Masses are gullible so intelligentsia's acumen required

Free Thinker *

Peoples' Convention on 'Scheduled Tribe Status In Manipur' at Iboyaima Shanglen on 14 May 2016 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

Most of the intellectuals and Professors ambivalent to ST demand are my close friends and brothers. They know me for the last many years. We debate on numerous subjects, we argue against one another on almost every crucial issue, many times we agree, and on few occasions we agree to disagree but no ill will between us. At the time of 'OBC' also we had similar kind of debates, discussions and discourses.

Those public debates and discourses were very academic, logical and fruitful. There was no intimidation or mob mobilization and the level of interaction was on a higher plane. I still remember a public debate on OBC issue in the Manipur University Auditorium where Professors and intellectuals took part highlighting their divergent view-points. That was a wonderful experience and had given a feeling of fulfilled democracy; no mudslinging and no gagging but free flow of ideas.

As a matter of fact on every issue our political masters also wait for the response from the intellectuals and intelligentsia. But unfortunately quite often they are swayed away by the crowds and mobs. Even the most level headed politicians are compelled by the dictates of the misguided masses and sponsored supporters. We all know that sometimes logic and rational does not work in politics and public life. One has to follow the wave. For this, we can't blame our political leaders. Hence the role of opinion-makers and intelligentsia is extremely important for guiding the people and showing the pragmatic path.

Now the ILPS has become a stalemate between the Centre and the State and also a logjam between the hill people and valley people. That is because of our hastiness and lack of application of mind while passing the bills. Whether you like it or not, for the last 65 years we are bound by a Constitution and a system, we need to act accordingly. If you want to act beyond it I have no commence.

If we have to manoeuvre within the existing system and dispensation we can still continue the dialogue and find a way out. It was reminded all and sundry that citizenship, naturalization, inter-state migration & quarantine and land/property laws in schedule areas are beyond State jurisdiction (read Schedule VII). When you go to Delhi get ready with your replies.

Again let us be practical, let us take both Ibobiji and Bhavanandaji and insist on Modiji to restore us the earlier version of ILPS of the British Raj vintage. Then hill will be calm and valley will be protected to a large extent. It will be a win-win situation and face saving too on both sides.

We are well aware of the fact that we are a great civilization (2000 years old), a long history of majestic monarchy, modern polo belongs to us, we have the world famous dance, we have global sports personalities, we have our own language and script, our literature is classical, we stood against the mighty British in whose empire the sun never sets, our costume and customs are uniquely refined and beautiful. We are very proud of this marvellous heritage, tradition and history. Are we going to lose all these when we become ST?

Today in India there is a craze among the people to get themselves recognized as OBC or SC or ST or MBC, etc. You know why? Because they know that the advantages and opportunities are enormous as and when you are enrolled as one of these.

This is no regression but opportunism and there is no criteria but political. Let us not trap ourselves in the web of yardsticks (primitive or not etc ,etc.) and ethics. The fact of the matter is we are far lagging behind so need protection and patronage and it is a legitimate demand.

Sometimes I smell a rat that there might be some whimsical elements who always try to prop up things and issues which can trigger a friction or conflict between the Centre and the State and also between the hill and the valley, between the Nagas and Kukis, between the Meiteis and Meitei Pangans, and also between the Meiteis and Meiteis so that our State is always in turmoil and in chaos.

As the masses are gullible, it is high time for the intelligentsia to wake up and respond to emotive issues but without bandhs and violence. People are forfoughten and only an intelligent intervention from the intelligentsia can give respite.

This is not only about government jobs and innumerable (fee, tax, fare) concessions but also about the knowledge and exposure to be extended to our students in a number of esteemed educational institutions and universities. What is lacking is knowledge and exposure? Once we acquire knowledge, skills and know-how we can do something anywhere. That is what I want for my people.

Believe me most of the exponents of ST are quite capable and well- to- do and can still have a good life without the tag. They are asking for ST status for the common people who need state patronage and protection. Once ST tag is awarded your land will also be a schedule area (5th/6th Schedule) and transfer of schedule land to non-tribals is prohibited (it is again a back-door land protection).

Our hill people won't mind it because such prohibition excludes them. I don't think we are humiliated or denigrated or mortified when we become OBC.

Why reluctant when the stake is much higher? But the hill people must be fully convinced that their share, stake and claims within the state will remain untouched. We need to take the confidence of the hill people otherwise this demand will also be stuck.

Finally the choice is between two stream of thoughts " utangbi mana chara chara ga tumduna leire uirum uirum" and "sangombu yolaga ngari bu chariba ho Meitei apangba". I love eating ngari and sleeping, what to do?

But I am not afraid of my intellectual honesty even though my wisdom teeth come in the second decade of the 21st century. Better late than never, now we are getting fruits as well as wine. We tribal can produce brews. Wow! Export permit will follow. Modiji will do it because he wants to come here in 2017.