Demonetization, indefinite blockade and election
- Imphal Times Editorial :: November 16 2016 -

The state of Manipur is reeling under serious crisis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise move of demonetizing denomination of Rs. 500/1000 to curve out black money has ironically given immense hardship to common people and small time traders including the Imas in Imphal business hub Khwairamband Keithel.

A newspaper recently report about how an elderly woman had to exchange her Rs 500 denomination with a Rs. 100 notes for buying her day’s requirement.

On the other hand almost all big politicians and businessmen, whom the demonetization attempts to target are seem less worry as they have good connection with bankers.

Rumours are spreading fast about some big politician exchanging money or depositing to bank account of others on payments of some commission.

On the other hand the prolong indefinite blockade being underway at National Highways has made life of the common people here in Imphal as well as other part of the state – a tremendous hardship.

Many youths are forced to sit idle at home as there are no fuels in the market to go for their daily work.

For government employees it is a matter of opportunity as their bank account is secure even though they too have some problems in getting their essential items for day today use.

It is only those who are on hand to mouth, which has been really affected.

The two developments – at which both were right when look from their own direction is not perfectly justified from the views of common men.

Modi’s demonetizations may be term a bold move and he might have been even compared with the man who changed Singapore for foreign media.

But lack of proper preparedness has created havoc and panic to the common illiterate population who dominate 60% of the population of the country.

On the other hand the UNC which has been imposing an indefinite blockade to both the national High way might felt their move as a justified one.

But the reality is that common people are the only populace that are being hit.

1000s and 1000s of brothers and sister from the Hills too are suffering due to the eco-blockade.

However, men leading the UNC and those Ministers and MLAs whom they actually should target are not facing any sort of problem.

They still live a life of luxury. Sadar Hills or no Sadar Hills is of no concern to the men in government; it is a technique, a tool to grapple power.

The intervention of the centre after 14 days to the prolong eco blockade is direct indication of two major political party utilising the issue.

Both the political parties are trying their best to divide the various communities of the state for their selfish gain in the upcoming state assembly general election.

A point here to remind is the ethnic Kuki people of the state are being easily played and utilized by any vested interested groups and with lack of unity and stability this community of the state which dominates 3rd in population figure have become a tool for people playing dirty games.

As we know the demand for Sadar Hills will once more go out of the scene sooner the election finished.