Print media and political activism

Asen Newmai *

Since the beginning of print media's interest in covering North East India, CNN IBN or till recently Times Now TV Channel have highlighted racism which has victimized youths of these regions; who are staying in mainland Indian states.

I recollect Professor Emeritus TK Oammen who spoke a year earlier on Social Exclusion and inclusiveness at Hyderabad University's Ambedkar Auditorium and I quote, "For the first time in India's history in this globalized era, it's the fair skinned Mongoloid race's North Easterner who is a victim of racism, we as academicians need to study this ongoing phenomenon from a new perspective as this has become an inevitable reality".

(Late) Nido Tania's case has become a forerunner in fighting against racism at New Delhi since few years ago till date. Free from politicized burden of chanting the mainstream Indian slogan "Bharat Mata Ki Jai or Bharat Ammi Ki Jai" (Thanks to Actor Sabhana Azmi within specificality), racism or targeting a mongoloid race in mainstream Indian states on the basis of racial features including hair colors, food habits, fashion sensibilities or hairstyle has diluted the Indian ethos of "Unity in Diversity" slogan.

Unlike yesteryears; globalized youths hailing from North East India has been politically awakened and sensitized on crucial issues confronting their indigenous communities. It's a matter of concern that Irom Sharmila's 10+ years fast has been overshadowed by Anna Hazare's sit-in-protest at New Delhi; here the latter got all the accolades.

North Easterners across metro Indian cities have organized anti-racism protests in Bangalore and New Delhi, and the formation of Bezbaruah Committee to tackle racism post Nido Tania's incident stands testimony to an ongoing reality.

Politicians notably from (Late) PA Sangma, Agatha Sangma, Gaurav Gogoi, Nephiu Rio, Thangso Baite, Kiren Rijiju and Thokchom Meinya have lent their support to this democratic anti-racism protest which was held right after Nido Tania's demise at Parliament Street, New Delhi.

Students who were hauled inside the Parliament Jail Street Complex's compound by Delhi police during this time have an enriching experience; most of these protesting North East students are first timers and this has created a lasting impression on their hearts and minds as far as political sensitivity is concerned.

Student leaders notably Carol Maninee, Asen Newmai, Gomar Basar, Tayeng Mipi, Usham Rojio, Malem Laishram and Akum Longkumer have been on the forefront during this crucial anti-Racism protests in New Delhi city; it's a humbling experience to note that these students formed peer pressure groups to spread political awareness and even raise money for pamphlet's or related matters from their own pocket money and generosity from likeminded North Eastern individuals.

Mainstream student based political organizations like NSUI, SFI, UDSF and AISA after insistence from these noted student leaders began to lend their support and the anti-racism momentum has reached a wider scale. North East India's youth icons notably Binalakshmi Nepram, Alana Golmei and Linda Newmai also lend their valuable advice and support to this nationalized anti-racism protests which was organized in most of the metro cities; often becoming our spokesperson on National Television interviews.

In recent times, we have seen the meteoric rise of JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar as a dynamic and charismatic student leader, and a time has come in Manipur's electoral narrative if an enlightened individual can raise high like an eagle on similar principles?

BJP has recently formed the state government in Assam with Shri Sarbananda Sonowal as the CM after dethroning Congress led Tarun Gogoi's Sarkar. Whether it's' going to be "Haath ya Kamaal ke Phool" (Politically speaking in Hindi lingo) sarkar in Manipur's upcoming general election; much like Smt Indira Gandhi's popular slogan "Roti, Kapda aur Makaan" will decide the fate of the listed political parties like Congress, BJP, MPP or even NPF.

General election in Manipur will be happening in the early part of 2017; hence Congress and BJP will be politically and ideologically flexing their muscles to lure the voters. Corruption from the grass root level, employment woes, bandh and blockades continues to be the domineering Actor in Manipur state.

Way to go "Sanaleibak Manipur" hing mint na see eikhoi, taibang maa gi leikon da.