Implementing the inevitable: An encouraging spirit

Imphal Times *

High Court of Manipur :: Pix - TSE

The unambiguous directive of the state High Court for doing the needful to neutralize the ongoing indefinite blockade and for deploying central security forces at vulnerable points along the national highways not only to protect the bridges but also other vital installations, and the subsequent steps taken up by the machinery with unmatched alacrity has elicited a collective sigh of relief from the much harassed people of the state.

It would be an understatement to say that the people of the state irrespective of caste, religion or community have borne the brunt of the economic blockade far too frequently for far too long, and the present development should pave the way for a sustained solution to the incessant disruptions which have been hampering development and progress further.

The state has been held at ransom for far too long, and it is the common people who are bearing the brunt of these whole exercises all along, while the powerful and the influential to which the whole exercises were ostensibly directed have had it easy.

It would also be naïve to think that those responsible for the disruptions and blockades are ignorant of the fact.

The incredulous truth is those who are spearheading such inexplicably vindictive steps are city slickers who hobnob with the offspring of the high and mighty ones in the state, if not the state leaders themselves.

On the other hand, the state government, while given a shot in the arm with the court directive as well as the assurance of assistance from the central home ministry, should consider the development as a beginning to iron out the simmering social and political issues for enduring peace without which development or progress will not be possible.

Relying on central interventions and assistances for each and every social disruptions and unwanted interventions will prove impractical and even counterproductive in the long run.

Those who have professed and are elected to represent the society should be pragmatic and gutsy enough to crack the whip in time before any maverick can influence and increase the disruptions to the society.

But in order to stamp its authority, the government must have to establish itself as a transparent, just, proficient and stringent entity. Its decisions and deliberations should be based on maximum welfare and sustainable development and should not be swayed by any communal or one-sided considerations- a position easier said than to be in as has been proven time and again.

Another unfortunate development is the emergence of different SCOs conducting counter-blockades in various parts of the valley.

Though the majority of people in the valley can empathize with the spontaneous reactions after holding back for so long, yet the fact remains that it is mostly the simple people who are too busy making ends meet to consider the higher ideals of demanding a separate district, state or oppose the same as the case may be, who stands to be effected the most.

The most important take away from the whole sordid incident is that there are no winners in such a situation.

The only viable and lasting solution can be brought about only when cultural and emotional integration really takes place, and for that to happen, it is not blockades that we require but bouquets and bonding.