'Militarism' spikes UID campaign in State
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Ukhrul, January 30, 2013: In the state jagged by controversial Armed Forces Special Power Act (1958), the concept of 'militarism' has been induced as the keyword in the government's initiative to convince the citizens for the Unique Identification (UID) enrolment.

For over a decade now, the citizens of Manipur have been steadfastly fighting to repeal the repressive AFSPA and have garnered a supportive voice from across the globe.

However, the state UID campaign is nothing but a slap on the face of those crying for full entitlement of the Constitutional rights.

In the UID poster campaign, a caricature displays a civilian vis-�-vis military personnel.

The poster's pictorial message conveyed that the man purportedly produced a UID card for identification much to the satisfaction of armed men in uniform.

One would never find a greater irony than this concept of UID poster campaign, for many in a State that has seen militarism and militancy for decades, this approach may be seen as the most distasteful.

The UID poster's initiative has made a sleek mockery of the over 12-year long struggle of Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has drawn global attention for her steadfast hunger strike demanding repeal of AFSPA.

In February 2011, the UID was officially launched in Manipur.

Ever since the biometric exercise which includes finger printing and retina scanning has drawn serious criticisms.

After the initiation of biometric exercise in the country, a staunch anti-UID campaigner, Dr.Usha Ramanathan has voiced her skepticism, stating the Parliament has no mandate to acquire finger print and retina imaging.

She also argued that the present objective has outdone the primary purpose it was conceptualised.

In fact, the UID scheme was initially adopted with the expressed intention of issuing National ID card to those who voluntarily wishes to have one.

In Manipur, the UID enrolment is being undertaken in the hill districts.

However, the exercise has not made much headway due to various technical glitches.

Having all said and done, the concept of UID poster campaign should have been made more friendly.

The caricature smacks a whiff of coercion to the civilian citizenry.

Can't the concept be more imaginative?.

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