Editorial

The Madness needs to be defeated

Opinion | Editorial | John S. Shilshi | 08-May-2023

As human beings, we experience tragedies of different kind – some through natural calamities, and many out of human errors and willful indulgences. Among them all, it is that willful indulgence that is dangerous for any society, because its deliberate aim is to cause harm to fellow human beings. Since the early 1990s, Manipur unfortunately had witnessed series of violent confrontations - the Meitei (Hindu) and Pangal (Muslim) clash in 1993, the Naga/Kuki ethnic clash from 1992-97, and later the Kuki/Paite ethnic conflict, wherein societies had suffered immeasurably. While people are trying to put behind those ugly memories, mayhem of yet another kind rocked the state, resulting in several loss of lives and properties. Many are now without homes because their houses have been reduced to ashes – the victims, helpless innocent public, who have nothing to do with the controversies whatsoever. The incident therefore, calls for harshest condemnation.

One wonders what kind of hearts the actors of this mayhem were bestowed with, that they fear neither God nor men, but take away lives of others with impunity. Those who could get away from these monsters are now clustered in different security camps in conditions not so congenial for human survival, not because the forces neglected them, but simply for want of space and facilities. The Evacuees however aren’t complaining because they know that was the only way they could escape death in the hands of those inhuman creatures. Our hearts fly out to families of all those victims, both death and alive, irrespective of the community they come from.

Equally condemnable are acts of those divisive forces, who conveniently tried to exploit the fragile situation, by projecting it as a “fight between Hindus and Christians”. With a view to give credence to this narrative, Churches, including those owned by Meitei Christians have been systematically destroyed. We want to ask, “Has the new-found culture of incentivizing hate propaganda and minority bashing become so promising that people in our own courtyards too are using it to climb the political ladders?” Only time will tell. But with pride and confidence we can tell the rest of the world that people of Northeast may have differences, but toeing the communal lines is never in their DNA. We therefore believe that however hard some forces may try, the inimitable spirit of Northeast shall stand firm against them.

That the mayhem had accounted for 54 deaths, several injured and many rendered homeless surely is bad enough, therefore cannot be brush away as an incident that suddenly snowballed into a crisis. It was a failure somewhere down the line, which is known even to a commoner of humblest backgrounds. But even in the midst of frustrating and nauseous state of affair, we are encouraged by tales of indomitable human spirit emerging triumphant in complete defiance to the madness and mindless indulgences. There were stories of people, who risked their own lives and saved others from the opposite communities. Such stories are now coming to fore, not because those who braved the acts wanted to chest thump, but because the protected individuals began to tell their stories. Though such sense of caring may have been unknown and extended in absolute silence, they were indications of the spirit holding firm, and telling one and all that 'they are there to stay'. It is that determination and spirit to co-exist as mankind that everyone must avow to uphold.

 As ordinary citizens, there is little we can do apart from praying for return of peace in the state. But in trouble times as this, there is one thing which is within our control – to refrain from spreading rumours, as that could lead to more harm than good. We need to be judicious while sharing posts, videos and photos, unless sources are duly verified and considered useful in mellowing down the tempers. One mindless act of ours could cost lives of others. Also our restrain and self-disciplining could go a long way in reducing tension and preventing hatreds amongst people. We should carefully avoid  forwarding material of any kind in good faith, as it could further escalation the already fragile situation.

We must not forget that our biggest weapon is to speak out the truth, particularly when it comes to pointing out administrative lapses, without of course being judgmental or abusive. We appeal to people in helm of affairs to put in their best foot forward and ensure that the mayhem is put to an end sooner. We also appeal to those trying to project the on-going crisis as a fight between Hindus and Christians to refrain from using such narratives. After all, such posturing have all the ingredients  to destroy the social fabric. No doubt history keeps repeating, but we must not stop believing in that indomitable human spirit, which triumphed in the past, and also now. Collectively, the madness needs to be defeated.   

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