Wanted for Manipur : A regional party with its roots in Manipur

Ashem Regina *

Sanaleipak, Kangleipak, Ima Manipur in this 21st century indeed was blooming at its height when people didn't hesitate to go out at 9 pm for dinner which marked an improvement in law and order situation in the State, and subsequently when our economy was improving with the Shirui Lily Festival and Sangai Festival attracting footfalls.

In the field of sports personalities like Mirabai Chanu brought laurels from the Tokyo Olympics and events like Femina Miss India was held in the State for the first time in its history among many other activities. However our improving condition was disrupted since the ethnic conflict broke out on 3rd May 2023.

The conflict will remain a major issue in the history of Manipur as it has severely impacted on the political, economic, social and cultural sphere of modem Manipur.

Many arguments on the origin of the conflict such as the Meiteis demand for inclusion in the ST category to the issue of drug trafficking have come forth but it stands that more than 60,000 people have been displaced, a total of more than 250 have lost their lives and 386 religious structures have been vandalized.

The intemet shutdowns seriously impacted on the education sector, inflation has soared, unemployment has increased, societal pressure has doubled with many suffering from physical and mental breakdown.

THE NEED FOR THE SURVIVAL OF MANIPUR AND ITS PEOPLE

The need of the hour for the survival of Manipur and her people is a strong regional political party with its root in Manipur which can chart the way out for the people while ensuring the integrity of the place.

Regional political parties in South India such as Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu, Telegu Desam Party (TDP) in Andra Pradesh have played significant role in shaping policies that benefit the local population.

In Sikkim a regional party-Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) won the 2024 Sikkim Legislative Assembly election securing 31 out of 32 seats which is a thumping majority allowing Sikkim to foster inclusive development in the North East region. Similarly in Manipur a committed regional party is needed as none other than the region's party would be able to address the issues and challenges such as the region's ethnic conflict.

After, attaining Statehood in 1972, Regional Parties contested the elections and formed coalition Government from 1972 till 1975. Manipur People's Party returned to power in 1980, 1990 and in 1995 in alliance with other parties. In 2000, another regional party MSCP secured 23 seats to emerge as the single largest party and formed the Government.

In 2002, it secured more than 10 seats, but MSCP allied with Congress and formed the Government. From then, the seats secured by regional parties started declining, even merged MSCP with a National and today there is not home grown regional party.

The stand of the regional party in the State could be strengthen only if we have committed representatives in the electoral politics. As we saw in the Lok Sabha Election 2024, our two MPs from Manipur have been roaring in the Parliament with their impassioned stand on the issues besieging the State.

It is the 1st time that the two MPs have been able to leave a mark in Parliament and due credit goes to the voters for backing the right candidates against all odds. In the coming 2027 State Legislative Assembly Election, it is time that we harness our potentials.

Manipur has suffered enough since 3rd May 2023 and the solution to it could also be initiated through a political talk among other solutions. And this step could be best led by a regional political party as a regional party is an insider which could initiate what is called WHAM approach-winning hearts and minds.

In democracy, it is the people where the supreme power stands and India being described as a quasi federal structure, it is natural phenomenon to develop a regional party. But in order to have a strong REGIONAL PARTY WE NEED TO HAVE A STABLE ECONOMY WHERE WE WOULD NOT BE REQUIRED TO DEPEND WHOLLY ON THE CENTRE.

Meanwhile, we have a separate Ministry for the Development of the North East region called the Union Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) which has approved 86 projects worth Rs 1,970.54 crore for the eight North Eastern States in 2024 and had even organized the first ever Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi showcasing North-East India's vibrant textile sector, tourism opportunities, traditional craftsmanship and distinctive Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products etc. However, the absence of a strong regional party has often led to the absence of checking effectively the utilization of such funds.

CONCLUSION

The people of Manipur have been longing for a political leader who is visionary, has courage to take tough decisions, committed to improving citizen's lives, transparency and accountability to move forward from today's dreadful condition. In fact, the Internally Displaced People (IDP) of the State had almost given up their faith and belief in the political leaders of the State.

In the words of the IDPs, `We won't be able to wake up anytime soon if we don't wake up to the terrible state of affairs', is a clearcut voice that we need to act now, act promptly, act smartly and act decisively.

One should not forget that history had witnessed eminent political leaders like Hijam Irabot, APJ Abdul Kalam, Nelson Mandela, Lee Kuan Yew among others who had used political powers and showed us that when wisely used politics may be a tool to further our desired goal.

This is a golden chance to revive a committed regional party with a leader of integrity with substantial regional aspirations rooted in Manipur.

The call for the regional party simply means,
'EIKHOIGI LEIBAK KI LEIHAO GA CHANNABA POT THASI,
MADU DA TA MATIK MAHAO LEIRABA MAHEI FANGANI HAIBANI'.