Lumpenization of Movement
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: August 07 2015 -

Almost all social and political movements around the world in the past had experienced hurdles and setbacks owing to undesired activities by elements that had made entry into the movements via chaotic gaps between the people and the leadership.

These undesired elements not only brought shame to those who led the movements but also caused tactical nuisance to the movement while distancing sympathetic constituencies.

Similar phenomenon has been witnessed in the current movement demanding implementation of Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) in Manipur.

The massive strikes and bandhs organized in the valley region saw undue harassment caused to numerous professionals who had been exempted from the purview of the protest blockades imposed so far.

The JCILPS had more than once appealed to all not to harass media persons, medical staff, patients, ete., during the ongoing agitation. However, some over enthusiastic elements had been defying the appeal.

While the sentiments of those who had been religiously enforcing the call for blockades and strikes can be understood, there is no reason why they should be defying the JCILP appeal.

The frequency of the harassment experienced by media persons, medical staff and patients unmistakeably alludes to the fact that there have been suspicious elements trying to jeopardize the movement.

These can only be termed as lumpenization of the movement and calls for deep introspection on the part of the leadership.

Otherwise, who else can explain the merciless halting of a vehicle caring a pregnant woman to a hospital for delivering her child? She had to undergo labour pain along the road and finally deliver the baby inside the car.

Moreover, the media fraternity in Imphal have been forced to stop publications and production of news bulletins in local news networks on Thursday (August 6) owing to the fact that many media persons including editors, sub editors, reporters, DTPs, machine men, plate makers, distributors, circulation personnel and other related workers could not reach their work places.

This is despite the fact that media fraternity had made a fervent appeal to the agitators to allow free passage.

Keeping in mind the seriousness of the issue on hand, JCILPS and those in the forefront of the movement should not allow the lumpen elements to hijack the movement and bring a bad name to the cause.