Political, social challenges highlighted at AMAWOVA day
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 24 2024: All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA) marked its 35th foundation day with a solemn event at GM Hall, Imphal, on Thursday.

The event, presided over by AMAWOVA president Y Kunjarani, had speakers who shed light on the deteriorating political, social, and cultural fabric of Manipur, urging collective action to address these pressing challenges.

Speaking as the chief guest, Manipur University School of Humanities former dean Prof Ch Sheelaramani lamented the loss of the federal relationship between the hills and valley of Manipur following its merger into the Union of India.

She emphasised that this shift led to the erosion of Manipur's own philosophies and cultural values over time.

The democratic process in India has been compromised by corruption, money, and muscle power.

Elections have become jokes in the face of corruption, she said, adding that politicians are now linked to various crimes, including narco-terrorism, with drug money being used to fund elections.

Prof Sheelaramani also drew historical parallels, observing that Manipur has faced severe existential threats in the past, such as the Seven Years' Devastation and British colonial rule, which deepened divisions between the hills and the valley, dismantling the federal structure that once united the region.

According to her, this division has been maintained for the past 75 years since Manipur's merger with India.

She further remarked that despite challenges, Manipur remained a sovereign nation with high civilizational values and a rich cultural heritage.

However, in contemporary times, indigenous culture has been diluted, and the people must stand united to face these challenges and fight for a better future.

Addressing the social decline in Meetei society, Prof Sheelaramani expressed concern over the loss of morality and social conduct.

She noted that such moral decay is visible on social media, and in light of these issuer, there is a pressing need for dialogue and reflection within the community.

AMAWOVA general secretary Ksh Sujata echoed these sentiments, highlighting the grim state of affairs in the region and the lack of solutions to the myriad issues faced by the people.

She criticised the government's.subservience to Delhi, which has eroded the idea of self-reliance in Manipur.

Corruption, she said, is rampant, with politicians, bureaucrats, and the intellectual class failing to develop long-term visions for the state's future.

Sujata also emphasised the plight of the Meetei community, which she described as "living like refugees in their own land" since the outbreak of violence on May 3 last year.

She called for a new perspective and vision to explore ways forward for a better future.

Social scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram and GP Women's College department of political science assistant professor Dr Konthoujam Indrakumar, as the resource persons, spoke on critical issues facing the state.

Their insights focused on the need for unity, resilience, and strategic planning to address the deep-rooted political and social challenges in Manipur.

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