Why the dancing man ?

Free Thinker *

7th Session of 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on February 05 2026 :: Pix - DIPR Manipur

A small group of people may not be surprised by the decision of the High Command (actually high command culture is nonexistent in Parivar – only the head of the family decides – rather two these days).

Actually, he is a bad dancer but he knows where to dance. He also knows whom to dine and drink with. He is the only leader who tried to communicate with all the leaders and MLAs in the last 2 years or so ;and he was the one who asked the incumbent leader to give way when the violence continued unabated. Most importantly he knows when & how to hit the national headlines.

In the last few days there have been tremendous discussions and followed by gossip and back-biting regarding the choice of leadership. There were four or five serious contenders who wanted to be the Chief. All were trying their level best, pulling wires in Guwahati, Delhi and even at Nagpur to get the post. Ultimately it went to the Taekwondo man.

The meaning of Taekwondo – ‘Tae’ stands for foot or step, ‘Kwon’ indicates the fist or fight and ‘Do’ represents discipline. A man who has mastered the art of Taekwondo knows his steps, his hand (where to put) and remains disciplined (not running away from the Parivar responsibilities despite distractions).

A man who has got the 8th Dan in Taekwondo Martial art form becomes a Grandmaster. The dancer in the dock is also a Grandmaster.

Some 20 years back there was an “Axe” symbol party. Almost all the leaders of this were /are doing well. 2 have become Chief. The dancer was also an Axe-man. One of the leaders became MP for 3 consecutive terms in Parliament. One became Chairman Human Rights Commission.

So, my humble suggestion to the newly formed parties is that they may adopt this symbol. It seems very lucky. Axe as a party symbol may do wonders. Tera Lai may think about it.

I have known the dancer for more than 12 years now. First, we met in one Patel’s Residence. I never asked anything from him because our karma bhumis are different. He lives in the danger zone and I stay in the gas chamber . Sometimes we meet in a Sanghi’s bungalow – mainly for political gossip. He also kept inviting us whenever he came to Bhawan for the same reason. But we always stand for the nation.

When the Grandmaster came out of the Assembly Chamber in his second incarnation – he became a minister; something to do with buildings and constructions. I didn’t ask anything except for an Architect – but failed due to age factor. As well-wishers we only told him that to keep his constituency safe. Fortunately, his constituency is small and compact. He takes care of every road, Galis, mullahs.

We are told that he does a lottery for giving employment to his constituency people – no case of bribe taking. In a state where every job is sold and purchased, he is providing employment for free. I don’t know how far it is but one boy whom I met from his constituency told me he got the job in Manipur Assembly on merit without spending a penny. He confessed that he is from Chinga Makha.

His constituency employment model may now be the State model – no sell and purchase of government jobs – but only on merit – Can we do it Grandmaster?. The roads and drains which he cares for his constituency should be extended – throughout the State. Yes, of course, the local leaders are also to be involved but the random inspection may be carried out by the CEO.

We expect only one thing from him, that is, he must try to bring all the communities together despite differences and keep Manipur united. The State should be maintained as it is – no division. Yes, internal arrangements may be made. He had already uttered that Manipur belongs to 36 ethnic groups. The interest of all the groups shall be looked after.

The humongous bloodshed in the State in the last 2 years was extremely unfortunate; that was a blunder: such crimes on ethnic lines must not be repeated. Everything should be shorted out peacefully through negotiations and communication.

Guns and intimidation will never bring a solution. Rather such things will aggravate the situation. Violence begets violence. It is high time to give up violence and start talking.

The bold and beautiful Thadou, Paite, and Hmar leaders must be recognized and respected for their willingness to move together for peace and normalcy. They are open to any negotiation for the sake of the people. What an honorable step – must be awarded.

At the outset the Grandmaster has made the commitment that justice will be done to all the ethnic communities of the State. Yes, he can, but we must be together for that. Even for separating a kitchen the whole family should decide. Let the whole family sit and decide the most feasible way of living together and separately.

Talebearers say that the dancer has the support from Sangh, Shah, South Korea and Supreme Coat; I tend to believe – that is why!