The year 2005 ended on an ominous note with the assassination of the then IGP (Intelligence) T Thangthuam and later the gunning down of two civilians by unidentified gunmen at North AOC in the evening.

While the proscribed PLA claimed responsibility for the fatal ambush on the IGP, the North AOC killing still remains a mystery and it was with a sense of shock and outrage that Manipur stepped into 2006.

This time round, things seem to be a bit better in the sense that we do not have to contend with such bloodshed on the last day of 2006, but the people will definitely be stepping into a new year with many issues which have the potential to derail the State and hold it hostage by numerous bandhs and blockades.

We are stepping into the new year, with the Jiribam issue yet to be resolved. The issues raised by the All Tribal Students' Union, with regard to the recruitment of ST teachers are yet to be resolved amicably and already we have some bandhs and blockades lined up.

The most significant event in 2007 will of course be the election to the 9th Assembly election and judging by the current development, we can well expect a deeply polarised election with the Lim, Tipaimukh Dam and AFSPA issues hanging over the heads of each and every political party and candidates.

Looking strictly at the ground reality, there is nothing special about new year, but such has been the conditioning of the mental make up of the people all over the world, that every new year unfailingly infuses new hope and inspire people to aim higher and look to better things to come.

It is the same case with Manipur.

There is nothing to suggest that conditions have improved over the years. On the other hand situation has taken a turn for the worse with each passing year and the memories and records of the past will testify to this.

We have been left far behind in the development index and every year is a tale of bandhs, blockades, violence, human rights violation, arson and emergence of villains who later go on to don the mantle of heroes !

However all these have not stopped the people from welcoming each and every new year with hope and festivities.

New Years' eve or 31st December as it is generally known (in the local parlance New Year's eve is known as Bye Bye), is a day for celebration for many and it is marked by musical shows and other entertainment programmes.

Friends get together with their families in tow to share a light moment and of course a sumptuous dinner. Churches usually herald the coming of the new year with prayer sessions and worshipping the Lord.

Come January 1, it is picnic time for almost everyone and the picnic hot spots are sure to teem with hundreds if not thousands of picnickers with the families and friends.

On the other side, we can expect drunken driving, rowdyism and road accidents. All these go together to make new year something unique.

At the risk of sounding cynical we would like to say that all these merry makings come despite the fact that we have nothing to look forward for the simple fact from January 3 or 4 we can expect bandhs to start hitting our daily lives.

Happy and prosperous New Year to all our readers, patrons and well wishers.