Dictionary meaning of the word ‘Deadline’ is the latest time by which an action or performance has to be completed. The other form of deadline pertains to action with implied time frame of immediateness.

It could be either set by an individual for himself / an organization/ government for betterment of masses or vested interests as a deterrent. It could be either lively (positive) or deathly (negative) deadline. Print media is replete with the deadlines of latter type issued by various UG outfits operating in the region.

These deadlines include: a diktat for Mr. X to appear before the outfit by certain time/date for an offence viewed by it; a diktat for claiming ransom; a diktat against non deposition of so called revolutionary tax by the people; a diktat for a particular person or tribe/sub tribe to leave a particular area/village etc.

There are en numbers of such references to make e.g. Quit Notices by NSCN (K) to Tangkhuls and Hmars to Kukis, KRA claiming ransom of Rs. 10 million from kins of kidnapped employees of PHED Manipur, illegal tax collections on national highways NH 39 & 53 and reprisals for not conceding to the diktat etc. These act as a pressure point on the commoner to continue in nonstop trepidation of the outfit operating in that area.

Obverse side of the same is deadlines issued by public towards atrocities of the outfits i.e. public rose against NSCN cadres with what ever they had warning them to stay away from their lives in Phek district of Nagaland.

In Hurbert and Martin murder case, a deadline was issued to NSCN (IM) to justify the reason of taking away innocent lives. Recent case of village Zulukie Jangdi and Intagaki Inavi evictions by NSCN (IM) and deadlines set by the public for a just solution.

Sit in dharna by education staff, teachers and refusal to ply trucks by truckers against the excesses of UGs in Manipur etc. are some of the topical incidences to quote. This is also a pressure point by the masses to check the wrong doings but is effective to a lesser degree.

Similarly deadlines are also being issued by Government for various projects that are rarely met. These decision makers are elected through ballot by the people and for the people. Albert Camus had said, “By definition, a government has no conscience, sometimes it has a policy, but nothing more”.

Probably this is the reason of under utilization of central Government development funds allotted to Assam Government. Blame goes to inefficiency of bureaucrats. Little is realized about the significance of comprehensible and well-timed directions by leaders.

As per Imphal Free Press datelined 16 Oct 07 PREPAK has set deadline of 2015 for it self. The offer needs to be lauded at one score and analyzed at other. It is laudable in calling an end to coercive taxing, brokering of capital punishment and ending of so called unsuccessful revolution by a particular timeframe.

Now the second part voluntary taxation may be renamed as ‘Feared Volunteerism’ and capital punishment may continue even after brokering as a symbol of power wielding.

Similarly ending of revolution by 2015 has two aspects too. One; if successful, what will this land be called; either PREPAK land, UNLF land, KCP land etc. or NO Man’s land?

If unsuccessful, what is the guarantee that violent path will be given up and easy money and easy life sacrificed for harder days. Whatever the case is, the resources of today (human and material) are being shattered, contributing to difficult and complicated future.

Methinks we all (Government, Society and UG outfits) need to put down deadlines to adhere. Government; set deadlines keeping in mind that politics is not about big money and power games; it’s about improvement of people’s lives.

Society; set deadlines not to support the miscreants lest it is called a ‘failed society’. UG outfits; set deadlines to abandon extortion, killing, ransom, kidnapping, gun culture and start a new life of progress, contribution and success from today.

Everyone will support you. Remember ‘Deadlines are promises made either with you or the masses that need to be adhered for trust building’.

“And life is what we make it, always has been, always will be”
- ‘Grandma Moses’