Running an abnormal State

Free Thinker *

Considering the lingering bloodshed, arson, bandhs, blockades, shutdowns etc, it is not yet normal; though there is some semblance of normalcy in the valley the occurrence of violent incidents and burning villages in the hills make the situation still precarious.

When I went with a selfish motive the Grand Master told me that he is running a difficult Government of an abnormal State. Then I told him–they have chosen the right man. He simply laughed.

Except the ‘locking’ situation things are slightly better now in the valley but there are serious issues in the hills. But we need to understand the facts and circumstances associated with the present situation.

The State suffered the pandemic – suffered losses in terms of lives and resources. When it started recovering from Covid disorder there came about the ethnic violence – unprecedented bloodshed between two communities. It was extremely unfortunate and devastating.

Though the pangs of the ethnic clashes continue there are murmurs of redeeming normalcy all over. The overall scenario is slightly better but nowadays tranquility has been disturbed in the hills by unknown elements by killing innocent people and burning houses. It looks like a dirty political game by the vested interest in connivance with some armed groups.

Rehabilitation of the displaced people may be possible in many areas but there are still few sensitive areas where rehabilitation is hardly possible as of now. For instance the Kuki-Zo people displaced from Imphal Valley; they are still not confident to come back to their original homes . Some are crying that they will never come back to Imphal. This is a big challenge for Manipur lovers.

On the other hand some displaced persons from Churachandpur or Moreh - they want to go to their homes. Perhaps the Government has made some alternative arrangements for them to settle down. But a few of them are determined to go back to their original homestead. Actually many of their houses and buildings were already destroyed by the communal inferno.

In fact Manipur is now completely dependent on loans, market borrowings and Central Government aids and funding. Of course the ‘Golden Triangle’ money hardly percolates down to the masses – except for plantation, labor charge or transportation. Nowadays that too is diverted to other neighboring States.

State economy is in shambles; the agricultural income is sliding, tourism down, smuggling through Moreh down but not out, gun running completely finished in the valley, forcible donation rare, illegal toll tax collection still on but not very brisk.

The only surviving businesses are the healthcare-medicine sector, ‘galamal’ stores, meat-fish-pork outlets, liquor counters, pan-tobacco-cigarette ‘dukans’ etc – others are so, so. How much the State is earning from excise duties - negligible.

So, it should be democratized and further liberalized giving benefits to the masses. Instead of encouraging monopoly this should be made open for all. Let people get some relief as manufacturers, sellers or consumers of liquor – this can be the only panacea in such a difficult time. All the security forces are ready to cooperate.

Giving 10,000 rupees to each and every woman under the poverty line will help the poorer section of the society. Proper screening and nonpartisan approach may be required if electoral benefits are anticipated. Moreover an unemployment allowance to our educated youths under the age of 38 may be considered (Rs 5000 every month) till they get an employment or start a business for solid results.

To implement all these things before the next election the State requires huge money. Nirmala ji may not give the fund as and when demanded. Proper proposals and viable projects must be submitted. Just by suggesting some welfare populist schemes she can’t be bluffed. Our genuine demands and requirements must be presented using Tamilian fraternity by the concerned.

The violence and extortion scenario has changed significantly in the valley maybe because of widespread operations. Much more needs to be done in the hills; AFSPA is extended, Cobras should not be defanged – proper vigil to prevent violence in the interiors and border fringes may be intensified. Violence can be checked if the security forces work in tandem with the common villagers.

A VVIP is likely to come to Manipur during Navratri and make some important announcements.

My wish list includes -

NRC ( base year 1931 census India – Burma),
No census for Manipur (till NRC is complete),
Hill’s Autonomy within the State (Sixth Schedule type or more) ,
ST status (for those who want),
Bicameral Assembly (Upper House for rehabilitation of disgruntled elements & fertile minds),
Special Rehabilitation/Compensation Package (for citizens who fled Imphal – upper ceiling 5 crore),
Metro line between Tikendrajit Domestic Airport & Churachandpur,
Moreh to be developed as Cantonment Cosmopolitan Commercial Centre (those surrendered with weapons may get a shop),
free I-Phones to college going girls and motor-bikes for boys above 18 (on joining a party),
nonstop free rice for wine manufacturers in Scheduled areas.

Still hoping and living with the idea of Manipur. Am I outdated ? Certainly not.

Bernard Shaw once said, “the optimists provide the vision, ambition, and creative spark needed to push boundaries…”