KYKL talks economics and politics on its 30th foundation day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 24 2024: The proscribed Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) has greeted the people of WESEA, cadres of different outfits, civil society organisations, public leaders, intellectuals and media houses on the eve of its 30th foundation day.

In a lengthy statement, KYKL chairman N Oken described the relation between politics and economics and the interdependence of people in the society.

He said that politics in simple words is a function and tool of economics.

N Oken went on to state that economic process, political process, social process, cultural process and natural process are key elements of human society and these processes integrate one another at several levels despite having their unique identities.

It is the economic process which is the most important in human society but it doesn't necessarily mean that economics alone can influence other aspects of human society, N Oken added.

Saying that economics has many facets, N Oken continued that politics according to Leninism is the manifestation of economic activities.

Further stating the hill and valley people in Manipur were bound by an inseparable economics network before the arrival of the British, N Oken added that the economic ties between the hill and the valley people were strong in the past.

N Oken maintained that the politics of separation is emerging in Manipur due to the weak economic ties among the people.

Claiming that the economy of Manipur has transformed from '100 per cent production based economy' to '90 per cent grant in aid economy' after the erstwhile kingdom was 'forcefully merged with India,' the KYKL chairman added that it is obvious for the different communities to try to snatch the funds given by Delhi when the economy is very weak.

"Now both the hill and valley people of Manipur dance to the tune of the giver which is the Centre and it is not surprising," N Oken said and added that the hate politics seen in Manipur is the manifestation of the State's economy being dependent.

Cautioning that the situation in Manipur may deteriorate further in another 20-23 years, N Oken added that Manipur may find its backbone broken by 2047 when India attains the 100th year of its independence.

A far sighted vision is needed to protect Manipur, he said and added that politics which doesn't focus on improving the economy is a waste.

Economics interest should be at the forefront while engaging in politics to make Manipur a self-reliant entity, the KYKL chairman advised and added that the idea of Manipur should also be established under a very strong foundation.

It is the ideology which must establish the economic interest and let the politics mould it, he added.

The standard of politics in Manipur will rise when its economy becomes vibrant, the KYKL chairman continued and added the economic interest of Manipur, however, cannot be started by the people alone without the leaders.

Claiming that alleged colonial India will always put effort to not let the economy of Manipur thrive and keep the erstwhile kingdom under their control, N Oken added that the people of Manipur must resist all the opposing forces and make 'our economy vibrant.' N Oken also said that the role of intellectuals and leaders in making people conscious is of paramount importance.

Given the contemporary reality, the economy of the entire WESEA region should be uplifted, he said and added that Manipur should be an economic hub for the WESEA region.

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