Better late than never
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: September 30 2011 -

Pramod Ningombam from the desk

There seems to be nothing more important and at the same time nothing seems to be more appropriate than to discuss the economic blockade at the moment. The economic blockade initiated by the SHDDC and the counter economic blockade of UNC on all NHs of the state has created a hue and cry among the common people.

Yet there seems to be no backing off from the side of the blockade initiators or any positive response from the side of the government itself for quite a pretty long time.

But we can never ignore the fact that there are certain sections of the society who cannot sit back and watch the sufferings of the general public.

Let's take the case of AMSU, a students' organization, who have time and again never hesitated to come out and protest for the welfare of the common people.

It was only when AMSU came out and hit straight on the business community of Imphal bazaar, with the closing down of shops and establishments in Thangal bazaar area for refusing to sell goods at the rate before the commencement of the economic blockade that people began to realize the impact of the economic blockade on the Manipuri society.

By then, prices of essential commodities had risen sky high. There was in fact, a tug of war like situation between the AMSU and the business community, each sticking to their own demands.

The AMSU demanded the shutting down of all shops if they cannot sell their goods at the rate prevailing before the economic blockade. AMSU was of the view that the shopkeepers should not use loss as an excuse for failing to sell at the pre-blockade rates.

Just then, at the nick of time, the state government intervened and several rounds of meetings were held between the government and the business community.

Finally a decision was taken and prices of essential commodities were fixed by the Price Fixation Committee of the government, which was not upto the expectation of the agitating AMSU.

One can't deny the fact that it was the students' communities which have opened the eyes of the public as well as the state government upto a certain extent.

All these should have been done from the very beginning by the state government. Nevertheless, the government has showed up finally and has proven its very existence to its people.

Whatever be the case, at least the government has intervened and has come up with a solution. We have to appreciate the role of the state government.

The government, though there have been several criticisms from different angles of the society, has come up to the level of procuring essential commodities, for the common people, from outside the state, by sanctioning an amount of around Rs 1 crore, which is appreciable.

The people are now a bit relaxed, with the government satisfying their needs. But the government should also ensure that these essential commodities are also made available to the people in rural areas, where the impact of economic blockade seems to be much higher.

Just helping out to a handful of people, that also in the heart of Imphal city, will have serious setbacks in future.

But all in all, the initiative taken up by the government is indeed praiseworthy, though a little bit late, yet it is always better to be late than never.