Imphal, March 04: Reiterating its stance against bandhs/strikes on issues that do not encompass interest of the general public at all, the proscribed KYKL noted with regret imposition of the general strike in connection with the torture and abuse of Maibam Naobi Chanu at such a time when HSSLC and HSLC examinations were still on.

KYKL's assertion should not be viewed as denouncing endeavour to protect women's right by various civil society organisations but the fact that calling general strike which could hamper future aspirations of over 50,000 students has been overlooked is a cause for concern, said a statement issued by the outfit's publicity and research secretary.

Explaining its version on the issue the statement highlighted that the civil organisations could have resorted to many other form of protest to condemn conduct of the police commandos instead of compromising future of the students by relying on general strike that adversely effects mental preparedness for such important examinations.

KYKL believes that under no circumstances should interests of students be secondary and referred to the 'Intifada' movement of the Palestinians wherein against all odds including closure of educational institutions by Israeli army to subdue the uprising scholars/teachers of Palestine made sure that career of students are not affected.

Pointing out that people of china and Vietnam even during the tumultuous period they had to face strived to ensure continuation of education, KYKL contended that manipuris having to endure existence in conflict could still learn many positive lesson from the people of Palestine.

people of Manipur had suffered untold miseries due to frequent bandh call and general strikes thereby causing deflux of students to other States more conducive for studies unlike in the past when outsiders preferred to pursue education in Manipur like in the case of Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga who had studied in Imphal's DM College, recounted the KYKL as one of many examples.

Social chaos resulting in students flocking to other States not only cripples manipur's economy but alarming rate of bandhs and strikes discourages patients from seeking medical treatment at RIMS or Shija Clinic as no one would like to be caught in a whirlwind situation like Manipur is passing through, it observed.

Advocating reliance on other form of democratic movement to highlight grievances other than bandh or strike that could cause inconveniences to many, KYKL suggested street corner meetings, picketing/gherao, mass public rally and even protest at the residences of MLAs/Ministers.

Other newer forms of protest could also be resorted, it said and cited tremendous impact caused by disrobing of 12 elderly women at the kangla gate which did not inconvenienced anybody in highlighting plight of the people of Manipur.

Calling upon the civil organisations to be more responsible and act with conscience, KYKL observed that dependence on bandh and strike reflects mindset of social activists and leaders favouring easiest way of protest.

Such attitude of the civil society organisations has constrained KYKL to doubt sincerity and determination of the agitation sponsors as possibility of such leaders seeking comfort of safer zones and awaiting completion of the bandh/strike period could not be ruled out, it said.

Calling upon leaders of civil society organisations to introspect their conduct and abandon pursuit towards easiest way to stay in the limelight, KYKL conveyed that need of the hour is political education of the masses and grooming committed individuals in the thousands to attain any goal.

manipuri society at present need mass mobilisation as mere protest could not smoothen the path of emancipation, said the KYKL while contending that end result of imposing bandh or strike only causes temporary halt to movements and reduces its impact.

Resorting to bandhs and general strikes can also be interpreted as attempt to keep under lease strength and command of the civil society organisations and KYKL firmly believes that instead of subjecting the masses to face many inconveniences it would be more appropriate to remain silent.

Lamenting that its previous call to all concerned to refrain from bandhs and strikes during the two important examinations had been reduced to nought, the KYKL warned the civil society organisations against imposing bandhs and strikes till the exams are over as well as ensure similar agitational methods do not coincide with future public examinations.

KYKL is fully aware of consequences bandhs and strikes have upon the society, it said and suggested that leaders of civil societies intermingle with the general public to understand the pulse and plight of the common people.

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