Equality is the need of the hour

By Titus Kamei *

In protest against the economic blockade on the NHs 39 and 53 the United Committee Manipur (UCM) imposed total counter blockade of all types of vehicles bound for hiII districts with exception to Churachandpur district. The economic blockade imposed by ANSAM and different tribal organisations is demanding the State Govt to defer the election of ADC by repealing the Manipur Hill Areas District Council 3rd Amendment Act, 2008.

But the imposition of total counter blockade of all types of vehicles-bounds for hill districts lack reasons and logic. Instead of such steps being taken it would be more rational on the part of UCM to urge the State Govt to resolve the impasse at the earliest in the interest of the people so that the sentiments of both valley and hill people is not hurt.

The spontaneous response from the Meira Paibees and others in enforcing the total counter blockade of all vehicles bounds for hill district following the official declaration of UCM now gave an impression to the mind of the hill people that the UCM is dancing to the tune of the State Govt. The total counter blockade is not against the State Govt but against existence of the hill people.

The Hon’ble Gauhati High Court Imphal Bench has passed an order in the form of arrest warrant against the leaders of ANSAM and others following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against the imposition of economic blockade on the ground that the right to food and the right to life of the people has been infringed by the agitation.

Why similar order of arrest warrant should not be issued against the leaders and people of those who imposed counter blockade of all types of vehicles on the roads linking to hill districts if at all the law is to be interpretated as every one is equal before the law?

Since the imposition of economic blockade on the NHs the peole of both valley and hills are facing the same problems of shortage of essential commodities. But the people of hill districts are reeling under double blockade of UCM and Meira paibees on one side and ANSAM and other tribal organisations on the other. It would be a wrong conception on the part of the State Govt and valley people that the food grains and petroleum products etc stored in Imphal belongs to the people of Imphal only.

The Meira Paibees guarding the FCS godown located at Sangaiprou, Imphal round the clock with an attempt to thwart the lifting of food grains to be transported to hill district amounts to strangulating the neck of the hill people.

The food grains and petroleum products etc brought from the other parts of the country under heavy escorts by the security personnel at the expenses of State exchequer is to be equally benefitted by the people of both valley and hill districts, therefore, the legitimate entitled share of the hill people should be given as per district quota. Each district entitled share should not be disturbed but allow it to be lifted by providing necessary security personnel for transportation to designated destination in such a situation.

The State Govt maintaining silent observation to the activities of Meira Paibees and others in unloading and confiscating different types of goods belonging to the hill people to be transported to the hill district right under their nose simply tells that the State Govt is behind the activities of those people and Meira Paibees.

Appealed by the State Govt to stop counter blockade only now and when the situation is almost returning to normalcy is shedding a crocodile tears. Why State Govt forces became like a hapless little mouse in front of Meira Paibees when it has proved its might asainst the hill people? The State Govt being elected by the people of both valley and hills should maintain impartial attitude towards its citizens in order to win the confidence of the people.

It is a great sigh of relief to learn that essential commodities and life saving medicines/drugs have started air lifting and arriving in Imphal since 17th of May by the Air Force plane. The State Govt has also entrusted the Deputy Commissioners of Imphal East and Imphal West to do the needful to ease the problems in, accordance with the requirements of the people.

However, so far there is no such steps being taken up by the State Govt in respect of the people living in the hill districts. The Govt seems to be unaware that even in the normal times the people of the hill districts of Manipur are facing different types of hardships ranging from lack of medical facilities, shortage of foodstuffs, lack of proper education, infrastructures, deplorable transportation system, poor communication system, uneffective administration etc.

But the people of the hill districts of the State are struggling day by day to overcome all these odds. Are they super natural human beings ?! The hill people simplicity nature coupled with hesitation to disclose their grievances and problems to others should not be taken as that of living in contented life.

The Govt of both Centre and State is appealed to take up the problems of the people living in hill districts on top priority basis or on equal measures to extend possible and necessary assistance in such a grave situation to prove that the Govt is of the people; by the people and for the people.