Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 25:
Governor Arvind Dave has called upon the people of Manipur to try and identify and evolve constructive pathways that will lead to a fundamental transformation as the people of Manipur cannot remain trapped in the past, paralyzed by memories of injustices and grievances.
In his address to the people on the occasion of Republic Day, the Governor noted with concern that Manipur has been afflicted by internal conflicts for many years and added that senseless violence has affected the State.
Apart from the tragic loss of lives and the atmosphere of fear, the relentless violence has destroyed all opportunities and possibilities of development, said the Governor.
In a candid admission, the Governor said that there are legitimate grievances of the people of Manipur, but added with equal intensity that violence cannot ease the sufferings of the people at large.
"Nor, indeed, can this violence bring any relief to the people at any point of time in the future," he added.
The Governor further said that though Manipur has substantially missed the opportunities of the industrial revolution this loss can be more balanced "if we are able to seize the opportunities of the new technological revolution, particularly in the field of information and communication technologies".
Unless the culture of violence is rejected, and a culture of democratic resolution of problems and conflicts adopted, there is no hope that the people will be able to come out of the present situation, which has been afflicting the State for years, observed the Governor.
Development, be it economic or otherwise, is possible only in an environment of peace and stability, said the message and added, "for the past several years, we have seen the progress of the State retarded due to various factors.
This trend now needs to be reversed".