Why not ATSUM-T or UNC or NSCN-IM impose Economic Blockade for Ten Years ?
- Part 1 -

Dr. Khomdon Lisam *

The map of Manipur :: Pix - TSE

I was really very unhappy when the All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM-T) suspended its proposed indefinite blockade of National Highways and ban on National projects in the State beginning from midnight of 20 October, 2014. I would like to make a personal appeal to ATSUM-T or UNC or NSCN-IM kindly to impose an economic blockade for at least ten years at a time on any pretext.

ATSUM-T or UNC or NSCN-IM should consider it below their dignity to impose an economic blockade of less than one year. Meiteis are easy going, fun loving and happy-go-lucky type. They never complained when they stand in 1 km long petrol queue for getting 5 litres of petrol. They never complained when the adulterated petrol is sold in black market right in front of the Oil pumps at Rs. 200 per litre. They never complained when the LPG cylinder is sold at Rs. 2000 per cylinder in black market. These were world news –never happened in any part of the world. They tolerated silently when the Nagas imposed economic blockade for 120 days. If they can tolerate for 120 days, they can also tolerate for 10 years.

Positive aspect of 10 years blockade

One positive aspect of 10 years blockade is that it will bring about significant changes in the lifestyles, work culture and political scenario of the valley people of Manipur. This will woken up the sleeping Meiteis and bring about unity among the Meiteis. Unfortunately, Meiteis have no leader, no icon, no hero. Meiteis are very shy to shout "Ibobiki Jai" or Gaikhangam ki jai". Among the Meiteis, everybody is a leader. Everybody is an expert. Individually Meiteis are very good and very clever. Although, they cannot invent new ideas, they are very quick to learn. They can compete with the best in the world in any field.

Meiteis along with Tribals fought war with the British whereas the mainland Indians including Mahatma Gandhi, Motilal Nehru, Sardar Patel or M.A Jinnah and Jawaharlal Nehru could not do. Mahatma Gandhi supported all wars during his lifetime. But he never thought of having wars with the British. Gandhiji described British Rule in India as "Love at first sight". He wrote two letters to Hitler appreciating for his love for his fatherland. The Manipuris fought and won many wars with Burma, which was a huge kingdom with powerful kings.

History of Manipur

The Manipuris loved their 2000 year history of Manipur. How Manipur kingdom lasted for more than 2000 years whereas all other kingdoms lasted only few centuries. The famous Roman empire lasted 1101 years (625 BC -476 A.D), Great Qing of China lasted 268 years (1644 to 1912) , Ottoman Empire lasted for 624 years (1299- 1923), Mughal Empire lasted 321 years ( 1526- 1857), Maratha Empire lasted for 144 years (1674- 1818), Mysore kingdom lasted for 548 years (1399-1947), Nizam of Hyderabad lasted for 224 years (1724- 1948), Kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir lasted for 101 years (1846-1947)

Do you want to know the secrecy how Manipur kings kept the people united for more than 2000 years. Moreover Manipur kingdom had its own constitution before India had one. The British Government in London and the Burmese Government had recognized our history. We, the Manipuri should be proud of our history.

Historical facts of National Highways

Maharaja Gambheer Singh embarked upon opening of a route from Imphal to Nowgong in Assam across the extensive hills and deep gorges. He set out with three British officers Capt. Jenkin , Capt. Pemberton and Capt. Gordon in January, 1832 . Altogether 700 foot soldiers and 800 coolies were pressed into service for this gigantic work. But the Nagas particularly the Angamese equipped with spears, muskets and stone boulders made unprovoked attacks resulting in the death of many workers. This route was the first route connecting between Imphal with Assam. The construction of road was completed under supervision of Lieutenant Raban R.E in January, 1881.

During the reign of Maharaja Chandra kirti, the construction of the Imphal-Cachar Road began in 1837 at the joint expense of the Government of India and the Government of Manipur . The construction was completed in 1844. The repairing of Imphal-Cachar road was again undertaken with the help of Johnstone, the political agent ( 1877-1886).

Relationship between Meiteis and Nagas, Kukis

The fact is that Manipur belongs to the Nagas, Kukis, Meiteis and Meitei Pangans. Without Nagas, without Kukis, without Meiteis and without Meitei Pangans, this land cannot be called Manipur. Meiteis regarded Tangkhuls as elder brother. The Meiteis have to act, dress and speak like Tangkhuls in the Lai Haraoba festival since time immemorial, The Manipuri king had to dress like a Tangkhul at the time of coronation.

There are many stories regarding Meitei-Tangkhul brotherhood. Without the history of Nagas and Kukis, the history of Manipur is not complete. Some of the Manipur kings must be Naga or Kuki as suggested by the names of kings.

There are more than 20,000 Nagas settled in the valley with their own Pattas. Meiteis do not mind construction of thousands of churches in many places in the valley. They do not mind even converting Meiteis into Christians. The Meiteis are so tolerant that they do not raise any objection when some of the churches are constructed illegally in the Patta land of some institutions. Meiteis are not allowed by law enacted by Indian Parliament to buy land in the hills.

Even if one Meitei dies in Ukhrul or Churachandpur or any other hill area they are forbidden to perform the cremation there. Is it the beauty of Christianity or is it the teachings of Jesus Christ ? Gandhiji once said " I like your Jesus, your Christianity but I do not like your Christians." Mother Teresa once said " I do not believe when you say that you love God . How can you love God which you cannot see, if you do not love your brothers and your neighbours whom you see everyday".

What type of Meteis you are if you do not observe the Meitei traditions and culture , which are not part of Hindu religion. Similarly what type of Nagas or Kukis you will be if you do not practice your own traditions and customes of the tribe you belong, which are not part of Christianity.

I met one old man in Ukhrul about 25 years back. Somebody directed me to meet him to know about the folk tales of Tangkhuls. The old man said to me "Now I am a Christian. According to Christian religion, I am forbidden to tell those stories now". I felt very sorry for him to think that the rich folk tales of Tangkhuls will also die with him when he dies.

We are also very happy that our respected leaders, Shri Rishang Keising, Yangmaso Shaiza and many other leaders had chosen to settle in Imphal. The Meiteis welcomed all Naga and Kuki leaders to settle in the valley. We also welcomed inter-marriage between the various ethnic groups of Manipur. There are thousands of Naga women married to Meiteis and settled in the valley.

You might have heard the song " Ukhrulda eigi thawai leihoure " composed by one of my uncles. There are hundreds of Meitei women married to Naga boys settled in the hills. No amount of force will be able to break up these ties.

To be continued....