As human beings are prone to committing errors it is universally accepted that having erred, the best way to find solace is not hesitating in confessing to the guilt. Any attempt to cover up mistakes through polity of meandering out of the issue would not only backfire but will considered no less than an act of cowardice.

Moreover, confession from the guilty individuals or group supplemented with an apology would evoke praise and remind the public of human being’s vulnerability to error. It may also lead to the common masses ponder and appreciate integrity of that person or group as among other qualities it requires guts and honesty to hold up one’s hand after his/her misconduct is confirmably suspected.

It seems, and rightly so, under this universal principle the outlawed KYKL has openly declared to the general public of the organisation having made premature observation on a recent incident and seeking forgiveness from the people. How conducive and thought provoking it would be if other entities be it banned, legally formed or even Government agencies have similar spirit in accepting their guilt and asking for public patronage and suggestion to prevent recurrence of undesired consequences.

A disturbing trend currently flummoxing the Manipuri society and putting its citizens in a delirious situation is the composure shown by law enforcing agencies amid multitude of protests and unending controversies shrouding incidents which usually culminate with the men in uniform portraying themselves as immune from any form of mistake.

Take the controversial surrender issue for instance, which had even led to the sons shattering their parents’ heart by refusing to accept the fact that they have been conceived and nurtured with utmost care.

Adding twist to the surrender episode is report of personnel of para-military force inquiring about mother of one of the surrendered youth at Laimanai in Thoubal district, contrary to the same youth being actually produced by the security agency in the court of being a Mayang Imphal resident, in Imphal West district.

While the visit and subsequent enquiry may be interpreted in more than one way the same could also be referred as an exercise of the security agency, having realised its mistake, trying to win back confidence of the people upon whom they have an indelible obligation to serve and protect.

There should be no laxity on efforts towards restoring confidence as this aspect is an important element in averting precedence of the general public having a soft corner and sympathy towards activists of banned organisations, if any. With reference to the exemplary spirit of the banned KYKL who were prompt enough to make public, error on their part, what harm would a confessional statement from responsible authority of security force agencies do, whose men have been at the receiving end on numerous occasions.

Security personnel generally construed to be trigger-happy, abusive in nature and notorious need to reflect their image and existence as protector of the masses through their conduct rather than being projected as special species that could never err.

The general public, in no way, should be considered as gullible, easily pacifiable with assurances or taken for granted, as failure to rectify such misconceptions would only lead to growing chasm between the government and the governed, and in such a situation there would be many entities looking to capitalise on it.