Wired barricades in Imphal – a sign of apprehension on Government side
- Imphal Times Editorial :: October 25 2019 -

Police barricades with concertina wires have again set its foot on the soil of Manipur particularly in Imphal city, to contain any unwanted public uproar, as the final date of the Indo-Naga peace talk settlement approaches.

The security forces have taken their places in most of the nooks and crannies of the Imphal valley. As much as it can be considered as a preventive measure in case of another uprising from the people of Manipur, it also reflects the apprehension of the BJP-led Manipur government regarding the final verdict of the peace talk.

Maybe the government of N. Biren Singh is also not sure of what actually would be the outcome, even though they have been affirming that there will be no negative impact on Manipur, as said by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.

Their apprehension is also valid because we have seen similar promises from the Prime Minister in the past during the CAB issue as well, which is also knocking on the door.

At the same time, fear is hovering over the people of Manipur that this peace talk might be another step towards breaking down Manipur, in addition to the upcoming CAB.

Having said that, the fear will only be translated into another uprising only if the peace talk is going to disturb the integrity of Manipur, not just territorially but also socio-economically, politically, and ethnically.

The underlying tone of implementation of Article 371A along with the Pan Naga cultural body and autonomy has a strong hold in instilling this fear and worry in the hearts and minds of the people.

If the government of Manipur was so sure that the peace talk would not affect Manipur no matter what, then they might not have to worry much.

Either the Biren-led BJP government is not made aware of anything by the BJP government in Delhi or the Biren government does not want to share the truth with the people of Manipur or the Biren government is aware of the truth but cannot do anything about it.

As a result, the only thing BJP-led Biren government of Manipur can do what is under their control, is to just install these wired barricades with armed security personnel.

Another major factor contributing to the chaos and confusion amongst the people is R.N. Ravi with his statements.

He seems to have the control over the emotions of the people by continuously making triggering statements, reminding us of the once-upon-a-time AP Pandey.

Even as a result of this, what the Manipur government can only do, is bear the brunt of RN Ravi and install the wired barricades with armed security personnel around Imphal valley.

With such events going around, the fear of the people is real and the actions of the BJP-led Manipur government is suspicious.

It seems like everytime there are issues of Indian government trying to disturb the integrity of Manipur, the only thing that the Biren government can do is to install police barricades with concertina wires to face people’s uprising.