The state government, in what seem to be an increasingly desperate attempt to win that much needed brownie points and stem the gradual slide in acceptability and credibility with the next general election just around the corner, have put into action its earlier declaration of the Chief Minister and his entourage travelling to Ukhrul for inaugurating a slew of projects touted to accelerate development in the district. The projects to be inaugurated include a 33/11 KV sub-station at Khunchao, another 132/33 KV sub-station at Hundung, LM SDO/BDO office, Chingai SDO/BDO office, bank and a 100 bedded district hospital. Contrary to what should have elicited a positive response, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) announced a 24-hour public curfew since 4pm Sunday last and called for boycott of the Chief Minister’s visit to the district. The reason- besides the over abused cries of discrimination and recriminations, the contention that the district hospital is not completed yet. The state government as expected took up all precautionary security measures. Turned out the much trumpeted claims of improved law and order situation in the state is anything but. Despite the ‘arrangements’ and ‘collaborations’ with every available security forces at its disposal, there still is a spate of blasts and attacks since the last two days, with a 4IRB personnel posted at Hundung sustaining injuries when suspected NSCN-IM cadres launched an RPG attack on them. There were also reports of blasts within close proximity before the Chief Minister could inaugurate the district hospital that hastened his return to the state capital.
Following the events unfolding during the last few couple of days building up to the Chief Minister’s visit which, by no means is an exception, it is undeniably clear that the state government have failed to extent effective governance to areas beyond the relative safety of the valley districts. Despite three terms of power, there obviously is precious little by means of real and sustainable development, yet the most disappointing aspect of the present government is the fact that precious years have been wasted which should have been utilized to make prudent and sustainable peaceful efforts to usher in development which would have radically changed the negative perception of the public towards the state government, especially more so in places further from the state capital which percolated down to an inexplicable grudge against the valley people. Public administration, despite claims to the contrary, is non-existent in the hill districts and the antisocial elements run riot, making a mockery of the feeble and half-hearted efforts to put up a show of normalcy in these places.
Three terms of dealing with the shortcomings and deficiencies, mostly of its own making have made the Ibobi led state players polished up on their oratorical skills -or monologues to put things into perspective. Yet mere statesmanship will not be enough to set things right and steer the state towards inclusive progress and sustainable development. A state government without the wherewithal to free access to areas within its own territory says everything about its effectiveness without having to say anything for it. Learning to swallow its own words should be the next rational step.
