63 Years After India's Tryst With Destiny
Manipur yet to come to terms with its significance
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 14 2010: Even as the nation is celebrating the 63rd Independence Day tomorrow, many citizens of Manipur have shown little or no interest in celebrating the historic day.

A random survey conducted by The Sangai Express found that majority of the people were disappointed with their living standard coupled with shattered hopes and aspirations as well lack of socioeconomic security.

Many said that there was nothing to rejoice about on Independence Day.

UCM president Sapamcha Jadumani said that except for some development works, that come in the forms of concrete structures, the State is in reverse gear when it comes to social progress.

This scene will greet Imphal on Aug 15 and a map of Manipur

"There are so many insurgent groups in the State and this is a result of the Government's failure to resolve the issue at its initial stage.

Virtually, another parallel Government is operating in the State", Jadumani said.

He remarked that Manipur is still facing a politicoeconomic crisis.

Ngachonmi Chamroy, social activist and former leader of the All Naga Students' Union Manipur said that the only noticeable changes in the postindependent era are the installation of some physical infrastructure, some changes in education system and the increased number of vehicles.

"If one examines a little deeper, one can easily discern that the Indian system is not compatible with the Manipuri society", Ngachonmi said.

It appears that corruption, favouritism and nepotism have been legalised in Manipur over the last 60 years, he remarked.

He also mentioned that the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was imposed in Manipur not long after independence of India.

Dr Dhanabir Laishram of Political Science Department, Manipur University, observed that the population of people below the poverty line has been sharply increasing since independence.

This has been aggravated following the adoption of a liberal economic policy by New Delhi which has rendered many people jobless.

"This is not development", Dhanabir Laishram said.

Whatever funds sanctioned by New Delhi with its rights hand have been taken back with the left hand, he asserted.

"There is very little development even after 63 years of independence", many of the survey respondents echoed.

One vegetable vendor at Lamlong Keithel wished that Independence Day is celebrated every day, though for her own unique reason.

"If the day is celebrated every day, roads would be repaired and remain clean throughout the year", she said.

As this paper sought opinions of many citizens of different professions and vocations in a random manner, they observed that there was no significant development in the last 60 years or so.

One M Ketuki said that no significant changes could be observed even though Manipur is said to be a part of independent India.

Prices of goods have been escalating continuously with no mechanism to check it.

"Those at the helm of affairs and higher positions and wealthy families might be enjoying freedom, but we, the impoverished mass are yet to taste freedom", she said.