue and unsolicited interference in the internal matters of Manipur.

If they are genuine representatives of the mass, they must understand people's pulse, Dr Dhanabir asserted.

Ichel Express Editor Irengbam Arun asserted it's time to think out of the Constitution of India rather than restricting all the ideas and thoughts within the Constitution.

Establishment of associations based on ethnicity or community is rather regressive.

Instead, all civil society organisations should have a broader vision for a comprehensive Manipur, Arun said.

Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani opined that the conflicts seen between different communities in Manipur could have been averted had there been good governance.

At the same time, the Government of India need not interfere in matters which the State Government can handle on its own.

Nonetheless, it is crucial to find out all the grievances and aspirations of different communities in order to chalk out a common path.

JD-U Manipur general secretary Lien Gangte highlighted the importance of electing capable representatives who can take the State forward.

Only those leaders who can see all the people of different communities as one and equal and who can bring good governance should be elected.

Lien Gangte asserted.

Kuki Mothers' Association president Rose Mangshi Haokip pointed out the framework agreement signed between NSCN-IM and Government has only bred more confusion and anxiety among the masses and people did not believe everything what interlocutor RN Ravi said.

The State Government should delve into the root causes of the prevailing restive situation in order to work out an amicable solution, she added.

Former MU College Development Council Director RK Ranjan asserted that an agenda for uniform development of the hills and the valley should precede any blueprint for the State's common future.

To work out a far-sighted, long term policy for a united Manipur is the need of the hour, he said.

E Johnson asserted that the State Government should bear responsibility for 50 per cent of all the unwanted incidents and the crises which took place in Manipur.

The State Government cannot function from the perspective of a single community.

It should have a broader view encompassing all the communities of Manipur.

Ph Deban underscored the need to work out a common formulae in consultation with all leaders of different communities for a united and progressive Manipur.

Dr L Somendro asserted that smaller communities of Manipur were protected under monarchy.

But creating more and more divisions among different communities became a recurring political game once Manipur was merged into the Indian Union.

RK Ranendrajit said that people of Manipur are quite disappointed with the Government of India which claims to be the largest democracy in the world.