Triggering time bomb of communal clash by terrorists
- Killing Khullakpa of Thayong -

By: Sanjib Meiteicha *

Former Khullakpa of Thayong was shot dead (see here and here) by unidentified armed persons suspected to be cadres of a Kuki UG group with an apparently disgusting motive that Kom tribe should be merged into Kuki tribe.

This is horrific act barbarism reflecting the mean mindset of terrorists (could anyone suggest me more appropriate word so that I can replace this word?) is not the first of its kind and most possibly it will not the last one also.

I am afraid that this ridiculous groupism among the communities, if not control at this stage, will lead to serious communal clash similar to the one which we had seen in mid 90's. State government, politicians, student organizations and other social organizations need to be proactive in controlling such acts in the better interest of the future of our own society.

The whole society should condemn this horrific act and should not let the vested interest get better of the society. We must remind ourself that it's our society which will remain backward if such things keep on happening. Hadn't we seen enough of the aftermath of ugly communal classes which happened in 90's (Naga-Kuki, Meitei-Pangal, Kuki-Paite)?

Let's learn from our mistakes. You terrorists are not doing anything good for the society. People will be displaced out of their native places. Children will be deprived of educations (well, still deprived most of the time).

Finally, we will be displaced from the mainstream world. Just imagine our children working as slaves, our mother, wives and sisters being sexually exploited by dominant and well to do people. And finally, we identify ourself as belonging to a community which provides maximum number of low waged laborers. I don't look down upon low waged laborers.

Having said so, I would not like most of the people from Manipur being engaged in those profession. Honestly, I would be happy to see maximum number of people from Meitei, Pangal, Tangkhul, Kom, Chothe, Paite, Kuki, Chiru, Kabui and all others residing in Manipur to be at higher positions who can help other people.

If the terrorists are fighting for the pride of the community or society, then where is the pride of our society when we belong to a society which is famous for ethnic clashes, producing corrupt politicians and law enforcers with no moral values and of course the economically most backward society (with an annual per capita income of Rs 19,258 in 2007-08 - third lowest among Indian states)?

Let's live together. If Kom or some other tribe want to stay as Kom instead of being submerged in a Naga or Kuki, then there's nothing wrong with that. Lets fight and compete in some civilized battle so that our society become role model to the whole world.

I felt proud and gloated when Mary Kom knocked down her opponent in world boxing championship. I vividly remember how we celebrated when Dingko won a gold medal in Asian Game. I hope, you people too also enjoyed it.

We need those good news instead of all the news regarding these mindless killings, lawlessness, story of corrupt politicians, nexus between politician/law enforcers and terrorists which are precursor to a society with no future.

Society would be pleased to hear if all top 10 ranks of UPSC final exam goes to students from Manipur. We would be pleased if we get to hear if the person from a management school who was offered a package of more than 12.5 millions rupees per annum at this time of recession held from Manipur.

We will be proud if scientist from Manipur get Novel prize for his/her breakthrough research work assisting the development of global drugs for curing cancers. Well, these are still dreams.

Let's try to revolutionize the society in right direction. Let's not destroy each other. Ours is still a backward society. We need to walk a long distance hands in hands so that we cross many hurdles together. There is no magic wand to cure all the illness of the society in a minute.

But, let's take up the basic steps sincerely. Who knows, we, I mean, people of our generation may be able to live in a society which is role model to the whole world. My sincere and hearty condolence to the bereaved family who had lost their bread earner.

My late grandfather was a renowned Meitei priest. He was fluent in reading mantra. I could not remember most of the mantra which he used to chant during the time of rituals. But at the end of the long mantra, the last few lines of the prayer sounds very practical.

I could not remember each words of it exactly however it reads as following.

"Hey Ebungo, pumnamak khangliba,
pumnamak uriba, nagonda changjari.
Punshi chengjel loikharaba mahakpu leirangee
leinam oina nahaki leikolda tilhanbiyu.
Manung matam chadana punshi pandol lomkharaba
mahakna hundoklamba mahakki loinabi,
macha masu machin manao mayam
ashigee awaba do kokhinbiyu.
Leikhidaraba mahakki ahangbadu menshinba
ngamdarabasu mahakki eemung manungbu lal thum,
afa nungai,
chaokhatpa pinabiduna mahak leikhidabagee
awa cheinado yanghanbiyu.
Mahakki eemungge nupida angangda meena mityeng karan chanba,
lakcha khudum chanba ngamhanbiganu,
horikliba macha manao mayamse punshigee
panjeng firal thetpa ngamba pinabiyu....."