PLEASE IDENTIFY

PLEASE IDENTIFY


How long will the news item keep appearing in the media that suspect militants/unidentified gun men killed so and so or fired at so and so or hurled a grenade at so and so continue? It is painful and astoundingly shocking to read such news often. Miscreants are only a few and we many. Wish! Some of the eyes could perceive these mysterious actors.

According to reports at least eleven people including a woman were shot dead by suspected militants in the one week, in Manipur, w.e.f. 17 Oct 07. It is over and above two who have been injured. There are many such cases that come to light every day. Approx 300 villagers of Saichang under Lamlai Police station (Manipur) fled after a factional clash between KLA and KNF (P). During the clash one of the house wives Nechin Khongsai has been hit by a stray bullet and has been hospitalized. Can we identify the person whose bullet strayed to injure the innocent woman? These villagers have been internally displaced to a camp at nearby village due to fear. In narrower sense one can say, “They have become refugees in their own land”.

Recent kidnapping of three officials of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) of Manipur from Pungei area under Lamlai PS, had brought the department to a stand still. Suspected abductors of Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) had asked a ransom of Rupees10 million. Very Pam, Additional Chief Engineer PHED said, “I fail to understand from where one gets so much money to meet abductor’s demand. We have to stop work of water supply to the public as our people have been abducted. The kidnappers have demanded a huge amount of money for the release of our colleagues.” Similar incident had happened in February this year when mutually agreed ransom was paid and the abductees released. Do we realize the problem caused to masses due to lack of essential services? Even if the ransom is paid, it will be at the cost of compromise to the detriment of public.

It is a general feeling that two people who can wield a weapon against the hapless people can form a group and also get a patronage. During initial days of ULFA movement; the cadres were amazed, how easily people were ready to dole out their hard earned money after being slightly roughed up or threatened. It started the culture of enticing youth for easy money and easy life. One can understand that violence is a consequence of this for survival.

Traditional fears of insecurities from alien tribes are well understood. What about intra tribe factional clashes e.g. Kuki groups, Meitei groups, Nagas, Dimasas, Boros etc.? These groups are blood thirsty and are out to kill their own natives. Probably these outfits have given away the old tribal custom of social harmony and social uplifting. Have these outfits given up the age old tradition of Chivalry for Cowardice? Chivalry demands bravado, being face to face with the opponent whereas Cowardice is being offensive from behind and not even own up the offense.

There is need to introspect. Are we shying away from our moral duty of owning up as to who is the miscreant? Are we able to visualize harm to ourselves and our generations in coming days? These miscreants are like fish in water that is their life support. This fish is becoming a dangerous with many heads and devouring its life support in terms of killings, ransoms, intimidations etc. Victims are either the members of same tribe or another tribe with whom they have been staying from times immemorial.

We are all aware that the frankenstein monster, created by Pakistan for us, is eating up the creator it self. Here, also we are well aware of the established politico UG nexus. Recently, Dy Speaker of Manipur Assembly, TH Shyam Kumar Singh, has been denied bail by Delhi court. He was arrested at IGI airport Delhi while he was about to fly out to Katmandu with two UNLF leaders. Interestingly he has won elections sitting in Tihar jail. The episode of apprehending 12 UGs from different outfits in Aug this year from VIP quarters at Babupara in Imphal was well publicized. Honourable CM of Manipur got a pat from the PM for his bold action. But the CM pardoned the offenders by mild chiding, “Do not do it again”. The mutual handiness of this nexus is making the fish as monsters of various sizes and strength. Probably the flood of money that gushes into politics today is polluting the democracy.

Now the interesting part is the creators are becoming prey of monsters they have created. From 22 Jul 07 till date there had been at least ten such cases (in Manipur) when these MLAs/Ministers have been targeted either by firing or lobbying a grenade at them. Vehicle of Health minister Nagaland was snatched and a demand of Rupees five lakhs placed on him. Chief executive member of North Cachar Autonomous Hill council and his colleague was killed by DHD (Jewel) group. I can not say whether it should be taken as a warning or planned act for publicity. Any way, as a commoner it is a grave sign of insecurity since those who are to provide security are insecure themselves.

It is a known fact, whenever and wherever the public has whole heartedly decided to counter the activities of miscreants and issued stern warnings the acts of violence declined. There is urgent need to dry up the support of miscreants for calm, thriving and healthier life. When the life support is lacking how will the fish survive? There is need to identify own social responsibility and perform. There is need to identify who is dividing the society: selfishness or vested interests; and make efforts to remove the cause. Populace has to come together, keep together and work together to decide; should the bloodshed and insecure feeling continue and how long will the pious land of ours be soaked with own blood? We have to decide what we want out of life. Act, lest we too are labeled as failed society along with failed governance.

Geoffery
(Readers can reach out to the writer on email:
jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in
OR jaey-geoffery.blogspot.com