A humble appeal on Removal of PAP from Manipur

R.K. Shivachandra *

I have been together with the e-Pao groups for the last 10 years or so. Despite my handicap I have been trying to contribute certain articles in the form of travelogue and random wild thoughts whatever comes into my mind. In other word e-Pao is akin to my guardian with whom I can share my grievances and sickness Manipur society suffered today.

Manipur is reeling under insurmountable turmoil and unrest. There had never been an end to all these miseries and woes and I am afraid this will continue in the days to come too. There are problems after problems and issues seemed to sprung up without finding a solution.

When the Manipuri woman celebrates Ningol Chakouba with pomp and gaiety, Sharmila is lying on her death bed. Ten years ago a tender girl took up the dreaded challenge to scrap AFSPA 1958 from Manipur. In the most democratic form of protest she vowed to fast unto death unless and until this draconian Law is repealed from Manipur.

Much water had flown down the Imphal River finding her way to Loktak Lake, the mirror of Manipur. Alas! No one comes out to wake her up from her death bed. She can be healed by repealing the act at least for one month. By doing this India can reclaim herself to be the "Greatest Democracy in the World" and on the other hand we can save Sharmila but nothing happened. Law makers have no ear for Sharmila and her demand is still a far cry.

India emerged out with shining armour to champion the look east policy, promising a prosperous North Eastern Region. But nothing positive is seen in the pipeline. It is obvious that India never encourage people to people contact with our immediate nieghbour Myanmar.

On the part of the Myanmar they are so kind and hospitable that many Indians were allowed to visit parts of Myanmar including Yangon, Mandalay and Muse bordering Yunan province without passport and visa. It is worthwhile to mention that Myanmar is under the Military Junta Government and India is a democratic country.

Myanmar is predominantly a Budhist Country. During my frequent visit to Myanmar many devout Budhist in Sagaing division of Myanmar made request to pay a visit to Bodhagaya in Bihar via Imphal.

But as per the Protected Area Permit (PAP) citizen from Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan and China are not allowed to visit Manipur unless the group is consisted of 4 members. Everybody who so ever seeks such permit should directly contact Union Ministry of Home Affairs located at New Delhi. Look east policy professed ASEAN Trans highways, Inter-continental railway track but the deeds of the Law makers' shows something different.

About two years back the renowned publication of Travel & Tours 'Lonely Planet' published a tourism book on North Eastern states of India. While Nagaland has about 30 pages showcasing spots of Tourist interest of Nagaland, Manipur has only half page story in the whole 500 pages book. Is not it the shame? Author of this small write up made a complaint to the publication asking as to how all the Touristic locations in Manipur covered in a half page. An apologetic publisher explained his position via e-Mail the problem they faced in seeking the PAP for visiting Manipur. There ends the story.

PAP is a silent killer in Manipur, depriving our every growth, denying exposure to the world, throttled growth of economy and lots more. The Minister of Home Affairs stated that PAP is imposing in Manipur with a view to protecting the culture and identity of Manipur.

We do not understand in what way foreigner visiting Manipur for business or tourism can harm the Manipuri while they cannot do this to other Indians. In the age of globalization, the physical segregation of the people in Manipur from the overseas Manipuries and other Foreigner does not relate anything to the protection of their culture. Manipur had had experienced the worst and glorious period in the history.

The Bloodiest war with China and Myanmar could not harm the culture and identity of Manipur. We have been keeping intact of our culture since long amidst the blood and tears and till today the spirit still burning.

Recently Canada Manipur Association launched an online petition signature campaign to remove PAP from Manipur. The petition as supported by hundreds of thousands of signatories will submit to the Prime Minister and the Union Minister of Home Affairs, Government of India.

The campaign was quite humble at the beginning with few signatories. However it was the right beginning. As the gravity of the issue go bigger day by day, many joined the campaign and we are confident it will gain momentum with every passing day.

Supporting the move, some likeminded people in Manipur formed a support group of the campaign under the name and style of "Local Support Group on Removal of PAP, Manipur". Much progress had been made that on 19th December 2010 a mammoth motor rally took the street making the public aware of the dubious character of PAP.

It was a signature campaign in and around Imphal and many sensible citizens joined the team by singing themselves. The Prime Minister of India has already consented to give an appointment to the representative of Canada Manipur Association and Local Support Group in Manipur during the last part of December 2010. This indicates some positive sign in the horizon.

Taking advantage of the Web edition of e-Pao.net I would like to appeal everybody to support the cause by signing the petition on or before 22nd December 2010.

Here is the link for online petition: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41215.html.

Related Links:

• Canada Manipur Association online petition - 5 December 2010 :: e-pao.net
• Anti-PAP drive gains momentum - 19 December 2010 :: TSE
• Imphal car rally supports PAP removal from state - 19 December 2010 :: HL
• Online Petition Signature Campaign :: GoPetition.com