The good thing about NE exodus
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: August 23, 2012 -

Warm reception to homecoming Manipuri natives on their arrival at Mao Gate on August 22 2012 :: Pix - Popcha Yambem

Like the proverbial saying, 'Every cloud has a silver lining', the bitter flight-for-life experience of panic stricken northeasterners, who were forced to leave behind their studies and jobs in other Indian cities following threat of backlashes over violence in Assam, seems to have brought together the people of the region closer like never before.

Apart from joining hands in taking the administration to task over its alleged laid back attitude towards handling the crisis, people from different sections of the society have also shown their concern towards the suffering of their fellow beings.

On Tuesday, cutting across community line we saw a group of student bodies addressing a press conference jointly to take up the cudgel against the alleged failure of the Government of Manipur to put in place adequate measures to ensure the safety and security of its fleeing people even after the life of a Manipuri student was lost in the mayhem.

On the other hand, many organizations come together to extend their Samaritan service to the home-bound fleeing students and young professionals along with setting a help desk at Mao Gate for providing snacks and other necessary succour to the wearied souls. Such show of unity in time of distress is indeed noteworthy.

While the core issue over the panic that led to mass exodus of Northeasterners from different parts of the country has remained clouded and overshadowed by the blame game between India and its neighbouring arch-enemy Pakistan on the origin of the intimidating messages and videos that triggered the mass exodus, there are still a couple of silver linings that the people in the north east region could derive from this harrowing experience.

Keeping side the veracity of the claim of India, the panic which spread like wild fire has, first of all, exposed how vulnerable is India to such cyber attacks even from a poor neighbouring country like Pakistan.

Instead of blaming Pakistan, it would have made more sense if the government of India and its political class looked inwards and realized that the problem actually lies within.

The initial tepid response of the government even after thousands of panic stricken northeasterners were forced to flee Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune fearing reprisals from Muslims, has also exposed the dangerous fault-lines within Indian society.

On the other hand, it is worth analyzing why the educated people from the Northeast take the threats into their hearts, and decide to catch the first available train or flight to come home regardless of the numerous assurances given for their protection and security not only by the Centre but also by the respective governments.

It only shows lack of confidence of the people over such assurances of their elected representatives and governments in India.

If the Centre and the respective state Governments actually care for the people of North East, why they reacted only after the exodus have started.

To say that exodus has subsided only after everyone has left sounds really ridiculous.