Category: News

By Amar YumnamManipur is right now facing some veritable issues relating to the development and the management of her capital, the Imphal city. The development issues relate to the environmental (dust, mud and similar pollutions; the noise pollution is yet to enter the thinking of the people of the land), improvement of the existing logistics and infrastructure and amenities, and efforts towards installing new facilities. The management problems are those relating to traffic, clustering of locations and social impact issues of the improvement and development activities.
Impressive Yes: The recent interventions affecting changes in Imphal city are impressive in so far as they relate to improvements of facilities and creation of new amenities.  They are impressive because, for the first time in any development activity in living memory, there are signs of application of mind and social and engineering design commitments in these.
Here we may recall some basic roles of an urban area. Urbanisation in any social context should be a basic foundation for modernisation and technological change. This should also serve as the place for interaction and integrity among the different segments of the population. While endeavouring to play these roles, the basic requirement is not to outgrow itself in which case the possible negative characteristics would outstrip the positive externalities of urbanisation. Once such a stage reaches a critical point, the city becomes a centre of crime and place for absence of rule of law difficult to re-establish governance. In other words, a city can grow only up to a level where it can sustain itself in terms of normal conduct of business, interaction of people and interchange of ideas and provision of access and amenities without compromising on the level of comforts. To all these, we now have a twenty-first century dimension to urban governance, which relates to security; the city should be such that ensuring security and restoration of security atmosphere without much loss of time if once disturbed by terrorist attacks  can be affected.
The recent developmental interventions, post the flyover, indicate efforts to cater to all these requirements of a city. The fiasco, historical and social, of the Imphal flyover seems to have sunk into the minds of the Imphal city planners, and they now seem eager to remedy this by a new set of rationale interventions. To this extent, the new developments and changes are to be lauded.
Management of Changes:   While the developmental interventions are to be appreciated as stated above, we must categorically point out that the management of the changes betray absolute lack of application of mind and streaks of non-democratic orientation. We now seem any instances of putting the cart before the horse in introducing the changes, and a kind of conviction where the police forces are being projected as the sole means for development orientation. Unfortunately, we fail to appreciate why so many violations of the new rules are being committed by the vehicles of uniform personnel and vehicles of ‘very important persons’; all these are dangerous portends for a democracy and instances which can ultimately jeopardise all the good intentions accompanying the recent interventions. If we are effecting urban development, we must also be aware of the global lessons in urbanisation.
We understand that any kind of development intervention would generally have the impact of benefitting some and disturbing the interests of some others. Accordingly, it is important that the governance of the impact be such that the negative impacts be minimised, if not neutralised, and at least conditions are generated for the adversely affected people to bear the temporary adversities without much hardship. But this cardinal lesson seems to have been missed out by the city planners and administrators. One instance-exemplar of the lack of management is the case of the street vendors. It is true that all now existing and those who would be emerging in the future cannot be accommodated in the existing city centre. The clearance of the city centre from their presence is right, but the timing is absolutely wrong. As mentioned above, the street vendors would definitely have to bear the cost of inconveniences when forced out to a new place. However – given the historical, social and economic role of our women- the policy makers should have been alive to the necessities for addressing the adverse impact these women would face when forced to move to Lamphelpat. Before forcing them out to Lamphelpat, all the accesses should have been put in order in the first place, but it is quite the contrary. A marketplace is one where both sellers and buyers can easily access and interact. This fundamental principle has been violated to the core. Further, this has negatively affected in the second round the markets in the greater Imphal areas which were earlier dependent on bulk morning purchases for retailing in the rest of the day. One can easily imagine the kind of bitterness and negative impact these must have generated.
Another instance is the case of traffic management. For the new non-entry and non-parking regulations to be sustainable and thus have lasting effectiveness, it is important that we have a clustering and then zoning approach to the city. This way, we could generate a kind of labour-intensive activity atmosphere in the city while not jeopardising the present approach. Once again, the will has been imposed, and the security agencies have been pressed into a cause for developmental intervention.
Final Comment: In fine, we would definitely like to say that the governance of development in the land and for that matter anywhere needs to be aware of the impact management dimensions of the needed interventions. The lack of this understanding is particularly marked in otherwise good urban interventions in Imphal today post-the flyover. Further, we should now be shedding the entrenched impact of the long existence under the army law where everything is to be controlled by the forces in uniform. What is important in a democracy and thus sustainable is the establishment of a system which people would spontaneously imbibe. Further this system would give no exceptions, as is wont in Manipur to the security forces and the very important persons, for once exceptions are maintained in public domain, the future of democracy is at stake.

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IMPHAL, May 30: The Members of Autonomous district councils has strongly condemn the bomb blast that shook the ADC office of Khuman Lampak injuring three women of a family terming the act a heinous crime acted upon the members, staff and innocent people.
A statement jointly signed by vice chairman, ADC Ukhrul and chairman ADC Senapati, stated that a joint meeting of ADC members was conveyed at the office of the Khuman Lampak wherein the members resolved to vehemently condemn the act terming it inhumane.
It appealed the individual/group responsible for the attack to come forward, with their reasons behind such an extreme act, for peaceful dialogue and bring about amicable solution with mutual understanding and maturity. Such barbaric threat or human rights violation activities can never bring any lasting and peaceful solution it said adding the act will only create more problems in the society.
The ADC members maintained that the most urgent need of our society today is development and peace. Any attack on the life of people who are in the front line for development is a direct attack on the life of common mass and so such hindrance to development should not be encouraged by the society at any cost. 
It conveyed that the ADC have been restored for local self governance after a gap of 20 years to provide direct benefits to the people from the grass root level in the development aspects.
More powers and facilities are already devolved to which is the top priority of our society. Various works implementation have already started in the villages, blocks and districts level. Therefore, common people are urged to support ADC members in implementing various developmental works which are solely meant for the mass who have the right to enjoy such benefits.
It further appeal the government to bring the culprits to book at the earliest so that such anti social activities are nor repeated and also to provide a sense of security to the members in the near future.

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IMPHAL June 1: In order to disseminate complete knowledge on science to the students of Manipur, the Internship Science Camp, 2011 was organized in Manipur University expressed Prof. Papiya Nandy, director of Jagdish Bose National Science Talent search, Kolkatta, while addressing her speech as the guest of honour during the inaugural function of the First Science camp held in the Senate Hall of Manipur University. She further mentioned that apart from the Internship science camp 2011inaugurated today, other such science camps will be organized within this month of June at different places.

Various scientist and learned academicians from different scientific fields will participate during the said camps she further mentioned.

She also added that the main object of these camps is to impart added knowledge on science and its related subjects.

The Internship Science Camp was organized by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India under its unique programme `Innovation in Science pursuit for Inspired Research or in short `Inspire` for the first time in Manipur for attracting the young talents towards advanced studies and research in basic sciences.

The present camp was aimed towards providing a forum for intensified stimulating and brainstorming interaction between the participating young minds and a galaxy of scholars through lectures, lab experiments, lap visits, fun with experiments and field works. The Internship Science Camp 2011 which was inaugurated today will continue till June 5. Dr. T. Meinya, M.P., Prof. H. Nandakumar Sarma, V.C. (acting) M.U. and Prof. I.S. Khaidem, former V.C.M.U. graced the inaugural function as chief guest, president and the other guest of honour respectively.

The inaugural function was attended by many academician, scholars and participants of the 5 days camp. Various media persons from different local dailies were also present during the function.

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By: G.S.Oinam
Stop rejecting people; try to accepting people to bringing them on your side so that you can own the entire world. How soon the world had changed when you remained so proud, egoistic and fallen into illusion`”experiences tell you. Learning without reflection is a waste, reflection without learning is dangerous. Another resurrection means they got extra power and has confidence to defeat their rival. The Ramayana (epic) tells-how two brothers`™ Raja Sugriva and Bali fights and how Lord Ram had favour whom and why? Do you believe in god? If you don`™t believe in god `“ there is no god. God is within the heart of believers. Believers know the rules of prayer. God was anger when hills people says `eikhoi khangba ngamdre; yam ware` (we can`™t bear the pains; suffering is out of limit.) and poor women vendors falls tears on their eyes. Why you make them cry and why don`™t you rush when dear needs? You always neglected small, small words of poor people. God loves poor and weaker sections of the society and women and children! So, god wants to give you a small punishment for stupid mistake and to control your ego and pride! But, god still loves you!

For the second time, SPF cabinet decision is outdated. Please change your advisors. SPF and Naga body have scored draw. Politically, both sides have win-win situation. Naga bodies have had the same feeling and pains when they had defeated to ADC election. Does your political party fear to fight assembly election against NPF? We all know how the non congress Naga MLAs got declared elected in the past and under whose influences. There is no any sea change and the change is only the name and banner of party `“NPF. Mr. Rios (CM Nagaland) coming in Manipur is not a threat; if he speak seductive, communal and against integrity-then it is called a threat, you can book him and put to jail according to law. Read what he had spoken at meeting from video footage. Tripartite talk is non sense- everybody can read ADC manuals. Ministry of Panchayati Raj will open their rules book. State government will support it and DoNER ministry will talk about development project `”that is all. Nagas are also having thinking capacity; intelligence and they have educated. But your rules book have no empathy- do you mean go and request to those men (ADC members) for my help who were protested and burnt their home for standing against the Naga body decision? Please give them life lines and support lines without hurting their ego`”every thing will cool down. Manipur has forgotten that Naga body took decision to stop highway blockade after publication of my article in this local daily and websites `“ but the promises made for development couldn`™t be filled up by the government in time. So how can I say them twice? I am nothing but a lay man. Naga integration is a good idea. Idea must be fight by better idea only. Small nation `“ Britons came and conquered India. Hills people of Manipur are saved change your fear attitude- the problem is for valley people. Article 371C Special provision with respect to the State of Manipur provides safety of hills people and formation of Hills Area Committee in the state assembly. The Governor shall annually, or whenever so required by the President, make a report to the President regarding the administration of the Hill Areas in the State of Manipur and the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of directions to the State as to the administration of the said areas. Meitei (valley) was/were khas Hindu (conservative Hindu) in the timing of legal framework- nothing more special interest for valley people are seen on special provisions of article 371(C). Please see-Article 371A Special provision with respect to the State of Nagaland`”includes many provisions like`” no Act of Parliament in respect of -(i) religious or social practices of the Nagas, (ii) Naga customary law and procedure,(iii) administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law,(iv) ownership and transfer of land and its resources, shall apply to the State of Nagaland unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland by a resolution so decides;(b) the Governor of Nagaland shall have special responsibility with respect to law and order in the State of Nagaland for so long as in his opinion internal disturbances occurring in the Naga Hills-Tuensang Area immediately before the formation of that State continue therein or in any part thereof and in the discharge of his functions in relation thereto the Governor shall, after consulting the Council of Ministers, exercise his individual judgment as to the action to be taken. no Act of the Legislature of Nagaland shall apply to Tuensang district unless the Governor, on the recommendation of the regional council, by public notification so directs and the Governor in giving such direction with respect to any such Act may direct that the Act shall in its application to the Tuensang district or any part thereof have effect subject to such exceptions or modifications as the Governor may specify on the recommendation of the regional council.

Constitution has given special provisions in the state of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Jamu Kashmir, Sikkim; Mizo etc etc are the common parlance. But, the constitutional special provision article 371(C) for Manipur valley people is just plain`”they are dealing in the manner of Khas Hindu (in the category of intellectual conservative Hindu.)
When I spoke about women vendors disperses from Imphal market- somebody wants to throw me out of the public domain. To protect the rights of poor and weaker section of society and the rights of women and children is your UPA-II`™s common agenda. Don`™t I have the rights to speak about Manipur? Because I don`™t know Manipur insurgency problem, right? If you are hurt, I am sorry; I will not speak but I have the rights to speak. I have a superior theory`”`world class citizen`. I want to kick starts from Manipur`”my birth place for which I have spent many years, money and labour on study. But I threw it out before my presentation to you because of your vision 2020. But, I am not disappointed- I agree your vision 2020. If any like minded person comes into power, I will make change Imphal city into Godown. Thangal bazaar, Paona bazaar structure is suitable for godawn. Market prize tags of average Rs.2 crore per plot will be reduce to Rs.50 lakhs per plot.

Connecting world through media`”I bet I won and I master the skills. I speak it for your understanding. Please read carefully how my articles communicate living people of the world, media (local, national and international), and officials through writing. My attachment of Hindi words and Manipuri words are called `Punch` in writing. Super hit Hindi songs have Arabic tune and words, lyrics never translate or modify the Arabic tune in the song`”this is because of punch on the theme but not alien culture. Example- `Chingda lanmei chakpa nate, Ahingda nongthang kupa nate; Officer singe thamoida chakpane; Singapore da Manipur officers singee thawai leihaure`” yam haiberoida, Singapore chamelei chilakpara yengkhege` translation will lost original theme. That is why my broken English was listening patiently and interestingly by the people not only in India but also world communities. I was the mirror but you want to break mirror- so you will not see how beautiful your face is! Unless you try to improve your writing skills your connecting world will be finish. Do you think that my writing was sponsoring by somebody else? It is ridiculous. I know many other perfect skills and still learning new skills but I never misused my skills and also, I respected somebody skills. One skill is enough for my earning and survival anywhere in the world. I don`™t fear for job lose or job less. Writing and analysis are dead arts for me `“ I gave up early 5-6 years ago. My mind is free and independent- I am the boss of my own. But, my skills are your skills- I hope I will able to teach you one day.

Public domain is not a place to advertise individual`™s character`”good or bad. Here, we can talk for more important issues about policy, programme and performance of dutiful public authorities. Of course -who are you? What are you? These questions are often asked from Imphal to Kolkata. Farther, no one cares `who are you and what are you`™. Take it or leave it as you wish, my writing does not force anybody to act nor had my writing hurt anybody`™s personal characters? Certainly, writers must be read the laws of defamation (whole book). That is what people want, and that is why people accepted it. Bhagavad Geeta says`your right is to work only and never to the fruit thereof; be not instrumental in making your actions bear fruit, nor let your attachment be to inaction`. Good ideas are most welcome by everybody, and even your enemy will respect you. Please don`™t look at me, I am not celebrity or hero or villain or politician to deserve your attention; I am not big man like you neither beauty nor powerful nor rich like you. Simply proud to be just a lay man, neither jail birds nor VIP. Of course, one unknown angry person was enquired about my writing and office where I was working last year but I don`™t think as threat, and I think he was satisfied my answer. The entire world is listening to unknown man`™s words but why your words are rejected despite of having power, wealth and many followers? Do you know the reason why? These entire questions come from your substandard pronouncements and nuisance.

Somebody ask me personally `Are you close with P. Chidambaram, Union home minister or home ministry?` I was surprise! Never- I never ever met them before in my life and I have no work and connection with home ministry at any ground; also, I am not central government employee. I write for them from my assessment reports from various interactions with people, media reports and their activities and performance. I like the coordination of these two gentlemen (G.K Pillai and P. Chidambaram)-that is all. Please let me speak freely and frankly. What the hell is going on this planet`”appreciate for known and helpful persons and rejected for unattached good person?

Second, people like to remove AFSP Act from the state of Manipur. I agree when people raise slogan but I disagree when local media reported. Your editorials will write about deteriorating law and order problems in the state for two three days continuously and on the next day will write to remove AFSPA. (Please check you editorials) How a man seating outside state can judge about your reports? Local media may please be check or review at least once in a month for what you had written in the month`”any good suggestions to improve law and order, any cooperation to security personals on duty, crime and progress report, ground reality between greater Imphal (AFSPA removed area) and the rest?`”you will understand what is the weakness on reporting. Local media will publish cartoon indicating law and order are not improving in the state once P. Chidambaram speak about law and order has improved in the state. If you don`™t have the integrity and understanding you should no criticize anybody. Media is respected because of integrity and not for your criticism. Journo are simply laymen. Please accept it then everybody will love media. Only few people can use media as a weapon. For them, any objects can be use as weapon. Everybody knows how and why AFSPA law comes into enforced in the state, is to control law and order and why it is extended for every year. Well, there is Justice Jeevan Reddy commission reports to remove AFSPA. But, what is the priority- control law and order or remove AFSPA; stop misusing AFSPA, stop atrocities to people, stop brutality after arrest? Because, there are more serious laws `“ Unlawful Activities and Preventive Act, TADA etc is applicable in the state. Why people and security personals are all cynic on AFSPA other than more serious law? And, why every past and present government had remained silent on AFSPA? Because, preceding governments are weak- they have no capacity to run government without AFSPA- and which has become a weapon to control law and order, political power and people as well. Shouting will not serve any purpose; instead, co operates your state government to improve law and order to remove AFSPA from the state. They are your elected members and people voted for them to form government. UPA alone can`™t remove AFSPA at the present juncture. You have to speak to opposition parties like BJP. Will pay fine for speaking truth? Today, Anna Hazari has spoke about fasting lady Sharmila`™s causes and removal of AFSPA from the state. Please do appreciate.

Third, government policies are framed by dude babus (IAS officers) sitting at the secretariats and ministries. And finally, cabinet will approved the policy. Policies are changes from time to time and government to government. Your state commandoes, SSP are not policy makers. Their duty is to obey command and enforce law to control law and order in the state. Certainly, they must be asking assessment reports and your newspaper reports, experts comment etc may be considering before framing policy. I am not policy maker babu but I was studying policies- anybody can study policy if you can spare time, money and labour. I have one reason to study policy- to prepare new development projects. Of course, I was providing consultancy to NGOs (reputed) and reknown institutions.

Fourth, from my experience, my work and my learning I saw a beautiful Manipur`”that I have confidence and certainly can give a hope to the people. Change is chains with continuity. Nobody can stop changes. But how the leaders give direction for the changes is the only question. ATM machine can be own by private even you are not banker. Rajesh Jethpuria doesn`™t own a bank, but that didn`™t stop him from buying an automated teller machine (ATM) to celebrate Dhanteras, becoming India`™s first individual owner of an ATM. RBI has liberalization policy to own private ATM machine. Manipur problems of ATM money transaction can be solving by you. If anybody interested I can help to write business communication letters. If any institutions (including media and DIPR) in Manipur want to establish knowledge/ information management unit, I can provide consultancy.

Fifth, there shall be no change of government in the state on the next term. Congress lead muli party collation government (khechari sarkar) will come into power from the study of the present political scenario in the state`”but, the government will not stabilized and have little progress because of multi party government. However, you have time, you can make change the scenario`”we want progressive and stabilized government and changes.

Most of our problems appear that way because of the way we look at them. You get back what you give. Twice as much! Is someone being rude to you? Maybe you need to change the way you behave with them. And no, don`™t wait for them to change; you need to change first! At work too, if you go in to work, hating every moment, it`™s unlikely that you`™ll do a great job. If you don`™t contribute, don`™t expect to get paid a fat salary. You get what you give. Resolve today then to change. Love your job and give it everything you have!

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The rains have halted for a while. It will be back soon in bigger monsoon torrents if all goes as per normal seasonal cycle. But this break can be made used of meaningfully by the government. The least it could do is to fill up the potholes on the roads as well as repair weak spots before the rains return. Now that weather forecasts technology has advanced so much, it can actually plan out its work schedule much better than it could 10 years ago. Investing in renovation works now will save the government a lot more money in the near future, for the potholes and weak spot, if left unattended, would virtually trigger total or at least much more substantial damages of the roads during the monsoon. One wonders why this thought does not occur to the government on its own without anybody having to remind it. Local MLAs which are the eyes and ears, as well as guardians of the constituencies they represent, should have brought up the matter before the government for necessary action. Or is it a case of there being no such system of feedback in the establishment. If there isn`™t any, it is time for the government to introduced one. Let the government also realise that it would not only be saving expenses in the long run, but also doing a great service to the people it is supposed to serve.

We wonder why the government gives so little attention to maintenance of infrastructure. If it were to give the matter of maintenance a fraction of the attention that it gives to laying foundation stones or inaugurating new public infrastructures, so much would have been set right. The enthusiasm for the latter is such that our leaders would even agree to lay foundation stones or inaugurate structures ranging from public toilets to community halls where they would make fiery public speeches with an air of self assumed grandeur of imagined epic proportion. Perhaps as a tactics, a tradition should be introduced where our leaders are encouraged to cut the ribbons even in cases of public infrastructure renovation works and allowed to make speeches. This hopefully will encourage them to think of repair works more seriously and with far greater interest.
Jokes aside, this is a matter of concern, and indeed a big lacuna in the attitude of the government. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can keep in good shape without routine repair renovations. Roads are no exceptions. So why does the government not keep aside a separate budget for this purpose. We would even suggest a different government department with the responsibility of ensuring repair works are executed promptly, catching signs of damages early and fixing them before they get extensive. Let us remind the government once again that such a policy would save it considerably amount of money and quality time rather than put more pressure on its exchequer. It does not have to be recruiting fresh employees. It is just a matter of introducing a new structure to division of work responsibilities in its engineering departments. What seems to be also missing is a system of accountability. If a certain stretch of road or for that matter any government infrastructure is in a bad condition or have not been built as per specifications and standard, there should be somebody to answer. As for this latter proposition, in all likelihood the system already exists. The question is, if this is so, why are damaged roads left unrepaired for months until the damages become so extensive that the public are left with no choice than to resort to public agitation?

Nothing seems to be urgent in the eyes of the government. The only things that perk it up are the periodic mock epics and tantrums from various warring civil society bodies which are supposed to be challenges to the territorial integrity of the state. The war drums and war cabinet meetings recently over the opening of a party office of the Naga Peoples`™ Front, a Nagaland state political party, at Senapati headquarters by the Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, is just the latest example. It may be recalled, all the clamours in the end proved to be nothing more than what the great bard William Shakespeare said in those immortal lines: `a story told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.` Instead of wasting its energy on such frivolous matters, we wish it would give more priority to keeping public utilities in good shape. For all one knows, such a shift in priorities would in the end prove to be the solution to episodes such as that of the Senapati fiasco.

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Leader Writer Leivon Jimmy
The powerful blast that was triggered on May 28 at the temporary office of the Autonomous District Council (ADC) at Khuman Lampak sports complex is not only a crime against humanity but a disregard to the sanctified sports complex, a training ground for many promising sports players bringing laurel for the state.

The mindless act has inflicted injuries to three innocent members of a family including a mother and her two minor daughters of which one is still battling for her life. Besides it has prevails a fear psychosis among the enthusiastic sports players, a symbol of Manipur`™s pride and glory.

The mentality of the people involved in triggering the blast needless to say that it would be creepy enough for a common man from the nature of the blast and most prominently where it was planted. As per reports a guy before leaving a car behind inside the campus asked the father of the victim girls about a meeting taking place at the ADC office. Knowing the presence inside the campus and nearby, the car bomb was left revealing the cold-blooded nature.

Had it not been for the general strike imposed by a civil body in connection with the visit of Nagaland`™s Chief Ministers at Senapati that has resulted in low turnout of people, the loss and tragedy could have been worst. The blast was so powerful that the fragments of the bomb were sent hundreds of meters away from the epicenter and completely wrecked the car into pieces.

In the meantime, the Government can be blamed equally for the incident for its ignorant. Even as the Chief Minister of Manipur speaking during a meet at his official bungalow ruled out security lapses. The clarification is somehow reckless comparing to the situation of stiff opposition while conducting the election of the ADC.

In addition to that the Chief Minister`™s clarification was contradictory when compared with the statement of a senior police officer was quoted by newspapers that ADC office has been enduring intense intimidation from a group.

The message was loud and clear that someone is not happy with the ADC office.

In the wake of such intimidation there was no sign or words of the presence of security forces in an around the office building. It is a well known fact to everyone how often lobbing of bomb or bomb blast, and firing incident took place in the state. The perpetrators dare to attack even in the presence of security forces and Singjamei blast at the residence of an engineer is a glaring example. What then if there is no security arrangement at all? It can be accounted to as inviting troubles or encouraging the propaganda of the opposition side.

Every section of the society should condemned the act at a strongest term for it had risk several lives. And, demoralized the spirit of promising sports persons by creating a sense of insecurity in an around the area. Demoralizing the players means a huge blow to the status it enjoys as the `Powerhouse of sport for India`.

People in this region have paid enough prices for no foul of theirs. History is the grim reminder. They have been caught in a murky conflict that has been waging and renewed generation after generation.
There is nothing but loss for the people here and has always been.

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By Amar YumnamConflicts have been with humankind since the beginning of life on this planet. The presence of conflict is not something which should necessarily cause loss of heart among the homo sapiens, but what should be of concern to us is the manner with which we are handling the situation and the potential outcomes of conflict at any point of time. In the case of Manipur, the latter seems to be exactly the case; the overall mannerisms, behavioural manifestations and assertions of power all point to a direction we do not individually as humans and collectively as society intend to move towards. But we are indeed retrogressing, regressing and degrading towards a non-enviable state. The society of Manipur has had a tradition of suppressing overt manifestation of poverty and lack of access to resources, but the daily encounters with people and events prove beyond doubt that we indeed are in a bad shape. Well, we certainly do not possess a red-light area, but this does not in any case indicate absence of the oldest profession. In every conceivable locality in Imphal city, the phenomenon of part-time workers in this profession is absolutely on the rise, and many are pushed into it by economic compulsions. We can also multiply the examples exemplifying the worsening economic life of a larger section of the population. What matters at this juncture is how we as individuals, as a society and as functionaries of the government behave and respond to this retrogressing, regressing and degrading atmosphere. Before I try to articulate my response on the issue, I would like to relate my experiences the other day. The circle in front of the Raj Bhavan, the Kangla and the turn at the Gandhi Avenue are the most congested traffic areas in Imphal, and have been made more so by the various diggings. We have seen many complaints, including editorials in the dailies, expressing dismay and anger against the traffic behaviour of the Very Important Persons of the land in these highly congested areas. I myself have experienced these umpteen number of times. But what I had experienced the other day has shocked me to the end. Judiciary is one we would take recourse to when nothing else functions well, but what happened in the section between the Kangla and the turn at the Gandhi Avenue the other day had really shaken my faith. The pilot vehicle leading the important flag-car carrying an important functionary of the highest seat of judiciary in the province kept sounding the siren all through the section where there is very little space if any for providing space for another vehicle to overtake. Well let us bear with this for once and calm ourselves by imagining it as the price to be paid for the pride of our judicial officers. What followed was even more shocking however. The vehicles completely broke all traffic rules by ignoring the signal of the traffic policeman posted at that point and overtaking all the vehicles from the left lane reserved for driving inside the MG Avenue and forcibly halting all the vehicles coming from the opposite direction. Now when some violations occur and we incur injuries because of that, we do approach the law courts for redressing. But what would we do if the experience just explained happens to be the empirical reality in the land, and what should we expect from the system in such circumstances? In the afternoon of the same day, I listened to a lecture by an American friend on how to establish peace and generate positive atmosphere for life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. It was a lecture emphasising the significance and criticality of touching and reaching out to people as important tipping points for generating an atmosphere of hope. Now the Connection: Now one may wonder why I am relating the two seemingly disconnect events. Well, the connection between the lecture and the morning experience on the same day lies in the social reality of Manipur during the last few decades and the behaviour of governance while engaging with the reality. The response of the people in charge of governance of the land has been one of shunting out and evicting the general population as if the latter were nothing more than insects. It makes no difference whether ours is a democracy or not. It makes no difference by the fact that elections are held and governments are formed once in five years. The state in Manipur has simply adopted the approach of shunting out and imposing obeisance through fear. In other words, the methodology of the state is the same as that of the non-state, i.e., cause widespread fear and impose order.This contrasts with the need of the land where the government should be increasingly endeavouring to connect with the people in order to address the contemporary issues. Now what prevails in Manipur is a scenario where the government alienates the people, and the different communities shunt out each other – a grand recipe for social collapse.State Failing: Now what we have explained above are sure signs of the state failing in the sense of decline rather than in the conventional sense of civil war, genocides and ethnic wipe–outs. We call it decline rather than failure for we now do see symptoms of the conventional failure to happen in the land sooner or later. Time is now for us to collectively appreciate the scenario and affect alterations in our behaviour so that we save ourselves from the catastrophe.

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