Discourse on Impact of Corruption & Extortion on Civil Society – A Report

Prof Lal Dena *

20th April 2011 opened hectic session to recommend effective steps against corruption and extortion which is so prevalent in Manipur that it has gone all pervasive. The discourse was organised by Manipur Committee for Social Concerns and Kuki Research Forum Imphal. 'While the Ministers, MLAs and bureaucrats are indulging in corruption, the underground groups are busy serving extortion notes to them', Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing has stated, while inaugurating a day –long discourse on 'Impact of corruption and extortion on civil society' at Hotel Classic .

Veteran politician and Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing observed that the leaders who have led people in the struggle for independence of the country and those who came immediately after them were sincere, dedicated and god fearing. But today, it is altogether a different story. Politicians should never forget their responsibility towards the people.

But the present lot of politicians could think nothing about the welfare of the people. At one time, the annual plan amount of Manipur was just around Rs 200 crores. But today it is Rs 3200 crores. Yet, we do not see much development as the funds meant for developmental activities are being misused. Common people may also be needing the money for survival.

But what would be the fate of a State if the rights of the people are being bought with money. To make Manipur a corruption free State, first of all the leaders need to perform their duties with sincerity, the MP said. In his address as guest of honour of the function, former Minister C Doungel observed that increasing materialistic mind-set of the people has become one of the main causes for rising corruption in the society.

Corruption and extortion are the two main social evils in Manipur today. To put an end to these two social evils, the efforts of the Government alone would not be enough. Every individual in the society should contribute their mite in the effort. MLA Prithiviraj, who was another guest of honour of the inaugural function, observed that every individual in the society should join hands to fight against corruption, and other social vices instead of blaming others.

He cautioned people are losing interest in labour and hard work which are essential for people's participation in nation building quoting examples that farmers do not venture out to go in for multiple cropping, horticulture activities and afforestation projects and naturally younger lots are lured into to go in for extortion acts goaded by various UG groups. Prof Lal Dena, in his presidential remark, emphasized that this discourse/ seminar should not be the end but must continue as a movement by mobilizing the mass support.

In his keynote address, RS Jassal gave five underlying factors for comprehension of the issue i.e. emergence of neo-middle class as a hangover of the British Raj coupled with the impact of nascent globalisation, socio-cultural and religious dilution, poverty and illiteracy multiplied with ever increasing population, unemployment, lack of work culture, dignity of labour, moral degradation, the fifth, political instability and lawlessness. He termed corruption and coercion as twin sisters. Mr RS Jassal presentation was scholarly and outstanding in content and range of information he has specialised. It is an asset to civil society.

Dr (Rev) Pulmate from Churachandpur presented analysis of forms of corruption highlighting intellectual richness of civil society. Lt. Col Hemo Singh opined that corruption and extortion has become a National phenomenon in India. It has become a societal issues and problems in all the states of north east India, including Manipur.

Right from 1960's extortions by the various insurgent groups, the anti-national elements (ANEs) , and the drug –mafias had damaged and destroyed the social life and liberties, ethnic harmony, cultural homogeneities and the common political aspirations of the Manipuri's i.e., Meities, the Nagas, the Kukis, Pangals and other minority communities.

Michael Haokip reiterated that extortion is a sensitive, complicated and complex socio-political issue in the conflict environment; it is affecting political, social and economic parameters, texture and colours. Even some of the armed insurgent groups are resorting to extortion to keep their insurgency movement moving through terrorism. Extortion forms 45-60% of the annual budget of all insurgent groups.

Shri. K Prongo a Tangkul octogenarian, social activist strongly advocated that extortion in Manipur should be fought by all stakeholders, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. "The Government, civil societies, eminent citizens, academicians and social organisations should form a common front to fight this dangerous social evil.

Extortion has got no boundary, no religion, no language and lacks complete human sympathy; social organisations of the Manipuri Meitei's, the Nagas, the Kukis and other should come to a single platform." Holistically they should crush extortion with the politico-social banner 'War on Extortion', said Lt Col (Retd) KA Singh. Miss Sisy Lupheng was voice of young women of Manipur declaring their immense potential to revitalize society.

She reminded us how within the harsh realities of insurgency, extortion, kidnapping and killings, childhood is spent blissfully in an oasis of innocence. Ms Grace Shatsang member of FNR & women activist correctly questioned men, "Why women in the forefront?" Is it not a challenge for men of Manipur too? She also sounded the note of positive endorsement of concern, hope and willingness to involve and act. "This seminar is not an end, it is a beginning" The seminar is a good start. "There is work ahead and a long struggle if we are to realise a Manipur free of insurgency, extortion and corruption in governance and administration", said Capt. Ashok Y.Tipnis of VVD Ukhrul

It was encouraging that, voices from all major community groups were heard. It may be right to observe that intellectuals, senior/young scholars from Meitei, Kuki/Churachandpur people/ Muslims and non-locals were heard. From Nagas, wise counsel and serious concern was voiced by senior leaders. It was perhaps for the first time all were united on table and ex-servicemen all officers proved strength in research information and boldness of spirit. They could be a unifying force in Manipur together with the senior citizens.

Dr. Nara Singh, Former Minister, Dr. Salam Irene and Dr. N Binoy Singh, retd senior Govt. Advocate had moderated the three brainstorming academic sessions extremely well in which each and every delegate actively participated. Introduction of subject by Mrs. Zothami was highly laudable. This movement against extortion & corruption is definitely going to bear fruits since seed has been sown by representatives of all communities.