The people of the state cutting across communities and regions heaved a collective sigh of relief after the United Naga Council lifted the more-than-four-months economic blockade imposed on Manipur as a reaction to the announcement of the formation of seven new districts by the previous Ibobi led Congress. The economic siege, aided in no small measure by the demonetization move by the Modi government at the centre, lasting 139 days sent the state reeling under tremendous pressures for almost every basic necessity. As assured earlier, the just-elected BJP-led coalition state government managed to persuade the UNC to lift the longest economic blockade the much harassed public of Manipur had to endure.
There is, however, a sliver of doubt still lingering in the minds of the public as to the longevity of the understanding which is looked upon more as a temporary pact to ease the simmering tension. The present uneasy calm brokered by the Nongthombam Biren-led Manipur government, while worthy of appreciation, should be viewed with caution as the terms and conditions upon which the blockade was suspended still carries a lot of potential for the relapse of the unfortunate situation the state was plunged into for more than four months. Hopefully, the present coalition state government has learnt from the mistakes and shortcomings of the previous government and will leave no stone unturned to find an enduring solution for the perennial impasse that has been preventing the state from moving forward towards progress and development.
It’s early days, and despite some disgruntled sounding political pundits making unfavorable predictions of the present government, it should be kept in mind that the Chief Minister, before stepping into the world of politics, have taken up various initiatives and made efforts to improve the national highways so that the people of the state who are relying on these lifelines can have things easy. While the situation might have changed, but clearly the intent is still reflected in the alacrity with which the protracted issue has been addressed, albeit for a brief spell to start with.
It is now for the new government to show its mettle and stamp of authority and make every single stakeholder of the state to come to terms with the undeniable fact that the larger interest of the public should be placed above everything else-even that of a single major unit or a makeshift conglomerate as the case may very well be. The outcome of the just-concluded general election or the resulting shift in power cannot and should not be viewed as a victory by any party, group or individual. It is rather an indication of the shift in the views and aspirations of the general public and should be respected for what it is. The real test is yet to come, and if the present development is any indication, we would not have to wait for long. The state has been pining for a leader who can stand up and deliver the aspirations of the public in time. The public have been made to feel deceived of their hopes and dreams for far too long. The rejuvenated public is looking for a government with conviction and consistency. They are not ready to settle for anything less.
