Should we continue to have faith in political parties?
- Imphal Times Editorial :: December 23 2016 -

Response of the civil society organizations to the ongoing crisis in the state of Manipur throws some light to the future of the state.

However, the silence of the political parties to the issues which is burning the state reveals that there is something fishy going on in their game to take political mileage.

When civil society organizations have come together in a common platform irrespective of their ideological differences to mow down the extremity among the sections of people, the political parties are seen shouting in newspapers blaming their rival political parties in the name of showing some concerns to the ongoing crisis.

When people of the state are in frying pan, the political parties are busy playing horse trading game. When people felt that the political parties should go beyond party line they keep on continuing their blame game.

The root of the present crisis in the state is known to everyone.

It is the economic blockade, then the intensifying of it after the state government created 7 new revenue districts as well as the arrest of two UNC leaders.

On the other hand the open interference by cadres of NSCN-IM by killing three personnel of Manipur police and injuring 11 others at Imphal-Moreh route besides snatching of 9 weapons from the 7th MR post along Imphal-Jiribam road has added fuel to the flames.

If we recall back the speech made by BJP National Secy. and North East in Charge Prahar Patel, soon after the announcement of the creation of the 7 new revenue districts, at which the BJP leaders said that there would be communal flare up in the state, is a perfect example of political hands to the ongoing issue.

May be indirect but the speech of the BJP leaders which is in power at the central government is a provocative statement which encourage the so called UNC in their activities.

Moreover, the silence on the part of the BJP to the terror strike by NSCN-IM cadres also showed that everything happening is being considered a chance on their move without bothering how hard it will be for the common people.

Similar is with the Congress party which is in power in the state government.

Even after knowing that violent activities are being carried out some sections of people along the Imphal Ukhrul road no effective measures are seen taken up to contained the situation.

Lamlai Assembly constituency and Khurai Assembly constituency is the area where the worst scene happen. Both these constituencies have congress MLAs – one a Minister and another, a senior congress legislator.

None of these MLAs had come out to contain the situation. Imposition of curfew only brings more trouble. This has been known from the past experience.

On the other hand, the Chief Minister of Manipur seems to be taking the prevailing issue as his only way to come back to power. That is why he is sticking to his stand of not listening to the UNC.

With the kind of development in the state it is now clear that the fate of Manipur is now left with the people of the state and it is no use waiting for the political party.

And one thing that is needed to remember is that it is the upcoming election that is giving all the trouble in the state.

So, if this election is something that will make cry our motherland one need to ponder on whether we should allow this election to happen or not.