A failed power distribution, no drinking water and roads in shambles

JC Sanasam *

Electricity Department workers disconnecting 'dedicated' power lines at Keishampat sometime at the end of April 2011
Picture Credit :: Hueiyen Lanpao Photo

'In Manipur the department of electricity, established actually for the populace of the whole state, now seems to function practically for a few 150 to 200 citizens only of the state; and that includes the so called VIP's: top guys in the government, some drug racketeers, some hooligans and a few con men who possess the trait of manipulations', this is the comment of many an observer among the citizens of this state.

This seemingly wanton statement may invite a fierce reaction from the department and the government behind it. They will thrash it out blaming such hyperboles have no room in their practical offices.

However this will be definitely a very interesting topic if it is thrust upon for a public debate.

Majority of those who are fond of rhetoric orations on public grievances will have their sweet pie to talk about; and the government, of course, will mumble their reply with their usual terse, shrewd and technical terms, however tough it may be. It will be interesting to know who the winner will be.

What about the namesake drinking water distribution in the state?

How about the roads in shambles?

Manipur whether shining or submerging headlong straight deep in darkness is still a part of the 21st century civilisation of men.

The first three constituents of infrastructure in this modern world, nay the age old world, are in such a poor state in Manipur, barely visible if they are existent or not. The term infrastructure may sound too technical to the commoners; they may not understand; let us say the first three essential commodities of a living.

This is the age of fast communication and high technological electronic devices: computers, laptops, printers, tools and equipments in manufacturing centres, health care equipments and what not, whatever there is to it in the line of a modern living.

How can we operate all these without power? Make these three: power, drinking water or pipe water supply and paraphernalia of communication, roads and the like the pin-pointed priorities; the state will be on top of development and many things will be on the rise, reaching the peaks of health, education and even of all other fields like industries, agriculture, trade and commerce so on, so forth.

Inevitably the government agencies will blame the people. They say it is not possible in Manipur.

When it is possible in Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam and in Tripura even, why cannot it be possible in Manipur?

The core-point is that there is no one in Manipur to say, 'Let me do it; I'll do it.' Theirs is only to place the ball in others' courts.

The general public of Manipur, they may be branded for their poor aptitude, arrogance, querulous attitude, lack of civic sense, falling short in abiding laws and many others; but they are trying their level best to be in the tide of a modern living and echeloned establishments.

The increase of number of cars, two wheelers, public carriers etc. with the up-coming banking facilities is a fair example that there is no lack of ambition and high spirit among the people of Manipur.

They are the most enduring and complacent group of people who silently breathe to live despite the unbelievable spell of economic blockade and bandhs that is pervading more than three months.

Perhaps the government is treating its people as semi-animal life-stock only. What has the government done to don with the increased traffic and lack of parking places, a small matter of management?

One astonishing fact is that indolent they are, the people of Manipur, they take active parts in sporadically erupting violent incidents, local squabbles, neighbourhood rivalries and matters of such kind.

Yes, identity and existentialism are important too. But why not in matters like availing of the infrastructures of a modern living and modern civilisation as well?