Development Works & Public Protest
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: December 04, 2014 -

Each and every government initiative to bring about alterations in the state seems to be objected to by one or the other group in the form of public protests.

Of course, the rationale is not completely absent in such type of objections. But, it obviously hampers the growth of infrastructure in the state. Effective negotiations should precede all progressive activities.

We have, for the past few months, seen numerous stir objecting to the government efforts to erect a National Sports University at the so-called ‘Yaithibi Loukol’ in Thoubal district.

Agitations against the land acquisition for the same have reached utmost severity, thereby even leading to burning down of police outpost and thrashing of police personnel.

On the other side, acquisition of land for a ‘Smart City’ at Holenphai at the Indo-Myanmar border in Chandel District is also being protested by the locals.

Civil bodies of the area have resorted to all forms of strikes to ensure that the proposed City is not developed there.

Also the locals residing in the course of the proposed ‘Imphal Ring Road’ at areas in Langol in Imphal west have also agitated against the government decision to construct the Ring Road at their areas.

Earlier, acquisition of land for the upgradation of Imphal Airport to International Airport was also objected by the local people who were affected in the endeavour.

Presently, the employees of Imphal Municipal Council are protesting against the Government decision to shift the IMC office to Lamphelpat in Imphal west.

This is everyone’s knowledge that ‘something has to be compromised to bring in something good’. When the outcome is really fruitful, any objection to materialize the works can well be sidelined.

However, if the initiative for any development work is likely to affect the people seriously, then such works need reconsideration. Government has to find out alternative sites, where the public loss is lesser.

Sticking to a decision tooth and nail without any consideration of people’s voice will do no good. There is still room for negotiations, as there are alternatives where the Government may pursue its works. On the other hand, the striking citizens must also borne in mind the rationality of their objections considering the overall progress of the society.

Interesting thing is that, while some sections defend their lands from being acquired for the construction of Sports University, some others offer their land to the Government for the same purpose. In the same way, the route map for the proposed ‘Imphal Ring Road’ may also be re-drawn without affecting the residential areas.

There are also other areas where the proposed ‘Smart City’ may be planned. However, regarding the shifting of IMC office to some other place, the Government decision is judicious and objections by employees are irrational.

Everyone knows that Government can acquire lands belonging to the public anytime and anywhere for doing some public good, except in the protected areas for the scheduled groups.

However, formal negotiations and gathering of public views through the concerned MLAs of the affected area are a must for any public endeavour.

It will be in general interests to expedite development works by way of negotiations and compromises between the Government and the Citizens.

Protests are not helping in any progress, and at the same time Government also needs to respect and consider people’s voice for any development work. Here, the role of MLAs becomes more and more significant.