Return of peace opportunity for state's progress
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: December 15, 2022 -

Considering the fact that for decades Manipur only grabbed attention of the national media due to daily doses of insurgency related violence, ethnic tension and civil unrest over different issues and not many dared to visit the state to explore its tourism potential; return of peace, indeed, is the greatest achievement of the present government.

As the public's yearning for peace has been topping the election menu of every political organisation, the credit for realisation of the goal definitely goes to the present establishment.

With all the ministers, ruling party legislators and political figures still in the self-congratulatory mood, such positive vibes also give the masses immense hope that apart from return to normalcy the state government will deliver the promises made for development in all sectors.

Unlike in the past when government authorities cited protracted restive situation for inability of the state to join the race for development, these days incumbent ministers do not hesitate to eulogise Manipur's scenic landscape and its potential in the tourism sector.

In fact, the changing themes of the handful of state-sponsored tourism promotional festivals imply that peace and harmony are no more the priority.

For instance, the previous edition of the Barak Festival was held under the theme "Sustaining peace and harmony", whereas this year's two-day event, which began on Tuesday in Senapati district is being celebrated with the motto to "Save mother Earth", thereby underscoring that emphasis is being given to bring on board and proactively engage all the stakeholders in ensuring that the fragile ecological balance does not degenerate any further.

That the government authorities alone can't make much of a difference in reversing the trend of environmental degradation could be comprehended from forest and environment minister Th Biswajit, who, as chief guest of the Barak festival's inauguration function, elucidated that objective of the celebration is to protect the environment and keep the Barak River clean and seeking the cooperation of all to the forest department's endeavours to protect and preserve forest and environment.

Had the state been in the same situation as in the pastwhen the government had to address different sensitive, issues, the present regime would not have the time and energy to focus on environmental and developmental issues.

Since fall of the 15-year old Congress government in the 2017 assembly elections and formation of BjP-led coalition regime headed by N Biren, with exception of stray cases of public dissent, mainly centred on issues that the previous government could not find solution, there has been no serious incident that caused disruption to normal chores of the masses.

With the present government making it a point to invite parties in distress for a negotiated settlement in case of any sensitive issues, the few voices of dissent had been primarily from the government employees over demand for heftier salary and to some extent outcries by civil societies for better infrastructure and shortcomings on the developmental front.

As fast-paced socio-economic progression of the state, as is the general wish of the commoners, is out of the context due to limited resources, the only option left for the government is to sustain the semblance of peace and tranquillity and hope that New Delhi will remain generous in planning and funding infrastructure development projects.