Looting spree a blot on public movement
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: November 19, 2024 -

THE Conrad Sangma-led National People's Party (NPP) opting to withdraw support to the BJP-led government in the state wouldn't affect the government but such a decision underscores that the NPP and all other political organisations dread possible public wrath on the political class in case solution continues to elude the on-going communal violence.

Notably, in the first few months after outbreak of the Kuki-Meetei clash, the NPP showed no signs of remorse on being an ally of the coalition, regardless of none of the party MLAs included in the council of ministers in the second term Of the BJP-led coalition government.

However, as the violence dragged on and with no signs of respite, some NPP state legislators and top functionaries had been questioning commitment of the government in ending the crisis, with former deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar, in particular, tongue-lashing the incumbent chief minister N Biren whenever public agitations turn ugly, and threatening to dissociate NPP from the coalition government.

Therefore, the ultimate decision of the NPP leadership to snap all ties with the BJP-led government is not surprising as it is obvious that, like any other political organisation, the NPP too would be eager harbouring harmonious relationship with the masses, which would be impossible if it continues to back the government.

Expressing 'deep concern' over the prevailing law and order situation in the state, an official letter of the NPP addressed to BJP national president JP Nadda, put the entire blame for the crisis on inept administration by CM Biren, holding the latter accountable for the situation turning from bad to worse, and suffering of the people.

Citing its dissatisfaction with the handling of the crisis and loss of innocent lives, along with expressing that the Manipur government under the leadership of Biren Singh has completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy, the party announced its decision to withdraw support from the government with immediate effect.

It needs no reminding that the NPP's decision is centred on the worsening situation in Manipur, especially after the peeved public apparently perceived that the political elites have been sleeping over the crisis while the commoners continue to reel under the impact of the protracted unrest situation.

The decision comes aftermath of mobs storming private residences of the legislators, irrespective of whether one is part of the government, lending support or opposing the regime.

Unlike in the past when agitated public generally targeted government institutions, and offices and properties of ruling party members on varied issues, the latest uprising in denunciation of the abduction of six children and women from a sleepy village under Jiribam district on November 11 following a bloody gunfight between Kuki-Hmar militants and the CRPF, has been overshadowed by mobs not only causing destruction to houses of sitting MLAs but also prising strongboxes and grabbing cash, jewelleries and other costly items.

Resorting to agitation is generally construed as the undeclared right of the aggrieved party to both slam the establishment over non-fulfilment of a particular demand and to make the authorities heed their call.

However, the present scenario of mobs turning into looters definitely merits intervention by CSOs spearheading the public movement failing which the looting spree might discourage public participation when needed the most apart from possibility of clashes between ardent supporters of the MLAs and the agitators.