The increasing social turmoil in the state does not present a sustainable solution in sight for the much harassed people in the foreseeable future. The law and order situation, despite the reassurances and claims to the contrary, is going from bad to worse with political parties and CSOs trying to play up the deplorable condition to trade charges and accusations as per their conveniences instead of taking up any concrete and positive steps to turn things around. While the recent spurts in developmental activities could only be seen as a last ditch effort by the ruling congress to salvage their dented image might have presented a glimmer of hope for the common public by the high and mighty who are constantly and increasingly drawing flak from every quarter for the dismal failures to curb crimes, corruptions and complacencies yet the continuing eruptions of agitations and feelings of indignations following the audacious step by the UNC to strangle the state by imposing indefinite economic blockade along the highways connecting the state with the rest of the country has thrown the fragile society out of gear yet once again, with neither the solution nor the response of the governments both in the state and the centre in the clear. Yet, since the high and the mighty does not have a direct stake in the outcome of the incident, as was the case in the earlier numerous instances, there is an evident lack of seriousness and gravity attached to these incidents despite the tell tale signs that such threats to the continued existence of the state is politically and economically motivated and can be quashed for good if the required amount of political will and seriousness is displayed. These social instabilities also breeds a group of traders and businessmen who profits from the desperation and haplessness of the common people, taking full advantage of the non- existent and defunct consumer protection mechanism. Add to this the artificial scarcity of essential commodities, while each and every group in the State is demanding their separate “Homeland” or states. Government authorities and departments entrusted with addressing these discrepancies are too busy practicing and promoting corruption and favoritism. The overall picture is one without hope of redemption or resurrection. Yet history bears witness to numerous turnarounds and incredible feats of recovery and progress of societies worse off than ours. A concerted approach with the whole hearted and proactive participation of the public with complimenting support and earnest efforts by the concerned authorities could bring about a perceptible change from the present situation of confusion and unrest. Each aspect of the society needs to be looked into and addressed for a holistic development of the society to be made possible. Small, steady and sustainable steps needs to be taken up in right earnest starting now. The upcoming state election presents the best opportunity for everyone in the state to have a say in how these present malaise of the society can be changed. Political parties need to focus on the positives and project a better future with conviction and commitment instead of indulging in political mud-slinging. Political leaders need to demonstrate their maturity and integrity in order to win the trust and the vote of the public more than the high-pitched rhetoric and empty assurances.
