Engineering chaos or helpless indignation?
- Imphal Times Editorial :: December 31 2016 -

‘Tragic’ sounds a trifle lame to describe the present state of affairs of our state, even though the feeling in the hearts of the general public cannot be far from it.

The Government has shown, in fits and spurts, that things can and does happen if the rulers so put their minds and hearts to any task, which begs the very relevant and necessary question: is the Government deliberately keeping the state on tenterhooks with engineered chaos and calculated mayhem?

Nothing that has been done for the development of the State so far looks and feels systematic or sustainable- from the various steps reportedly taken up to ease the present unrest and increasing frustrations and infrastructures being constructed with shoddy workmanship and dubious results, to the haphazard and stop-gap measures in terms of the essential services being provided, mostly on paper to dispense off with the official requirements without ever taking the trouble or the initiative to check on the efficacies of such schemes and welfare measures.

The reality we are undergoing today is a far cry from the trumped up reports and statistics that make up the records meant for display at the centre, the most obvious results being the huge leap in law and order situation and promotion of Manipur from the least developed state category to the less developed one without having nothing to show for it.

Yet the Government, in its quest to prolong the reign, have failed to address the situation with pragmatic solutions and progressive steps that would steer the state in the right direction of inclusive growth- the most prominent shortcoming being the failure to harness the potential of the youths- the future of the state.

The present social imbroglio which is posing a very real and looming threat of overflowing into an unfortunate and unwanted communal conflict which is solely based on archaic outlook and overriding sense of exclusivism needs to be looked at from a radically different perspective- one which can bridge the gap and prepare for the future instead of dwelling in the past: literally and metaphorically.

Stating that almost, if not all, the problems ailing the present society can be remedied by moulding the youths of today to bring about the still elusive change and progress would not be an exaggeration.

No amount of resources or materials can effect change or usher in progress unless those who are to direct and utilize these resources be prepared and groomed to take on the responsibilities and challenges with confidence and determination.

A radical mental revolution based on progressive thinking and broadened outlook beyond self preservation and personal enrichment, tempered with the spirit of equality and infused with the dignity of labour is the panacea for our society long festered with enmity, greed, doubts and subdued mindset.

The Government should make the most and invest in the one true asset it ever has- the teeming youths who are still at tenterhooks regarding the realization of the innumerable promises and assurances to become a reality.

Wasting any more time in pondering over the inevitable steps would only invite further frustrations and agitations which never have a desirable ending.