As time passes the ailing condition worsens day after day with new issues cropping up that added more weight on the already overloaded burden. Manipur today is over-burdened and yet we cannot escape from the entangled situation by blaming one another and heaving the wrongs upon each other will not bring any tangible solution. Already in the muddy clay we have to wash clean all that have stained.

Change, change, change, continual change.

This is the watchword of modern life. Here on earth, new countries have proliferated, changes has become universal, and every corner of the world is in a state of ferment.

Let us not view the changes through the eyes of newsman and media propaganda with this month's crisis or even through the eyes of the planners announcing development programmes for years ahead. Let us look at the changes under the aspect of history.

The original history of Meiteis (not all Meiteis) and (for example) Tangkhuls is undeniably and unshakeably one entity wherein lies a very significant living evidence which many people will surely wonder (or may mock) and may not be convincing at all.

That very existing (and yet not disclosed but keeping in the cupboard) evidence lies with one of the Meiteis in Imphal who is in possession of a bone ring (male organ ring worn by menfolk in the old times) as a historical proof that pass-ed down from his great grandfathers to him. Mu-singly wonder or dreamy abstraction? Your guess.

Other evidences are the observation of cultural festivals, like - Mera Haochongba, Lai Haraoba, Leilum Phi, Ningol Chakkouba (Tangkhuls observe it at Mangkhap festival just after the paddy plantation is done), and similar words in our languages likes head - Kok, Kui; hari - sam, sam; eye -mit, mik; Uchan - meira, meira, etc.

Moreover Naga (Tangkhul, others) maidens in the past had crescent hair cut/style on their forehead indicating their status of girl or unmarried. So the same were the Meiteis maidens. And ethnically speaking Tangkhul is the elder brother of Meitei Maharaja.

So was the performance of Paleihanba at Hundung Thawaijao some years ago. No dispute at all.

And now, why there exists conflict and ailing each other at heart that naturally distanced ourselves and drifting apart toward different directions? I am convinced that the Meiteis adopted different ways and alien cultures and thus claiming superiority, advanced race etc whereas the original Naga remained in the hill areas gradually became untouchable and outcaste.

This is where the Meiteis went wrong. Nagas everywhere they lived were head hunters, also called Naked Nagas. Womenfolk wear the same big, broad and heavy beaded necklace (in Tangkhul Kong-sang) yesterday and today throughout Nagalim. Head gears in different and various designs and forms are part of Naga identity.

Also the same house architecture having crossed-board head in front of the building head-ridge. Considering all the aspects, we need not go further disputes about the Meitei-ness and Naga-ness. It would be far better for all of us to know and understand about co-existence.

Valley, people are far developed, well-off and have advanced in many fields that are beyond the grasp and reach of the tribals. One cannot blame or fix all the ills of the tribals on the Meiteis only. Natural creation by God favours valley people in socio-economic-political sphere. It is universal and one cannot go against the nature.

So is the USA, Europe, etc. Above all these attributions one example which is quite distinct and inseparateable inherent dyed and involved among the Meiteis is deep rooted and well associated with undue advantages and manipulation over the tribals. This is what Nagas can never stand idle and tolerate it forever making and supporting the undue well-being of others. Old habits die hard.

We can no longer afford poverty in the world-if we ever could. We can no longer afford ignorance or prejudice or neglect. It is not so much that majority is a sign of moral wickedness as that they are a sign of incompetence in design and administration.

It is time to apply at least the same standards of competence and satisfaction in running the Nagalim that we apply in running a family or a business. And not at the behest of others.

Any tribe of scattered people now not only deserves to be united but must be united, as surely as a member of a rich family, how he can share in its abundance. Any child in Nagalim now not only deserves to live together, but must live together, like a privileged child, for the full development of his potentialities from the age one year to up.

Such is not against the wish of anyone, neighbour or others. The world has now become too dangerous for anything.

Nagas, like the Christians, have no hidden agenda nor any ill-will towards anyone or any neighbouring states. Whatever conditions good or bad we Nagas face today are also part of the others who support or against the Nagas issue.

The fear psychosis that runs deep in the minds of valley people is nothing but self-fear - fear to stand alone, fear to face the future alone, fear to face the neighbours. As such the values of co-existence and brotherhood is vanished.

I must confess that keeping integrity of Manipur does not mean to enhance the prosperity of the tribals, but this is clearly obvious that the majority refuses to face the necessary eventuality alone in future. A refusal to stand alone but denying and ignoring the rights of others is apolitical and will naturally become a house without roof.

I can only conclude that if we live, and if we work to live helping one another, we are even now within sight of co-existence as good neighbour. So long there is the mindset and attitude of superiority and also upper hand policy one will find its own way for good or for bad.

Emotions running high and emphatic words without good deeds will not open the door. The time for opening the door is already ripe. Chasing the shadow at New Delhi will do us no good. The ground reality is here at home and does not always rest with far-off Delhi.

We have been and are praying for all since last many years and the same today. Had there been no blockade by neighbouring States peace would have ushered earlier in the northeast.

Peace be with us all.