In recent years we have seen many projects taken up by the present government in the name of development- the Flyover, the capitol project, the complete demolition of Ema keithel in the name of modernisation, indiscriminate bringing down of age old buildings and houses in the name of widening of roads etc.

It is indeed a question deep in everybody's mind, why the government is taking up so many new projects without having completed any of the projects taken up after ruling (or is it ruining) the state for decades.

Is it a genuine action to help the state and push it towards a modern society or a selfish way of taking up more and more projects while in power to garner the maximum commissions from each of the projects, enough to last a lifetime not only for themselves but for all the kit and kins?

Any Manipuri, including me, would be very happy in the name of development if we can see signs of works that make our daily activities, lives and communication easier and better.

But unfortunately to many citizens like me, the decision makers seem to have a sadistic pleasure in destroying the age old places of unique traditional values and international repute like the "Ema" keithel in the name of modernization in addition to displacing their own people from their homes where they have been staying for century's altogether.

In recent turn of events we have also seen the complete annihilation of the district hospital and its replacement with numerous dukan plots allotted on dubious ways in addition to a highly legitimized world class red-tapism and nepotism resulting in a high yield of commissions .

The idea of the much hyped capitol project at Chingmeirong (which is a multi crore thika project )seems to be taken out straight from a Hollywood movie The name itself indicates their true affection for the westernised and American likings.

Isn't it time we stop trying to drive on the right side of the road in Manipur because the Americans do it, but learn the way how the Americans have built the strong American-ness in them by glorifying its few hundred of years of history and conserving and promoting their heritage.

It is hard to convince that many of these projects that we see are not directed towards searching preying for any place where dukan or thika Project can be executed for many innumerable commissions.

Does development of Manipur mean more dukan plots and more thika projects? How can we ever justify development when we are building the seeds of development at the cost of the souls and blood of our own people (can anyone forget the death of an elderly gentleman at kakwa after his house was dismantled?)

We are also about to witness the destruction of the core which is deeply engrained in our history related with Nupi lal and the symbol of woman's role in Manipur. Would Manipur take a giant step towards prosperity when the Ema keithel is replaced by dukan plots? Or is there no other place to build the dukan plots other than the small area in Ema keithel.

The capitol project has become such a paramount Importance that the authorities do not have the slightest of hesitation displacing hundreds of families from the very homes where they have lived for centuries.

In places like London or Tokyo, the planning Commission always use their educated brains to build their cities around their heritage and their inhabitants.

But the huge gap between the developed mentality and underdeveloped mentality can be seen with this vivid example in work of the think-tank of Manipur's planning commission.

It would be such a shame and yet compel so many poor souls to take up many extreme steps if the government and the concerned authorities cannot think of implementing any project without degrading Manipuri's woman contribution or displacing their own people.

There is every chance that the celebration of Cheiraoba by climbing the hill of Cheiraoching would become a threat to the securities of the Sanabun figure Minister and bureaucrats residing in the capitol estate.

Would development mean preventing celebration of Cheiraoba , for in capitol project there is so much of development going on in Manipur.

It is unfortunate that the chosen, elected leaders currently involved in the biggest thika work in Manipur, seem to be looking for any place to build and build without an ounce of consideration and sensitivity to the wishes of the people, the very people who chose them to be their leaders.

This insensitivity to the voiceless weak citizens (the Emas and residents of Chingmeirong) would lead to many thinking.

"Death probably is a better option rather than to survive".

I am sure the Chief Minister would justify these Developmental works by recruiting AK 47 wielding security personnel, displacing lives and developing Manipur at point blank distances.

The honourable Chief Minister seems to be always concerned about the activities of the Naharols in Manipur, but seems to miss that such pseudo-developmental Project would lead to more joining the Naharol cadres.

The pseudo-nationalism and pseudo development project with least consideration to people's wishes seems to have led to sprouting of many ethnic nationalism which has failed to inspire people born in Manipur with any Manipuri ness.

It is a request to the honourable chief minister to please consider a prosperous Manipur by recruiting planning commission which plan beyond mere buildings and capitol Project but prosperity around people's lives and wishes.

In these hard times of Manipur when God seems to have ignored Ema keithel and Chingmeirong, let the people find at least a humane leader if not a God figure in our respected chief Minister Okram Ibobi. Probably then, Many Manipuris would have then wished for many such leaders.