Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 15 2010:
Apart from stressing on the urgent need for economic self-reliance the mDF opined that two important factors are responsible for the decline in moral and economy of Manipur.
The first, according to the outfit is susceptibility of certain individuals to the power of money with Government agents taking advantage of presence of such vulnerable section in the society who are exploited to be used as a stumbling block against the ongoing movement.
While acknowledging role of money in every society, the MDF observed that unsound economy of Manipur has emboldened security agents to pit the people against the armed groups apart from promoting a clandestine network with active involvement of anti-social elements who are armed and backed to act in such a manner that the common people are dazed.
Unaware of such ploy the people begin to suspect purpose and agenda of the armed movement resulting in such a situation that committed revolutionary groups are constrained to battle the security forces and at the same time keep inimical forces from influencing the general public, the MDF PRO maintained.
The other factor impeding the revolutionary movement is the observation of the general public that the movement lacks cohesion among the various armed groups, said Anand and conceded that the people's concept could not be simply dismissed for an unhealthy competition could be witnessed between different armed outfit in the last few years.
Owing to such an unhealthy competition where armed groups get involved in contract works and various other un-revolutionary activities by patronising activities of the 'chosen few' Manipuri society today is besieged with the problem of divisions in students' body and even among Meira Paibis, he pointed out and added that this trend is the main cause for the people preferring to keep distance from the movement rather than lend solidarity to the cause as a revolution movement ought to be.
Accepting that for the security force agents divisions in the society is the right condition to subdue the armed movement and that the people too have every right to feel betrayed, Anand cautioned all the armed groups to identify and weed out dubious characters for influx of such elements would be detrimental to the cause and force insurgent groups on the backfoot.
He called upon leaders of insurgent groups to realise dangers posed to the movement and strive for coordination for delay in tackling the challenge would only distance the masses from the movement.
With regard to completion of first year of MDF's existence, Anand regretted that nothing substantial could be achieved but pledged to work relentlessly till the cherished goal is attained no matter whatever hurdle the outfit has to tide over.
MDF asserted that a 'defensive mechanism' would be chalked out soon to weed out forces inimical to the movement in order to accelerate the
movement.