The repercussions of the hasty decision of the state government to pass “The Manipur regulation of visitors, tenants and worker’s bill 2015″ have made the law and order situation in the state a little bit more volatile, and judging by the reactions from every social organizations involved in the push for a more comprehensive law to ensure the protection of the indigenous inhabitants and their way of life, things are poised to get worse with time. The adverse reaction of the public is understandable, and is bound to happen. What intrigues the public, more than the hasty nature of the passing of the controversial Bill, is the adamancy of the government to rectify and amend the same. It may be recalled that Mr. Ibobi has declared that the Bill can be amended several times as and when required, and one would be at a loss to think of a more appropriate time than the present, when the audacity of the act has been making everyone boiling with indignation and is threatening to spill over into an undesirable situation which will be hard to predict or control. In fact, the die has been cast, and if the state government does not heed the growing voice of resentment and continues to ignore and dismiss the rising social tension, then we are all in for a long haul of social unrest and disturbances which no working class public desires. There is also the still unsolved mystery of the bomb blast at the heart of the city jam-packed with security forces and keeping vigil round the clock, and of the various civil society organizations relentlessly protesting and demanding investigation into the matter. But then, what else can the public expect from the present government, going by its long and unenviable tract record. A good deed or act need not be self- advertised, as such acts will be spontaneously appreciated by all and sundry. Yet we have a government putting up banners and hoardings proclaiming their assumed achievements- a clear sign of desperation for acceptance.
It has been expressed, and felt by everyone, that Manipur holds a vast number of positive potentials, and on top of the list is that of tourism, one which has hitherto remains neglected and unexplored. The benefits and opportunities this industry will provide is beyond anyone’s estimation. The whole state stands to gain, not only in terms of financial benefits, but also with the enrichment of culture and understanding of other traditions and outlook which comes with intermingling of people from diverse places and traditions. Such a situation is to happen sooner than we expect, with the railway link to the state to start operation from the middle of 2017. But with every apparently good things, the influx of tourists is bound to create a lot of peculiar problems and challenges. The state government should take stock of the situation and act proactively to ensure that the social order is not effected or disturbed as and when the inevitable happens. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the indigenous inhabitants tops the long list of priorities.
