Questioning The Effectiveness Of The Government

By Deepa Khomdram *

Manipur is best described as a state of turmoil. Every now and then, one or the other crisiserupts within the premise of the state. And those worst hit by the wrath of these turmoils are the local masses for no fault of theirs.

Who is to be blamed for causing such restlessness in the state? Is it the insurgents or the failure of the state machinery to function properly? The answer lies in the query itself.

Sionce the 90's, we have been witnessing the problem of economic blockade and people facing the crisis of the shortage of the daily amenities in the state. But so far not a single step has been taken up to prevent such an unwelcomed situation. And the result is, time and again, we always have to face the consequences.

It is aways left to the people to voice their grievances with no ears to hear them. And with the ongoing two month long economic blockade the situation has hit to the hilt.

With the prices of the daily amenities raising to critical heights, trying to survive in the state has become a punishment. How is it possible to survive with gas prices rising to 1500 INR and petrol being sold at 150-200 INR per liter.

Had it been any other state, the issue would have shaken both the center and the state government out of their wits even before the blockade had completed 48 hours. But since it is Manipur, as far as the crisis is concerned, everyone prefers to hush it up and let it pass by like a passing cloud.

And this points out the failure of the state government on their duties to maintain the welfare of its people. Is it worth having a government such as this to rule the state? I doubt it. And since the people are being left opn their own to suffer, I, personaly, do not see any reason or benefit for the existence of a government in the state.

Manipur as a state has by far been neglected to such an extent that even at a time such as this, everyone prefers to sit back quietly and watch the ongoing pitiful scenario.

Yet we keep hoping against hope that things will straighten out some day but with each passing day the hope seems to remain as a hope to cherish that will never materialise.

It is said hope sustains life but in a state like Manipur, keeping alive such hopes is more like committing a crime. It is indeed a pity to see the hopes periching into thin air.

The state government is well aware of the setbacks in the state as an outcome of the blockade yet it prefers to turn a blind eye towards the grievances of the people. From an attitude such as this, what more could we presume?

Every now and then, protests, rallies, blockades, dharnas etc are being staged in every nook and corner of the state raising hues and cries about the grievances of the people. But there is no one to pay any heed to their voices. And thisindicates that the people of manipur have been entangled in a maze, a labyrith of crisis from where trying to carve out a way to find a solution is more like a task which is next to impossible.

With the condition of the state deteriorating to such an extent, the government simply sitting back and watching the drama to continue is indeed shocking. What are they waiting for? Are they waiting for the people to denounce them in their fit of rage?

Ostracizing the efficiency of the government is not the motive behind the writing of this piece. But seeing the inactiveness of the government to curb the situation is condemnable. Back in our homeland, our dear and near ones are facing the brunt trying to survive and it is hard to overlook the fact and let it go unnoticed.

All of us are well aware of the fact that the productivity of the state is meagre and thus, majority of people depend for their livelihood on those that are transported from outside the state.

Consider the situation occuring in any other state of the country, both the central and the state government would have been ransacked for their laid back attitude. The situation of Manipur is heading from bad to worse and the efficient bureaucrats seems to be doing nothing at all to take care of the deteriorating condition.

The idleness of the governance in the state calls for criticism. It is indeed shameful on the part of the state ministry to be unable to take up any preventive measures against the ongoingblockade at NH-39. It is time for the government to take a break from Red Tapism and corruption for once and try to settle its scores.

It's high time that the government work towards the upliftment of the state as a whole or will have to witness a civil war. Cease the over the table discussions just once and come up with effective actions to prevent such situations from arising in the futur. Give peace a chance to prevail in the state.

Amen!