Innate goodness of mankind :: Manipur in flames
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: December 19 2016 -

Manipur is in flames. Directly affected are the common people.

Those responsible for the mess that one sees around are safely ensconced in their own homes and dictating terms to the people under the camouflage of doing something on behalf of the people they claim to represent.

So while the high and mighty in the Government are snug and safe, surrounded by well armed security personnel, it is the common people who have been left to fend for themselves.

It is the same with those who are imposing the economic blockade on the National Highways connecting the State with the rest of the country.

So while they sit safely in the comfort of their homes, it is the common people who have to face the brunt of the counter blockade and the road block that has been imposed on the Imphal-Ukhrul road.

This came out in all its ugly manifestation on December 18 when more than 20 vehicles were burnt and over 400 passengers bound for Ukhrul were made to abandon their journey.

This ugliness also manifested itself when the Centre Church of Manipur Baptist Convention came under attack from some of these anti-social elements on December 17.

Tough to say when the situation will normalise, but it is disturbing to note the communal elements creeping in on either side.

So while officially the economic blockade is against the decision of the State Government to create the new districts, the ground reality tells a completely different story.

It is this which is disturbing to note.

Again the counter blockade and what happened on the Imphal-Ukhrul road may be against the economic blockade, but in reality it is the common people who face the brunt.

So what is the step forward ?

Not likely that the UNC will roll back the economic blockade if the recent past is any indication and it is here that the Naga public need to come together and pile the pressure on the UNC to relax the ongoing economic blockade.

The blockade has been imposed on behalf of the Naga people and if in the process it hurts the interest of the common Naga folks, then there is every reason for the UNC to soften its stand.

Listen to the voice of the common people, at least the common Naga people.

This is what UNC should be doing now.

On the other hand, the people in the valley area, that is the Meiteis, too need to come to their sense and acknowledge that the people hit hard in the counter blockade are not the people responsible for the blockade.

In the midst of it all is the deafening silence maintained by the BJP Government at the Centre.

Economic blockade for more than 40 days now, counter blockade, numerous vehicles reduced to ashes and the natural question that follows is whether the Centre will continue to take cover under the alibi that law and order is a State subject.

On the other hand, amid the ugly situation, it was heartening to note the helping gesture extended by the local people of Khurai to the stranded passengers at a ground at Khurai Konsam Leikai. It is such gestures which give all a hope in the innate goodness of mankind.