The 18th Lok Sabha election, 2024 is right around the corner and people in the valley of Manipur, especially the womenfolk are in a frenzy preparing well ahead of the so-called 'Festival of Democracy'. Indeed, one can literally see the excitement, mostly during the evening, with hundreds of women cladded in colorful 'Ena-phee' roaming around the chief minister's bungalow. Maybe, they are just there as concerned citizens; to draw the attention of our people's leader Nongthombam Biren to resolve the long drawn conflict, but then again, it is never certain. This is Manipur after all.
Reportedly, even students of Dhanamanjuri University were invited for an open session with the Chief Minister at his bungalow where according to one of the students the man himself narrated the glories and achievements in Manipur since it turned saffron. In the hills, election campaigns literally started out with a bang with unknown miscreants firing incessantly during the election meeting of INC outer constituency candidate Alfred Kangnam Arthur in Ukhrul district.
The campaign scenario in the valley also narrates a similar tale with unknown "groups" reportedly intimidating the inner INC candidate Professor Bimol Akoijam. Authorities even shutdown a public meeting of his in Thoubal District recently. But what can you say? All is fair in love, war and elections.
Not too long ago, a cortege of mourners flocked the streets of Imphal to pay respects to those who sacrificed their precious lives to protect and uphold the territorial integrity of Manipur. Moreover, nearly 60,000 people who lost their loved ones, homes and other properties are still stranded in the relief camps with no sign of commitment to ease their distress. However, it seems the tears have run dry and now it is time to focus on electing the right "candidate".
No doubt elections are a vital democratic exercise which shapes the very fabric of society but the pertaining question remains, is it worth our individual integrity? The ensuing Lok Sabha elections unfolds the irreparable dark side of the Manipuri society which is revealed every time the whiff of elections spreads far and wide. The sweet fragrance of muscle and money power sweeps people off their feet and we continue to exist as always as "Indians". Conversations calling for a politically conscious election are always muffled and ideas to implement such invigorative measures are sidelined and discarded as impractical.
It seems preservation and instilling the values of personal integrity should be the primary objective before we even begin to discuss the protection of Manipur territorial integrity. Academics and concerned citizens need to be cautious of "those" flaunting toxic ideals and fanaticism.
A gun can only silence a moment but rational words, ideas and actions can change generations. The tears of families who lost their dear ones, their home and their self-respect shouldn't be smothered by the sugar-coated words of thuggish imbecile leaders who have no remorse lying to people's faces. This vicious cycle of disregarding the state's prosperity and peace will continue as long as people fall prey to the sight of a few crispy notes.
What happens when the elections are over? Who will show sympathy to the suffering of thousands displaced in relief camps? Will we be able to assert our rights when we are the one who forsook our own land and people? What can we mere mortals even say and do in this 'Land of the Gods'. To even have an opinion is tagged as being anti-nationalist. For now, the people of Manipur are feasting in the saffron restaurant with Lok Sabha elections as the main course and the conflict as the appetizer. Bon appetit!
(The views expressed are personal)
