Normal life in Imphal area, and consequently, the whole of the state has been severely affected as the JCILP called a 24 hour general strike protesting the arrest of 12 of its activists. The arrest happened a day before the state government was preparing for talk with the member-representatives of the JCILP to bring an amicable solution to the demand for introduction of legislation similar to Inner Line Permit System under Eastern Bengal Frontier Act. The general strike this time, however, is for a different issue, as the anger is about the interference of a lady police officer with the activities of the JCILP. It has been widely reported that the elder brother of the said lady police officer (Y. Victoria, Additional SP) identified as Yenkhom Davson had some misunderstanding with the members of the JCILP and following that, Victoria personally came and picked up 12 members of the JCILP on charge of assaulting her brother. It was a fact that the JCILP members did assault Davson as photo evidence proved it.But the question right now is who is responsible for the present development?In fact, it is the state government’s inaction or perhaps its inability to frame strictures echoing the sentiments of the JCILPS demands that is finally putting everybody in jeopardy. Apprehensions about the safety and continuity of the indigenous population have converted the volunteers of JCILPS into some sort of aggressive beings by taking the law in their hands. There is nothing to be surprised about when these volunteers finally resorted to such aggressiveness, given that the delaying tactics of the state Government have dragged on for far too long, to the point where frustrations have forced the agitated public to react.Imphal times had earlier brought up this issue expressing apprehension about the impending disaster which would be brought about due to the pending decision of the government.Various incidents of the JCILP members taking the law in their hands had been witnessed. Media reports on how the JCILP activists rounded up non locals without proper valid documents are perfect examples of the JCILP members taking the law into their hand.Our society is at a very crucial juncture at present, with the state Government apparently reluctant to stir things up with a definite decision and a clear stand on the issue on one hand, and the increasingly agitated civil societies and voluntary organisations intensifying their effort to weed out non locals of dubious identity which, according to them, have pushed up the instances of crime in the state (as happened in the case of Yengkhom Davson). The Government should make a clear stand on the issue, and going by the present sentiments, it would be a wise, and perhaps the only plausible way to enact a directive which would ensure that the fears and apprehensions of the indigenous inhabitants of the state is allayed, while the unchecked influx of migrants is reduced to a manageable level. Sitting on the fence and catering to both sides of the divide as and when the convenience arises will not work this time. A swift and decisive action by the state Government will save everybody a lot of unnecessary tensions, inconveniences and disturbances.
