Raise your voice when you have evidence - law will extend its arm

Birendra Laishram *

You assert that a shocking 80 per cent of individuals recommended for Government job positions have engaged in paying for their appointments, yet you fail to provide any substantial evidence to support this serious claim.

Furthermore, you contend that the Central Government favours specific units of States but you cannot give evidence; you are suggesting that at the time of democratic election that candidates are paying voters to secure their positions and that politicians are profiting through commissions on bulk purchases.

It is easy to say without proper reporting. You allege that foreign funds are made available when touts are involved and that contracts are granted to those willing to bribe officials. We all know like you that public dealings are routinely delayed unless bribes are exchanged, and that industrial licenses are only expedited for those who are willing to make payments. You claim that bank loans are only approved for individuals who bribe the appropriate managers within the banks all without evidence.

Moreover, you allege without evidentiary proof that both non-traffic and traffic police engage in corrupt practices, demanding bribes for minor traffic violations and collecting illegal payments from wine vendors.

You also state that fertilizers are distributed to farmers based on their ability to curry favour with the Ministers, while ordinary citizens can enjoy VIP privileges through acts of bribery. You habitually allege that arm licenses are issued exclusively to those who are prepared to pay Rs 5000 or more, yet, once again, you provide no evidence to substantiate these serious allegations.

In addition, you claim that Government buildings and roads fail to meet quality standards, but you again lack the necessary evidence to back up this assertion. You also state that the Assam Rifles are involved in training the Kuki militants and are providing them with weapons to use against civilians and militants from other communities. Furthermore, you allege that wealthy individuals and politicians are financing poppy plantations and facilitating drug trades, yet you do not offer any proof to validate these claims.

Torture of Scheduled Castes, murder, arson, and theft- remained unreported. Under Article VIII of the Merger Agreement, it is the responsibility of the Government of India to ensure that Manipuris are provided with employment opportunities in public services, as well as to uphold local laws, customs, and conventions.

Recently, the Kuki have raised their flag over the Thangjing and Koubru deities, which are sacred site for the Meitei community. However, it seems that no one recalls the existence of the agreement that was supposed to protect Meitei religious sites, nor has there been any formal report to the judiciary regarding this matter, accompanied by supporting evidence.

The Central Government holds the responsibility for maintaining National Highways, while the State Government shares the duty of ensuring security and managing daily law enforcement. Despite the ongoing issues of daily looting and illegal taxation occurring on these highways, you have not taken advantage of legislative channels to bolster your claims with concrete evidence to support your assertions. You close your eyes and for fear of darkness.

You argue that businessmen are inflating prices to cover the costs of illegal taxes that they are compelled to be paid to goons and militants. However, you continue to purchase goods without raising any complaints for price rise or requesting invoices, which suggests a lack of evidence regarding these alleged higher costs.

The Imphal Municipal Corporation has been issuing advertisement licenses without the necessary tenders for an extended period, favoring certain contractors in the process, yet no formal complaints have been lodged against this practice.

You poured allegations after allegations that tax officials are turning a blind eye to tax evasion, while academics are reportedly obtaining degrees through bribery, and students are passing exams through dishonest means. You also claim that Government doctors are engaging in private practice despite receiving allowances to not practice, and that no medicines are provided to inpatients in Government facilities.

Private doctors, hospitals, and lawyers are said to charge fees that exceed the prescribed rates, and private hospitals are operating in restricted areas without adhering to the necessary regulations. Invalid vehicle registrations are being issued based on fraudulent documents, and State lands are being allocated to individuals in positions of power.

Furthermore, sales deeds are recorded at the minimum guidance value issued by the State Government 12 years ago at values that are significantly lower than prevailing market prices, and it is alleged that Courts are being influenced by the ruling Government. You argue that politicians are providing support to militants and criminals for political gains, further complicating the situation.

You contend that Constitutional provisions are being violated and that democracy is being undermined, yet you have not pursued any grievances through the judiciary due to lack of evidence. For more than 18 months, the Scheduled Tribe Kukis have been attacking the Scheduled Caste Meiteis, engaging in acts of violence such as burning homes and looting properties, with a staggering 90 percent of these attacks specifically targeting the Scheduled Caste community.

However, it is concerning that neither local nor National media outlets are reporting on this critical issue, failing to acknowledge the Constitutional status of the affected communities and depriving them of their fundamental rights to protection against the Kukis. This lack of media coverage further exacerbates the situation, as it prevents the broader public from understanding the gravity of these ongoing violations and the urgent need for intervention and justice for the affected individuals.

Let us put an end to foolish behaviours that do not serve us well. It is essential to remember that we are part of a democracy, a system that provides us with various channels and avenues for reporting our grievances and expressing our concerns. It is important to make use of these channels regularly, taking advantage of the appropriate methods available to us.

Merely shouting, pointing fingers, assigning blame, and making accusations without any solid evidence will not bring about meaningful resolutions to our issues. Instead, we must take a step back and consider how other communities handle similar situations. Let’s learn from their experiences and adopt more constructive approaches that lead to positive outcomes.