Vote For Self Reliance

Seram Neken *

Oh Bapuji ! you are indeed the universal symbol of truth and non-violence. The nation feels very sorry to have your picture on currency notes which serve as source of all violence and vices. Atrocities, thefts and murders are executed on payment of currency notes, and only to get currency notes.

Drugs and illegal substances are traded with thick currency bundles. In every act of corruption and nepotism, currency notes exchange hands. People's democratic rights are sold and purchased with four digit notes.

Sadly, Bapuji's picture is involved in all this misbehavior and violent acts. Are we humiliating the father of the nation by putting his picture on currency notes ?"
– writes Seram Neken

Countdown to the hopeful 2012 begins. Another general election ensues in the beginning of the much-hyped year. The election will surely be wrestle between true state agenda and the money/muscle power of candidates. Whenever money rules the electoral practices, human values diminishes day by day. It is right time for the people to diminish the role played by wealth in elections so as to bring sustained development.

Money and muscle power generally decides the people's mandate in Manipur. This has reduced the aesthetic democratic convention of electing true people's representatives to a farce. On what basis voters select their leaders ? Is it on the basis of the past report cards of the politicians or their personality postures or party prospects at the centre and state ? Or is it really the M factor (money & muscle) that counts in elections ? Frankly speaking, all burning issues prior to elections have been sidelined and election has been turned into mere competitions for wealth of contestants.

Most Manipuri citizens do not usually vote on the basis of issues, personality merits and party preferences. They certainly cast votes on the basis of money and muscle power of the candidates and their agents. It can be rightly established that people of Manipur are not mature enough to participate as active citizens in a democracy. So also the development prospects remain dim even after sixty years of republic.

Lots of issues are here but none influences the voting behavior. Past experiences prove that promises made on the eve of elections have not been fulfilled after elections. Politicians shout to woo voters, but voters do not heed on issues raised. It is time for the people of Manipur to sideline and reduce the role of money and muscle power in elections, and to bring out true agenda for sustainable development of the state.

The two editions of Congress regime could have shown lots of infrastructural development, administrative efficiency and stable ministry, in spite of revolts, strikes and protests in Manipur. Markets, roads, bridges, dams, drainages etc. have been either inaugurated or on its way to improvement, as were never seen earlier. Thanks to Okram Ibobi Singh whose able leadership has manifested in comparatively better economic and political scenario of the state.

Moreover, he may be termed as the true protector of territorial integrity of the state as exemplified in his tactful maneuvering of grave partisan situations emerged during the last one decade. The law and order situation in the state has been brought to nearly normal as compared to previous regimes. The much-talked about extra-judicial executions and police excesses have been drastically reduced during the last part of the SPF governance.

Meanwhile, another election is going to disrupt the smooth sailing of the present ministry. It's up to the people of Manipur to decide their future - whether to allow continuance of ongoing development efforts or to go back to chaos and underdevelopment.

During the last one decade or so, the chaos and confusions in the state have been nicely subsided or normalized for good. The state is hopefully on its way to sustainable development and economic self reliance. Establishment or revival of big industries to generate income to sustain lives of Manipuris is the need of the hour. Now, it is right time for the people to decide in whom the able leadership lies and what the suitable rule will be. Options for sustainable development and self sufficiency may be prioritized as main agenda in the ensuing general elections.

It is a fact that UPA government's popular programmes and policies have been successful to a great extent. The economic recession and the terror threats across the nation have been decisively dealt with by the congress leadership. A good amount of national achievements is also reflected in this remote north eastern corner state of Manipur. In regard to infrastructural make-ups, the SPF government does not lag behind. All financial crunches which were a headache to the common people earlier came to a grinding halt with the coming of SPF regime years back.

Some sections clearly felt that the development initiatives of the SPF rule in Manipur are worthy of appreciation which would definitely be an important factor for the Ibobi Singh government to be back to power again. However, it is also afraid that the ugly scenario of self styled wealthy social workers entering electoral politics may ruin the political and social development in future.

At present, we need strong political will and sacrifice of the leaders. We need a government that can ably revive the Hundung Cement factory in Ukhrul district, the Tea Estate and Bamboo Chipping Plant in Jiribam, Khansari Sugar Mill, the Banashpati Mill, Spinning Mill or so many others to provide livelihood to natives and also to bring in self-sufficiency.

We may decide for a government which can legalize production and export of the infamous local brews (wines) to earn huge incomes from outside the state. We may explore a government which works for harnessing the orange, the lemons and the pineapples which are available in huge quantities in the hill districts of the state.

We need to elect a government which focus on local products and local economy for long term self reliance. The posterior Manipur will ever remember such a popular ruler if such endeavours are fruitfully made. So let us vote for self reliance.