Water logging and floods of MLAs

Free Thinker *

AIR (All India Radio) office at Imphal being flooded on 31st May 2025 :: Picture Courtery - Khaba Kh

Now-a-days Imphal valley is flooded with MLAs. Sometimes they enter Raj Bhavan and quite often they enter one another's bungalow. Except SA MLAs most of the remaining MLAs are loitering around the city. A few of them often fly to Delhi to show-off that they are still in touch with the bosses.

But the problem is - even the Delhi bosses are not in touch with the ultimate boss. The top boss is now extremely busy fighting Pakistani terror — first physically now diplomatically. After Brahmos, seven Parliamentary groups were launched and fired (including Tharoor missile) in all directions of the planet — to counter Pakistan terrorism diplomatically.

Operation Sindoor is just a minor physical response to the terror attack in Pahalgam which killed 25 innocent Indians and one foreign National. When a Parliamentary delegation goes to a foreign country — India's stand and position is being highlighted unanimously. In a way our National interest is to be taken care of and convince other countries that what we are doing is right.

India is fighting the menace of terrorism sponsored by a neighboring country. In the meanwhile Manipur MLAs are in a hurry to form a Government .They claim that they are now 44 and they all want to revive the State Government so that they handle the State affairs independently though onerously, as normalcy is almost restored . But when they came to Raj Bhawan they were hardly 10.

Only 22 MLAs signed the letter which was handed over to the PMO. Perhaps the same letter was again submitted to His Excellency. Then when they sat together they were only 23 —the biggest number so far. Physical involvement is necessary — after the Bommai judgement — show of strength is indispensable.

If you are 44 - standing before Bhalla ji and claiming to form the Government, it is almost done. Please come with at least 30 if not 44 in person and claim to form the Government — "koi Mai ka laal." His Excellency will certainly take cognizance and shall take up with the HHM. If the response is positive then things can be worked out accordingly with Rashtrapati .

As long as Amit Shah ji is not convinced that the situation is ripe to revive the State Government — things can't move. Raj Bhavan and even Raisina Hills cannot do anything until there is a green signal from the Boss or the Top Boss. Yes, we all agree that the law and order situation in the State is improving day by day.

Chopper service from Airport to Kangla was just to avoid unnecessary hassle with the women folk (mothers, sisters and daughters). Whenever they are around His Excellency has given strict instruction - to use minimum force and invoke maximum restraint. Except for the bus, qualified by the name Manipur, incident, Shirui Lily Festival was a grand success.

Hats off to Bhallaji, PK Saab, Tourism Department, Ukhrul people and of course Police & security personnel . The Gwaltabi incident is a good lesson in a way for the administration — so that - they can fathom the fragility of fraternity. A mistake can become a blunder and play havoc. Thank God, no one was involved.

In the last few days Imphal Valley is overrun by water flowing out from the rivers. Our rivers are either over flowing or running above the danger level. We should have a mechanism to tap the flood water somewhere near the overflowing path.

For instance, if the Imphal river overflows at `Sanjenthong' area — storage facilities may be made inside Kangla and `Kanglapar in the west and `Ningthem Pukhri' and 'Palace pat' in the east. This is just an example; better options may be available. All the water bodies in the State may be re-digged, deep-ened and broadened before the monsoon.

When the water rises/overflows (flood water), the same may be diverted through tiny artificial canals to these water bodies. Local MLA funds may be used for the construction of such canals and renovation of local lakes, ponds, and tams. Water storage plans may be streamlined according to the flood water behavior and land topography.

Such moves will be a blessing for the local people in each habitation. State Government may also take such initiatives wherever possible. Creating new water bodies at the foot-hills will certainly give a great relief to the people during the lean season. This will also help the water mafia - they can collect the water from these sources rather than loading from 'Khongban' waterholes.

All our MLAs are political experts - which everyone acknowledges including the Governor himself Still I have an innocuous suggestion —rather unsolicited advice. Keep the number ready, in person and not on paper. Before Manipur's Independence Day, 14 August & India's Independence Day 15 August an opportunity may arise.

Till then, work on the leadership and manage the flock, Who has the resources ? At the moment, MLAs are still public representatives; they should come out at least in their respective Constituencies and do something for the people who are affected by the floodwater.

Sharing relief materials and compensation money does not arise this time - only Babus.