Militants becoming unpopular in Manipur

Militancy in Manipur, which had local support for a long time, is losing it. The reason is simple. Militancy has lost its original aims and is being used by persons for their personal gains.

By Sanjay KumarImphal, Dec 15 : Militancy in Manipur, which had local support for a long time, is losing it. The reason is simple. Militancy has lost its original aims and is being used by persons for their personal gains.

The impact on women is being seen. They are coming out in large numbers to protest against the violence unleashed by anti-social elements.

Last week, female shopkeepers staged a sit-in demonstration protesting against a bomb blast in the crowded Khurai Lamlong Bazar area in the capital Imphal. "It is true that there was a time when Meira Paibis and militants worked in tandem. But at that time we thought that militants' demands were justified and we supported them, but now we realise our mistake. These militants have turned their guns towards us. There is no question of supporting or aligning ourselves with them. They (militants) are our enemies and they should be finished," said R.K. Dhanabati Devi, President of the Lamlong Keithel Fambi Apunba LUP.

"The government should take positive steps to bring such militants to the negotiating table and resolve the issue. Daily shutdowns and blockades will not serve any purpose," Devi added.

People's frustration with the militant groups has been increasing. hey are now mobilizing opinion against such anti-social elements.

Despite the repeated attempts to arouse the conscience of the local administration to act tough against such elements, there has been no perceptible change.

"In spite of our repeated appeals, they are not listening to us. I am willing to die to save the society. Militants should have earned money by engaging in productive activities and should have guided their parents and relatives," said N. Guno Devi.

People now have taken the responsibility upon themselves to weed out such elements from society. Be it sportspersons, teachers, shopkeepers or common people, all of them want an end to militancy. They want to move ahead and enjoy the fruits of development just as people in other parts of the country are doing.

ANI